Are HPISD Schools Turning Into Zoos?
Hyer Elementary School was invaded by wild animals on Nov. 10, and on Thursday, the same thing will happen at University Park Elementary.
There’s nothing to fear, of course. The creatures are part of Animal Adventures, a traveling exhibit from the Dallas Zoo that brings exotic birds, mammals, and reptiles to area schools for a 45-minute interactive event.
Officials said the goal of Animal Adventures is to support concepts learned in the classroom. Trained to deliver age-appropriate content and messaging, zoo instructors share fun, science-based facts that spark interest and create a sense of wonder.
They pair these details with live demonstrations, showing off the animals’ adaptations and behaviors necessary for survival in their native habitats. Instructors also address conservation success and action to ensure that future generations can enjoy wild things in wild places.
The outreach program, which will visit 40 schools in the Dallas area, is being funded through a $50,000 grant from AT&T.
