WILD about Monarchs! Pollinator Education for K-8

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:

Each fall, monarch butterflies take flight on one of the most remarkable migrations in the natural world. Join us on Saturday, October 11th at the Oklahoma City Zoo for an unforgettable professional development experience that blends hands-on science, wildlife education, and real-world conservation action.

In this workshop, educators will learn how to engage students in the story of monarchs and other pollinators using the award-winning Project WILD curriculum alongside resources from the OKC Zoo. Activities will highlight inquiry-based learning about pollination, habitat needs, and the connections between wildlife and people. Educators will also explore how pollinator-focused lessons align with Oklahoma Academic Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), providing meaningful classroom applications across science, literacy, and social studies.

Special Field ExperienceA highlight of the workshop will be the opportunity to go into the field with zoo scientists to tag monarchs as part of ongoing migration research. This rare, hands-on experience will give participants direct insight into citizen science and how educators can connect their students to authentic scientific investigations.

What to Expect

1. Interactive Pollinator Lessons: Experience Project WILD activities and learn how to adapt them for multiple grade levels.
2. Zoo Scientist Insights: Hear directly from experts at the Oklahoma City Zoo about monarch biology, migration, and conservation.
3. Hands-On Tagging: Participate in monarch tagging and data collection to contribute to real-world science.
4. Curriculum Guide: Receive your own Project WILD activity guide to continue the learning in your classroom.
5. Resource Sharing: Connect with zoo programs and community partners to expand your teaching toolkit on pollinators and conservation.

Workshop Details

• Date/Time: Saturday, October 11th | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Oklahoma City Zoo
• Cost: $10 (includes Project WILD K-12 'Terrestrial' guide, workshop supplies, and lunch)

Why Attend? This workshop is designed to help educators:

• Integrate monarch and pollinator lessons into PreK–12 classrooms with clear standards alignment.
• Model the use of authentic data collection and citizen science for student learning.
• Inspire students to understand and protect pollinators—key species for both ecosystems and human food systems.
• Bring home resources, guides, and experiences that can immediately enhance your teaching practice.

Take flight with us and go WILD About Monarchs!

QUESTIONS? CONTACT US:

Jack Hilgert, [email protected], (405) 613-3835, Oklahoma Project WET and Project WILD

Rachael Robinson, Director of Education, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, (405) 425-0288

ABOUT THE CURRICULUM:

Project WILD's mission is to provide wildlife-based conservation and environmental education that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and related natural resources. All curriculum materials are backed by sound educational practices and theory, and represent the work of many professionals within the fields of education and natural resource management from across the country.

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