This summer, I completed an externship at the Idaho Falls Zoo. My primary project involved helping develop curriculum zoo’s education department, supporting their efforts to promote animal conservation and empathy through education. A key component of the project was collecting guest surveys to assess how effectively the zoo fosters empathy for animals and communicates conservation messages. I was also responsible for helping design and lead public outreach activities centered on animal habitats and behavior.

The goals of the externship were to support the zoo’s mission by improving conservation education and public engagement. We aimed to collect meaningful data from guests that would help the zoo understand the emotional and educational impact of their exhibits and programs. We also worked to enhance the zoo’s educational programming with engaging, hands-on curriculum materials that could be used both on-site and in classrooms. Another important objective was for us to gain firsthand experience in animal care, conservation efforts, and environmental education to better inform our teaching practices.

During my time at the zoo, at one point I had the opportunity to shadow zookeepers and learn about animal care, including nutrition, enrichment, and habitat maintenance. This behind-the-scenes experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the amount of thought and work that goes into creating meaningful and enriching habitats. I also helped facilitate exploratory stations focused on habitat essentials—food, water, shelter, and space—and led interactive lessons that encouraged guests to build empathy and respect for animals.

One of the highlights of my time at the zoo was assisting with “Bat Night,” an educational event where the public learned about local bat species and how echolocation works. We used special speakers set up by the university to allow guests to hear the sounds bats make, making the experience both educational and engaging.

I also helped with Dream Night, an event specifically for families with children who have special needs or terminal illnesses. It provided a calm, welcoming environment where children could explore the zoo at their own pace. I helped select and set up hands-on tactile artifacts for them to explore, making the experience more interactive and meaningful.

This externship had a significant impact on my professional growth and teaching style. I gained valuable insight into how conservation education can be both hands-on and emotionally engaging. I now have a stronger foundation for incorporating real-world animal care and environmental science into my curriculum. I’m especially excited to bring this new knowledge into my classroom, where my students complete annual projects related to animals and conservation. Everything I learned at the zoo will help me guide my students more effectively and inspire them to think critically about how humans and animals can coexist in harmony. This experience also deepened my commitment to fostering empathy—not just for animals, but as a teaching value that helps students connect more deeply with the world around them.

Grade Level and Subject Taught: 4th-5th