program details

Join HEN at the Melbourne Zoo for a STEM session or three, followed by a self-led tour:
 

Each group will meet at the zoo at 9.50am for a 10am group entry, & then will be divided into three groups for a 40-minute STEM session:

Group 1: ages 8y-10y (Grade 3-4)

• 9.50am: arrival,  check-in, & group entry

• 10.10am - 10.50am: STEM session

• 10.50am onwards: self-led exploration

Kids will use STEM knowledge & skills to design enrichment for zoo animals. The mental & physical wellbeing of animals is of the highest importance. They need new enrichment ideas that will enable animals to use their senses, move their bodies & behave in natural ways. Children will undertake research, & hear behind-the-scenes stories to learn more about the animals they will be designing for.

Kids will learn:

• About the features and life cycles of Zoo animals
• How keepers use STEM to support animal welfare
• STEM skills such as scientific observation and engineering
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills

Group 2: ages 10y-12y (Grade 5-6)

• 9.50am: arrival, check-in, & group entry
• 10.10am - 10.50am: STEM session
• 10.50am: self-led exploration

Kids will learn about the challenges that Wildlife Conservation Scientists face when working with threatened species in Australia. They will begin to explore the types of technologies currently used by scientists to locate, track, & monitor wildlife; & start to understand the benefits & limitations of these technologies. Children will use design thinking to develop solutions to the challenges that our Wildlife Conservation Scientists face with the technology currently available for use.

Kids will learn:

• About the challenges that Wildlife Conservation Scientists face when working with threatened species in Australia
• About the types of technologies used by scientists, their benefits and their limitations
• About how the adaptations of different species can be understood and used to help inform the types of technologies scientists will use
• STEM skills such as scientific observation and engineering
• Creating thinking and problem-solving skills

Group 3: ages 12y-14y (Year 7-8)

• 9.50am: arrival, check-in, group entry
• 10am - 10.50am: self-led exploration
• 10.50am: return check-in
• 11am - 11.40am: STEM session
• 11.40am onwards: self-led exploration 

This will be the same program as Group 2, but tailored for junior high school aged families. Instead of spending time learning more general STEM skills & creative thinking skills, kids will instead learn:

• About the interactions between species within an ecosystem and how human impacts can affect them

Ticket prices

$26.50 per child
$40.00 per adult *

* Ticket prices for adults are for non Zoos Victoria membership card holders.
Adults with a Zoos Victoria membership will be able to use it on the day.

Siblings not within age range of each group may attend on the day via a General Admission booking & can attend the STEM sessions, but cannot participate in or disrupt the event.

Children must be accompanied by their parent/carer or nominated adult. Only one adult can attend per family per session.

Please ensure you read all the terms & conditions, details in the HEN Calendar and Guidelines for HEN Event Attendees for this event before making a booking.

Adults will need to step in if the behaviour of their child/ren is disrupting the educational experience for the educator and the other children.

This is an educational session for the children. Adults can assist their child/ren if they need additional support.

Bookings close Wednesday 13 August 2025 or once places are filled!

HEN members only, new members welcome.

Date

Location

Melbourne Zoo
Elliott Avenue, Parkville Victoria 3052

Contact Event Organiser