This summer I was lucky enough to work with the Idaho Falls Zoo for the second year in a row. Just like last summer, my work was based in the Zoo’s Education Center. Our main focus this year was to further develop the survey program, and expand on the research done last summer.
Sooner than later, the Zoo will be opening a new Islands Exhibit, with all new and interactive signs. The signs for the new exhibit were developed last summer. During the externship last summer, we were able to collect guest feedback for the sign “previews,” where we showed guests a prototype of the sign, and guests were able to share their thoughts and opinions before the signs were created. This summer, the prototypes are out and the signs are up! However, the exhibit is still under construction and not yet open. When the new exhibit opens, we will be able to collect guest feedback on the actual signs.
Until then, I have been working on another project- collecting data on the signs that the zoo currently has. Our current signs are overall much less interactive than the new Islands signs. I created a Sign Audit Survey for zoo employees to complete based on guest observation rather than guest feedback. There are three areas in the zoo included in the Sign Audit Survey: Primate, Penguin, and Tiger. The purpose of these audits is to gauge guest interactivity, and we will be able to compare the data of the current signs to the new signs once that area is open.
Another project we are continuing from last summer is collecting guest feedback in the Semantic Differential Scale Survey. This survey guests may complete voluntarily and the zoo uses the feedback to adjust programs and zoo exhibits to increase guest empathy towards animals.
I also was able to create a document for other staff and volunteers to use as a guide so that after the externship ends, other people will be able to continue the survey program. Other responsibilities I had this summer include teaching guests about different animal species from Exploration Station carts, and assisting with education programs at the zoo such as Zoo Camps, where children are able to experience a fun week of learning about animals with hands on lessons and activities, and Junior Zoo Crew, where youth from the community get to experience a chance to work with animals and learn about being a Keeper or Zoo Employee.
I am so glad I was able to participate in the extern program again this summer. I especially enjoyed interacting with guests and teaching them about different animal species at the zoo. I have learned a lot about conservation programs and why zoo education is important. I am excited to go back to school and teach my students everything I learned about animals and zoo conservation programs! I would love it if my class could do a zoo related STEM project this year. I will have to do some brainstorming to nail down a project, but I am thankful to have made the relationships I have with the zoo staff members, and know I can reach out to them for collaboration when needed. Last school year, Zoo education employees Bethanie and Kayla were able to come to my class and teach the students about pollinators. It was perfect because we have a unit at the end of the year where we learn all about the butterfly life cycle and we are able to raise caterpillars until they become butterflies! It went perfectly with our curriculum. I will miss being here! Participating in the Externship Program was such an honor. If you are thinking about it, apply! You will have a great experience.