Primary Workshops
The early educational development of a child is a crucial phase where they discover the world through play and hands on learning.
ZooLab workshops provide children with a rich variety of play activities and learning experiences in a safe, secure, and stimulating environment under the supervision and guidance of our expert ZooLab presenter.
Our workshops include FREE PRINTABLE RESOURCES
Core Topics (5 - 7 years)
Animal Explorer
All Ages.
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How slimy is a snail? Are tarantulas terrifying? Do cockroaches give you the creeps? Get up-close and hands-on with our unique Animal Explorer workshop.
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Guided by your expert ZooLab Ranger, you'll meet a menagerie of mammals, insects, amphibians and arachnids. Will you be brave enough to touch them all?
Rainforest Adventurer
EYFS, KS 1. Early Years, First Stage.
Ages 3 - 7.
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Go on an action-packed adventure through the rainforest layers with ZooLab’s expert Ranger!
From stepping over snails on the forest floor to watching dancing stick insects in the understorey, seeing how snakes climb and tarantulas jump out of burrows - you may even get to meet a canopy-dwelling tree frog too.
Rainforest Discovery
KS 1, 2, 3, 4. First, Second, Third, Fourth Stage.
Ages 5 - 7.
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Discover the Rainforest from the comfort of your classroom! Let ZooLab’s intrepid Ranger take your pupils on an exciting journey through this important ecosystem.
Learn about the layers of the rainforest while getting hands-on with our animal team members. Discover everything you ever wanted to know about life in the steamy tropics and why they are coming under threat.
Senses & Textures
EYFS, KS 1; Early Years, First Stage KS 1.
Ages 3 - 7.
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We’re going to use our senses to meet our animal friends and find out how they use their senses?
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Children make hands-on discoveries of textures and senses in an animal handling experience that is suitable for everyone from new intake to SEN classes.
African Explorer
KS 1, First Stage.
Ages 4 - 7.
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What better way to explore Africa than on a ZooLab safari! A ZooLab Ranger will take you on foot, jeep and kayak around Africa’s varied habitats.
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On our travels you will learn about the fantastic large creatures found in Africa and meet some smaller creatures that call this continent home.
We're Going On An Animal Hunt
EYFS, KS 1, Early Years, First Stage.
Ages 3 - 7.
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This story-based workshop based on a classic children’s book takes children on a fantastic animal hunt!
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Their ZooLab presenter will take them through grass, a river, mud, a forest and a snowstorm before coming face to face with an array of amazing ZooLab animals!​ Using animals, songs and rhymes helps promote language, physical, social and emotional development.
Caring For Living Things
EYFS, KS 1, Early Years, First Stage.
Ages 3 - 7.
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A very important rule for living things is that they need to stay alive (or else they wouldn’t be living things)!
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This workshop emphasises what we need to do to look after animals, plants and the planet. Exploring the diverse requirements of a range of ZooLab animals, we discover that often creatures need the same core things to survive; food, water, oxygen and protection/shelter.
Habitats
KS 1, 2, 3, 4. First, Second, Third, Fourth Stage.
Ages 5 - 7.
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What is a habitat? What types of habitat are there? Why do habitats matter? So many questions answered!
​
​ZooLab’s Habitat workshop introduces pupils to different habitats from around the world: including tropical rainforests, deserts, polar regions and oceans. This hands-on workshop looks at three great survivors; rats, cockroaches and humans and considers how and why they have survived.
Predators, Prey & Food Chains
KS 1, 2, 3, 4. First, Second, Third, Fourth Stage.
Ages 5 - 7.
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Food chains are a very delicate balance - each species is dependent on the others around it. If something upsets that balance then drastic things can happen!
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This workshop looks at feeding connections (what-eats-what) in an ecological community. We examine herbivores, carnivores and omnivores and learn how to classify non-living and living things.
Minibeasts
EYFS, KS 1, 2; Early Years, First, Second Stage.
Ages 3 - 7.
​
Minibeasts have existed for around 550 million years and make up approximately 97% of creatures on Earth! In fact, the UK alone is home to 25,000 different species - these little creatures are quite a big deal. Let’s look at Minibeasts together!
During ZooLab’s workshop, children get a fun introduction to invertebrates and classification. They get to question, investigate and learn about scientific discovery.
Lifecycles
EYFS, KS 1, 2. Early Years, First, Second Stage.
Ages 3 - 7.
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Designed to complement the curriculum topics of Animals including humans and Living things and their habitats, this workshop uses ZooLab animals to discuss new life, growth, reproduction and ageing.
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There’s a particular focus on the metamorphosis of a butterfly and the various stages of its development.
Climate Crusaders
EYFS, KS 1, 2. Early Years, First, Second Stage.
Ages 5 - 7.
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Linking to the schools ‘Green Flag’ initiative and global environmental concerns, Climate Crusaders shows how informed personal choices as a consumer can protect animals, habitats all over the world.
