Recent research shows that a trip to the zoo can substantially enhance the knowledge of children about science and conservation of wildlife. Such a zoo trip can be considered an educational value in addition to books or classroom teaching.
The research conducted at London Zoo focussed on school children aged between seven and 14 who were asked about their knowledge of animals, habitat and conservation before and after their zoo visit.
Over half of the more than 3,000 children who participated in the study showed a positive change in educational or conservation-related knowledge areas, and personal attitude towards endangered species.
Together with a better understanding of concepts like species' extinction and habitat, the study proves that the zoo visit has an educational value which significantly improves the childrens' knowledge of zoo animals, wildlife and conservation efforts. The increase in learning when the zoo visit was supplemented by an educational presentation by zoo staff, compared to self-guided visits.
As part of the research the children were asked to draw their favourite animals and habitats before and after their trip to the zoo. The drawings were analysed and about half of the ten-year-olds showed a real improvement in the drawings, including a higher amount of animals placed in the correct habitat and the use of correct scientific terms such as 'canopy' and 'rainforest'. (Source: ScienceDaily, 27.05.2011)
