INTERACTIVE DISTANCE LEARNING   The Lee Richardson Zoo provides free distance learning programs from our interactive television studio.  Students of any age can connect for a one-on-one visit with our education staff and some of our special animal ambassadors.  Choose one of our pre-planned program topics, or given enough time, we can create a program to fit your interests.  Programs can be adapted to most grade levels.  We do not charge a program fee; however, schools requesting a program are responsible for any connection costs.  Technology: We use an IP system with H.323 technology.  For more information, please contact the zoo. Scheduling: To schedule a distance learning program, contact the zoo's education division 8:00 AM - noon or 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM CST, Monday through Friday.  Scheduling of distance learning programs must be completed at least two weeks in advance, and programs will not be scheduled more than 3 months into the future. **Currently scheduling through the month of November** Contact Information: Misty Ayers Distance Learning Coordinator Lee Richardson Zoo 620-276-1250 mayers@garden-city.org     Click here to view the LRZ's Distance Learning Brochure     PRE-PLANNED PROGRAM TOPICS   *NEW*        Home Sweet Home!       *NEW* Animals have homes just like people do, but instead of calling it a home, we call it a habitat.  A habitat must contain four things in order for the animals to live happy, healthy lives.  Habitats can also be very different in both size and structure and many animals are adapted to survive better in some habitats than in others.  We will look at these characteristics and much more to learn what it takes to make a habitat a home.   Mammal Mania   When most people envision an animal, the first thing they think of is a mammal.  Mammals are the most highly developed and intelligent animals in the world.  We will explore some unique features of mammals, and discover what makes them worthy of this "mammal mania".       Awesome Amphibians Did you know that 2008 has been designated the Year of the Frog?  Get an up close look at these awesome amphibians and learn what makes them so amazing and why they are an important indicator of healthy ecosystems.  Discover many interesting features that group frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts in the same class.   Reptile Rumble  Dry, scaly, and cold-blooded.  This description is enough to make many people shiver.  Gain a fresh look at these decedents of the dinosaurs and hopefully you will  gain an appreciation for their uniqueness.          The Sky's the Limit! Flying is fantastic!  For decades, man has tried to copy the abilities of flying animals (birds, bats and bugs).  Birds are the animal most commonly thought of as taking to the air.  Join my investigation into the adaptations necessary to make the sky the limit.     Birds of Prey  Some birds hatch with talons, sharp beaks and keen eyesight for catching prey.  No seeds and fruits for these birds please!  Take this chance to learn more about birds of prey and how they fulfill their role in an environment as top predators.                      Lack of Back Invertebrates, animals lacking a backbone, are some of the most bizarre and diverse animals on Earth.  In fact, 97% of all animals are invertebrates!  Meet a giant millipede and hissing cockroaches, learn to identify some of the United States most feared venomous spiders, and see other amazing examples of animals without spines.          Creepy Creatures More than just bugs get a bad rap.  Many creatures have unfairly been given a bad reputation.  Often it is because people don’t understand them.  We will take a look at scary looking critters that are very beneficial and quite intriguing once you get over the 'ick' factor.                Animal Adaptations Adaptations are amazing!  Every animal is specially designed to survive their particular lifestyle.  We will explore important adaptations like teeth, body coverings, camouflage, the five senses and more.  Here is your chance to investigate some of what makes each animal so unique.      Animals of the Prairie  The grasslands of the Midwest are full of a wide range of animal life with amazing adaptations.  Nestled in the heart of sandsage prairie, the Lee Richardson Zoo will introduce you to some remarkable prairie wildlife.                 What's for Dinner? Searching for food is a daily task.  While some animals are looking for their next meal, an animal is eyeing them for their dinner. One animal can be both a predator and prey in the same instant.  What makes a good predator and what makes prey successful to live another day?                Rock'n Rainforest Rainforests rock!  Did you know you can walk for a mile through a tropical rainforest and never see the same plant or animal twice?!!  Tropical rainforests provide the world with amazing diversity and resources.  See for yourself how important these 'stand of trees' are and even explore some not so tropical rainforests. (Did you know we have one in the US?)    Only a Memory  (for 3rd grade and higher) Dodo bird, Tasmanian wolf, and t-rex are just a few animals that are only a memory for this planet.  We will look at, and discuss animals that still have a chance to be more than a picture in a book  Threatened and endangered species are found over all parts of the globe.  We will discuss challenges some of these animals face, and give you a chance to decide what you can do to make a difference.                 Summer Sizzle It can get hot out there!  In our part of the world we only see a few months of scorching temperatures, but did you know some places are hot almost all year 'round?  What helps an animal survive these extremely high temperatures and avoid sizzling in the summer heat? We will look into the adaptations that keep animals from overheating when the thermometer tops out.                Winter Woes Snowshoes, seeds, and big jackets please.  Winter can be tough and it can be even tougher when winter lasts the majority of the year!  There are several animals that are perfectly suited to these frigid temps.  Wrap-up tight and venture with me into temperatures that can make you shiver.   Animals Down Under G'day mate!  Animals that are found in Australia are some of the most distinctive animals on Earth.  Travel down under with me as we peer into a pouch, leap over lizards, and discover other facts about animals found on this humungous island.              The Night Shift  No need for night vision goggles here!  I’ll lead you on this journey to investigate the creatures that wake up as we go to bed.  Whether “pulling all nighters” is for finding food, mates, or other reasons, we’ll look at the nocturnal animals we have at the zoo.   CREATE YOUR OWN TOPIC Is your class studying mammals, habitats, or another nature-related topic?  We can design a program to fit your curriculum!  These programs require more time to construct.  Contact the zoo to discuss programming options.     Please call if you have questions or concerns.