20.04.2023

During a visit to the São Paulo Zoo, students reflect on the relationship between habitats and living beings

By Brayan Felippe

The 2nd grade students (Y2) of the Elementary School had a unique experience when visiting the São Paulo Zoo. The Field Trip was planned to contemplate the provocations that the Unit of Inquiry “Habitats and Their Living Things” brought to the children.

Before the trip, the students were encouraged in class to observe important questions and reflect on the environment where the animals live. Do they have enough space? What about food and shelter? These were points observed by the children, who were excited to visit the place and see everything up close.

During the study, the students had the opportunity to thoroughly observe the animals, the plants, the spaces, and the conditions in which they live. They were also able to document their reflections in a booklet, reporting the details of the educational study. The zoo’s guides and some biologists accompanied the students during the investigation, bringing significant information about the animals and the operation of the zoo. The visit was designed to include Science, English, Portuguese, and Geography, providing a complete interdisciplinary experience for the students.

Upon their return, the students were enthusiastic about everything they had learned and ready to continue the discussions in class. They will continue to fill out the booklet, reflecting on whether the zoo is an appropriate place for animals or not. The trip provided a unique opportunity for them to put their Unit of Investigation discussions into practice.