Zoo School

High Schoolers talk to the Animals

The students are studying compound element equations, converting moles to grams, and asking last-minute questions before their upcoming exam. It’s a normal Columbus State
CHEM 111 class – but these aren’t regular Columbus State students.

Not only are the students seniors in high school, but they’re taking the class at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Thirteen students participate in Zoo School, studying zoology, statistics, research, and chemistry. Along with lab and lectures, students observe and conduct research, and prepare thesis papers under the direction of zoo and career center staff.

And the zookeepers really use the data the students collect. Student data has led keepers to change coral handling procedures and change leopard exercise times.

Most were looking at zoology as the basis for study post-high school.  The Zoo School is “a segue into going into college,” said one Buckeye Valley High School participant looking at a college major in research or marine biology.

The students are ready to handle college-level work, says instructor Kristen Chumney.

 “I employ the same teaching methods during lecture and use the same grading and exam formats.  I have found these students to be highly motivated and (complete) coursework without difficulty,” Chumney says.

The program is a partnership between the Zoo, the Delaware Area Career Center, and Columbus State. It’s part of the Ohio’s Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Program (PSEO), a program that allows high school students to take college-level classes that aren’t available in their school’s curriculum.

Students had to fill out an application and get a teacher’s recommendation to get into the program. Most of the students are from Central Ohio schools, with one student commuting from the Dayton area.

Lectures are held at the zoo two times weekly.  Additionally, scheduled labs occur at the Columbus State main campus.  The chemistry class is among two such courses designed for students considering a science-related field.

For more information the Zoo School, contact Laura Henderson at the Delaware Area Career Center at 614-724-3608.