Primary Education

Programmes available at Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo’s education department has wide experience in communicating wildlife and biodiversity storylines, using a range of activity based learning programmes, and the education team are committed to providing a stimulating and engaging teaching experience for children of all ages.

Discover Primary Science and Maths (DPS) is the national programme to foster interest in science and engineering among children in primary schools. Participating schools carry out a range of science activities in the classroom and encouraged to undertake additional explorative activities and projects

“A taste of the Farm” (DPS)

The art of Butter Churning
Today's children have no idea of where many foods come from and children will be amazed to see something as basic as butter forming right before their eyes. This is a unique opportunity for children to get ‘hands-on’ experience in the traditional art of Butter Churning.

The programme begins with a tour of the farm, where children can see and learn about a wide variety of animals in a live farm environment. The tour includes seeing our cow being milked and back in the Farm House the children will work in groups to make butter from scratch.

1.5 hours duration

“Down to Earth gardening” (season dependent) (DPS)
Children experience the growing of food by preparing soil, planting seeds, transplanting seedlings and harvesting vegetables and fruit. The overall outcome of the “Down to Earth Gardening “ programme is that children will understand the reality of “where their food comes from” and the impact their lifestyle decisions can have on the environment.

1.5 hours duration

Farm versus Rainforest (DPS)
This new module is unique to Dublin Zoo. The children are given the opportunity to see the difference between Irish farm animals and our exotic, colourful birds, mammals and reptiles from rainforests around the world. The children experience the total emersion into a Tropical Rainforest Environment whilst being encouraged to identify the differences and similarities between the rainforest and farm.

1.5 hours duration

The Living Earth (DPS)
Explore the tiny world of our Irish Mini Beasts in our garden, pond and native hedgerow! This module involves hands-on practical activity in Family Farm where children get the chance to try some pond dipping and search for our bugs and beasties using scientific equipment. Topics covered include movement, camouflage, habitats, animal adaptations and Irish native species.

1.5 hours duration

***All DPS programmes have a max number of 30 students***

Mini-Beast Safari (DPS)
Explore the tiny world of Mini Beasts!! This is a DPS module for 2nd class up including hands -on practical activity in zoo classroom where children get up close and personal with some of our bugs and beasties. Topics covered include movement, camouflage, habitats, animal adaptations and Irish native species.

Explore Africa (DPS)
Go on safari in our newly opened African savannah! This outdoor module takes the children on a journey of discovery of Dublin Zoos African animals. Topics covered include African habitats, climate change, animal adaptations, feeding strategies & human impact.

Rainforest Discovery (DPS)
Discover the world of tropical rainforests in the heart of Dublin city. Dublin Zoo is home to a host ofcolourful birds, mammals and reptiles from rainforests around the world. This outdoor programmeallows the children to experience the sensation of complete and total emersion in the Tropical Rainforest Environment. The focus is on rainforest conservation and awareness of endangered species.

Climate Change (DPS)
This module has been designed by environmentalist Eanna Ní Lamhna to reflect changes in our climate here in Ireland versus changes in Africa.

Stand Alone Programme (DPS) (No facilitator required)

Animal Watch

This stand-alone exercise is recommended for classes who have limited time at the zoo. Suggested activity– choose a specific animal or group for class to study i.e. ‘big cats’ primate group, elephants. Follow-up work back in the classroom—children do a project or further research on how these animals live socially.

General School Programmes

Animal Bytes (May & June)

This is a module designed to show schools a snapshot of our zoo inhabitants. It consists of a 45 minute guided tour, with one of our zoo teachers, around a themed section of the Zoo. Afterwards, you can enjoy free time and perhaps see some more of the most beautiful animals in the world.

Max number 30 students 45 minutes duration 

Guided Tours (September-June)

Themed tours provided- you suggest the theme and we will set-up and provide guide.

Max number 30 students 1hour duration.

Self-guided option:

You can book a group visit and, using ‘Zoo Trail’ sheets you can explore the Zoo in a focused manner. This self-guided option allows teachers to arrange their own timetable.

Teachers:

Teachers InService Course (DES approved) - This week-long course takes place in July and is designed to show teachers alternative ways of teaching the science curriculum.