Zoo Trip - iExperience Narrative Assessment - 18 November 2016

Learner:  Darren      Learning Coach: Megan Croll - LH2       Date: 18 November 2016

Learning Area: Zoo Trip

Learning Observed & Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Today Darren joined LH2 and LH4 learners to travel by bus to the Auckland Zoo.   This trip was organised as part of our learning about animals - how we can help them and how they can help us.   The learners were greeted by some zookeepers when we arrived at the zoo.  We had morning tea and then, with a zoo map in hand, began our journey around the zoo.   Darren used the map to help guide us around the zoo; using his map reading skills to identify where we were and where we should go next (Using Language, Symbols and Text). After visiting the tortoises and reptiles, we met up with John from Auckland Zoo.   John took us into the Discovery and Learning centre where Darren found out what the zoo does to look after the three Sumatran tigers that they have.  John had a large black plastic container and Darren learned that the tiger would be able to smell his scent if he touched it (Connected). John then took us to the Vet Centre Viewing Gallery.   Darren learned that sometimes visitors can watch an operation take place, but today the windows were covered with curtains.  Here we learned how humans can make life very difficult for some animals.   Our plastic bags can be very dangerous to sea animals if they are swallowed.    After lunch, it was time for more exploring (Curious).   Darren enjoyed walking through the Meerkat tunnels, watching the playful orangutan and observing how gracefully the giraffes walk.  Our day at the zoo went very quickly and there wasn’t even enough time to play on the playground!   I’m sure that Darren would love to come back again with his family to share his learning with them.

Next Learning Steps

Darren has learned about what Auckland Zoo do to look after the many animals that they have.  Some are even endangered.  His next step could be to research an endangered animal to find out why it is endangered and what people are doing to help keep its species alive.