​
This workshop investigates issues of consumption, looks at alternatives and teaches us about recycling using practical examples from the animal and insect world.
Biodiversity
KS 1, 2, 3. First, Second, Third, Fourth Stage.
Ages 5 - 7.
​
Nature is a carefully balanced ecosystem which supports a wide variety of life through its biodiversity.
​
This workshop talks of the variety of life on the planet - informing of the difference in levels of biodiversity around the world and warns of the dangers to the balance of nature.
Evolution
KS 1, 2. First, Second, Stage.
Ages 5 - 7.
​
Charles Darwin travelled from England, to South America, then to New Zealand, Australia, and finally Africa on the HMS Beagle.
​
This fun and exciting voyage inspired Darwin and his theories. You’ll get to meet some of our extraordinary animals, similar to the species Darwin himself saw and recorded.
​
This is an excellent workshop for classes learning about historical figures, evolution, adaptations, geography, and habitats.
How Our Bodies Move
KS1, KS2. First Stage, Second Stage.
Ages 5 - 7.
​
This show explores the anatomy of the human body, giving children an understanding of the biomechanics that make movement possible.
We discover how muscles give us facial expression, enable digestion and how the heart keeps us alive. We then compare and contrast bone structure and movement in other vertebrates and invertebrates.
Seasonal Topics (5 - 7 years)
Chinese New Year
EYFS, KS1; Early Years, First Stage.
Ages 3 - 7.
​
Learn about Chinese New Year the ZooLab way! We bring some of the animals that feature on the Chinese calendar and you’ll also hear about the other ZooLab animals that didn’t make it across the river to be one of the select group.
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Linking to literacy skills, science and geographical knowledge, young children get to hear a story that illustrates that there is more than one way of looking at the world.
Springtime
EYFS, KS1; Early Years, First Stage.
Ages 3 - 7.
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A special look at life cycles for younger children! We demonstrate how our special ZooLab animals deal with the changing of the seasons and what happens in springtime.
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In turn, we look at how each animal reproduces and prepares for the season ahead. Where possible, our presenters will try and bring you examples of eggs and baby animals.
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Anti-bullying
KS1, KS2. First Stage, Second Stage.
Ages 5 - 7.
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We follow the story of Boogie the rat - the school bully. Throughout the week Boogie is nasty to his classmates but there is a twist in the tale – we start to find out why Boogie is a bully.
The point of this story isn’t to tell you that Boogie is a bad individual and he’s horrible all the time. It’s to tell you just how easy it is to become a bully yourself.
The Zoo On The Broom
EYFS, KS1. Early Years, First Stage.
Ages 3 - 7.
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Join ZooLab on a rhyming story adventure based on a well known children’s classic! Follow our friendly witch Zog on her broomstick ride through towns, forests and bog. Along the way, her broom starts to resemble a zoo!
Our helpful and kind witch offers a ride to a selection of amazing animal hitchhikers, who the children will get to meet! However - it’s not all plain sailing. Will Zog’s journey end with a bump?!
Zola The Kind-hearted Elf.
EYFS, KS1. Early Years, First Stage.
Ages 3 - 7.
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Join Zola the Elf on a wonderful Christmas adventure as we help her deliver presents to children all over the world.
From Africa, to India and through America via Australia, we encounter a variety of fascinating creatures along the way! This is a special, festive workshop that focuses on the themes of selflessness, kindness, friendship and fun.
Core Topics (8+ years)
Animal Explorer
All Ages.
​
How slimy is a snail? Are tarantulas terrifying? Do cockroaches give you the creeps? Get up-close and hands-on with our unique Animal Explorer workshop.
​
Guided by your expert ZooLab Ranger, you'll meet a menagerie of mammals, insects, amphibians and arachnids. Will you be brave enough to touch them all?
Rainforest Discovery
KS 1, 2, 3, 4. First, Second, Third, Fourth Stage.
Ages 8 - 14.
​
Discover the Rainforest from the comfort of your classroom! Let ZooLab’s intrepid Ranger take your pupils on an exciting journey through this important ecosystem.
Learn about the layers of the rainforest while getting hands-on with our animal team members. Discover everything you ever wanted to know about life in the steamy tropics and why they are coming under threat.
Caring For Living Things
EYFS, KS 1, Early Years, First Stage.
Ages 8 - 11.
​
A very important rule for living things is that they need to stay alive (or else they wouldn’t be living things)!
​
This workshop emphasises what we need to do to look after animals, plants and the planet. Exploring the diverse requirements of a range of ZooLab animals, we discover that often creatures need the same core things to survive; food, water, oxygen and protection/shelter.
Classification
KS 1, 2, 3; First, Second, Third, Fourth Stage.
Ages 8 - 14.
​
This hands-on, animal-handling workshop experience brings pupils face to face with classification.
​
It is part of an experiential and interactive learning experience in which introduces ZooLab animals that include vertebrates and invertebrates. Pupils explore different classes of animal so they can uncover their differences and similarities themselves.
