How do adaptations increase the organism’s ability to survive?

Part 1. To be completed prior to visiting the zoo
At school, prior to their visit, students will research adaptations and natural environments of their chosen species (based on available species list). Students then develop and create enrichment items for their chosen species that target one or more adaptations. The chosen species will be confirmed by the zoo upon booking.

Part 2. Zoo visit

Students bring these creations to Sydney Zoo for zookeepers to assess and place on habitat to see how well their enrichment designs engage the species and the chosen adaptation. Students will love watching our zoo animals interact with their enrichment items.

Part 3. Assess success

Students will assess how successful their creations were based on how they were used by the zoo animals on the day of their visit. We suggest using ethograms to study animal behaviour, comparing animal behaviour before, after and during interaction with their items.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
BIO11/12-1      BIO11/12-2      BIO11/12-7      BIO11/12-10

PROGRAM RESOURCES

Biological diversity toolkit - Aquarium
Biological diversity toolkit - Meerkats
Biological diversity toolkit - Otters
Sydney Zoo map

Get hands on with microbes and poo at the zoo!

Quantal Bioscience and Sydney Zoo have partnered in a world first. Students will use NEW technology to investigate the amazing adaptations of a variety of Australian species and how these aid in their survival in their natural environment. Learn how to classify different groups of animals as students explore the Australian and Aquarium precincts with their Sydney Zoo teacher.  

Students:
- Collect fecal samples from hindgut fermenters at Sydney Zoo and learn about their diet from zoo experts.
- Quantal Bioscience scientists complete a lab session with students to extract DNA from the samples and analyse the results. This program is impacting the REAL WORLD as data gathered by students helps inform zoo keepers and nutritionists about the health and wellbeing of species at the zoo.