Insects Under the Microscope
A NEW learning session at ZOO Ljubljana. In this new hands-on learning session we open the door for pupils to the often overlooked yet exceptionally varied and interesting world of insects — animals with remarkable shapes, transformations and survival strategies. Pupils will take a close look at some insects and investigate their body structure.
About the programme
NEW learning session at ZOO Ljubljana
for curious primary and secondary school pupils
In this new hands-on learning session we open the door for pupils to the often overlooked yet exceptionally varied and interesting world of insects — animals with remarkable shapes, transformations and survival strategies. Pupils will take a close look at some insects and investigate their body structure. In a practical and fun way we will explore together complete and incomplete metamorphosis, the importance of insects in nature, why they are an indispensable part of ecosystems, how they communicate with one another, how they defend themselves against predators and why their diversity is crucial for life on Earth. Part of the session will also include visits to animals that feed on insects — meerkats, the bear and the collared mangabey. We will observe their behaviour, find out which insects they eat and learn how we feed them at ZOO Ljubljana. Through discussion and observation we will encourage curiosity, reasoning and scientific thinking. Pupils will thus develop a sense of responsibility towards nature and endangered species.
You are warmly welcome!
The topic matches the curriculum
1st triad (years 1–3): Pupils learn the basic features of living organisms, which include insects. Through nature observation and simple activities, they become familiar with different species of insects, their habitats and basic features such as shape, colour and movement.
2nd triad (years 4–6): In the science subject, pupils learn in more detail about the structure of insects, their life cycles (e.g. metamorphosis in butterflies), their role in the ecosystem and importance for humans. Pupils can carry out simple experiments and observations such as rearing caterpillars into butterflies, and learn about the importance of biodiversity.
3rd triad (years 7–9): Pupils examine in more detail the systematics of animals, among which insects are the most numerous group. They learn about their anatomical and physiological structure, adaptations to different environments, role in food chains and importance for plant pollination. The ecological aspects are also emphasised, such as the impact of pesticides on insect populations and the importance of conserving their habitats.
Price
Admission as per current pricing,
Guided tour supplement of €1.50 per participant (nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools and universities).
Guided tour supplement of €2.50 per participant (other organised groups such as scouts, guides, companies, families, etc.).
10% discount for groups over 10 people.
Bookings
Information at narocila@zoo.si or by phone.
The education service is available by phone between 07:30 and 11:30, so please send all booking enquiries by email, to which we respond regularly.
Payment method
At the zoo ticket desk.
Programme duration
The programme runs all year. Duration 45 to 55 minutes.
Number of participants
We accept a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 28 people per group.
Price
from €1.50
per pupil + admission
Related experiences
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From November to the end of March we run multi-hour guided tours (Science Day), mainly for primary and secondary schools. In the company of a guide we tour the zoo over 4 to 5 school lessons, experience the animals and, with the help of biological materials, get a closer look at the characteristics of different animal groups. The Science Day programme meets the learning objectives set out in the curricula.
One-hour Guided Tour
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