Habitats
KS 1, 2, 3, 4. First, Second, Third, Fourth Stage.
Ages 8 - 14.
​
What is a habitat? What types of habitat are there? Why do habitats matter? So many questions answered!
​
​ZooLab’s Habitat workshop introduces pupils to different habitats from around the world: including tropical rainforests, deserts, polar regions and oceans. This hands-on workshop looks at three great survivors; rats, cockroaches and humans and considers how and why they have survived.
Predators, Prey & Food Chains
KS 1, 2, 3, 4; First, Second, Third, Fourth Stage.
Ages 8 - 11.
​
In this workshop we look at feeding connections (what-eats-what) in an ecological community. Using our ZooLab animals, we examine herbivores, carnivores and omnivores and learn how to classify non-living and living things.
Pupils discover where energy comes from and how the consumer resource system can cause the disruption of a food web.
Minibeasts
EYFS, KS 1, 2; Early Years, First, Second Stage.
Ages 8 - 11.
​
Minibeasts have existed for around 550 million years and make up approximately 97% of creatures on Earth! In fact, the UK alone is home to 25,000 different species - these little creatures are quite a big deal. Let’s look at Minibeasts together!
During ZooLab’s workshop, children get a fun introduction to invertebrates and classification. They get to question, investigate and learn about scientific discovery.
Lifecycles
EYFS, KS 1, 2. Early Years, First, Second Stage.
Ages 8 - 11.
​
Designed to complement the curriculum topics of Animals including humans and Living things and their habitats, this workshop uses ZooLab animals to discuss new life, growth, reproduction and ageing.
​
There’s a particular focus on the metamorphosis of a butterfly and the various stages of its development.
Climate Crusaders
EYFS, KS 1, 2. Early Years, First, Second Stage.
Ages 8 - 11.
​
Linking to the schools ‘Green Flag’ initiative and global environmental concerns, Climate Crusaders shows how informed personal choices as a consumer can protect animals, habitats all over the world.
​
This workshop investigates issues of consumption, looks at alternatives and teaches us about recycling using practical examples from the animal and insect world.
Biodiversity
KS 1, 2, 3. First, Second, Third, Fourth Stage.
Ages 8 - 11.
​
Nature is a carefully balanced ecosystem which supports a wide variety of life through its biodiversity.
​
This workshop talks of the variety of life on the planet - informing of the difference in levels of biodiversity around the world and warns of the dangers to the balance of nature.
Evolution
KS 1, 2. First, Second, Stage.
Ages 8 - 11.
​
Charles Darwin travelled from England, to South America, then to New Zealand, Australia, and finally Africa on the HMS Beagle.
​
This fun and exciting voyage inspired Darwin and his theories. You’ll get to meet some of our extraordinary animals, similar to the species Darwin himself saw and recorded.
​
This is an excellent workshop for classes learning about historical figures, evolution, adaptations, geography, and habitats.
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Oceans
KS1, 2, First, Second Stage.
Ages 5 - 11.
​
The ocean is vital to all life on Earth. Our ride is here, so let’s climb aboard the submarine and dive right in! Guided by your ZooLab Ranger and virtual ocean resident, we uncover why the ocean is essential and how we can protect it.
Pupils explore the different sea zones where we learn
about each ecosystem, it's inhabitants and how they have
adapted to survive.​
​
ZooLab Environmental Time Machine
KS2, 3, Second, Third Stage.
Ages 8 - 11.
​
Our new climate workshop joins Z.E.T.; an environmental time machine that travels through time looking at climate data.
​
Z.E.T. addresses topics such as fossil fuels, greenhouse gases, sea ice depletion, rainforest coverage and animal extinctions. Comparing data from different eras allows students to form a direct comparison between human behaviour and climate change.
​
How Our Bodies Move
KS1, KS2. First Stage, Second Stage.
Ages 5 - 7.
​
This show explores the anatomy of the human body, giving children an understanding of the biomechanics that make movement possible.
We discover how muscles give us facial expression, enable digestion and how the heart keeps us alive. We then compare and contrast bone structure and movement in other vertebrates and invertebrates.
Seasonal Topics (8+ years)
Chinese New Year
EYFS, KS1; Early Years, First Stage.
Ages 8 - 11.
​
Learn about Chinese New Year the ZooLab way! We bring some of the animals that feature on the Chinese calendar and you’ll also hear about the other ZooLab animals that didn’t make it across the river to be one of the select group.
​
Linking to literacy skills, science and geographical knowledge, young children get to hear a story that illustrates that there is more than one way of looking at the world.
Anti-bullying
KS1, KS2. First Stage, Second Stage.
Ages 8 - 11.
​
We follow the story of Boogie the rat - the school bully. Throughout the week Boogie is nasty to his classmates but there is a twist in the tale – we start to find out why Boogie is a bully.
The point of this story isn’t to tell you that Boogie is a bad individual and he’s horrible all the time. It’s to tell you just how easy it is to become a bully yourself.
