Workshops

Humane messages are an integral part of all teacher workshops offered by Zoo staff. All education lessons are aligned with the Michigan Standards in the Grade Level Concept Expectations for each content area. The Education Division participates at a variety of professional development opportunities for teachers. The importance of humane education is integrated into all programs.

Several important issues are discussed with teachers so they understand and can have an impact with their students, including:
• The far-reaching effects our daily choices can have on the Earth and its inhabitants
• The opportunities for dissection alternatives in the classroom
• The problem of animal exploitation in entertainment, including circuses, rodeos, and television
• The importance of responsible pet choice and care
• The documented cycle of violence

A number of Humane Partners are working with the Society.  Additionally, many other teachers have been presented the issues on conservation and humane education and have been provided with background resources to utilize in their classrooms.

Head Start
The Head Start connection enables us to reach an important underserved audience. Teachers work with both children and their parents to dispel myths and misconceptions about animals as well as encourage positive attitudes towards the animals that share our planet.

The Head Start pet care kit includes both a dog and cat puppet and the items that they need for proper care: collar, leash, bowls, brush, and toy. The kit also has a Pet Care checklist for use when children have their turn to “take the classroom pet” home.

Sowing Seeds Humane Education Workshop
Saturday, November 7th
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sponsored By: The Madeleine Berman Academy for Humane Education

Change your students’ lives. Change the world.
The Sowing Seeds Workshop is designed to train educators to effectively teach critical thinking about social justice, environmental ethics, and animal protection, and thereby enhance their students’ understanding that their choices make an impact on themselves, other people, other species, and the Earth. The workshop focuses on providing participants with a constructive approach for teaching about complex, controversial issues. Sowing Seeds offers participants dynamic activities and practical tips, demonstrations of the effectiveness of humane education, and an opportunity for group participation.  The workshop is recommended for educators of all types – classroom teachers and community educators. The Power and Promise of Humane Education by Zoe Weil, the text for the course, is included in the registration fee and contains sample lesson plans that educators can incorporate into their classes in age-appropriate and relevant ways.

Registration Fee: $30
To register, contact: education@detroitzoo.org; 248-541-5717 Ext. 3800
Light breakfast, lunch (both vegan), and The Power & Promise of Humane Education is included.
Venue: The Detroit Zoological Society
           8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak, Michigan 48067

Professional Development: .6 SB-CEUs for teachers in Michigan ($10 additional fee for SB-CEUs, to be paid the day of the workshop)

 Downloadable Brochure