Nature. Empathy. Stewardship.
Wildlife Champions is a long term community partnership between Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Metro Parks Tacoma, and two elementary schools in the Tacoma Public School District.
Wildlife Champion students learn and practice empathy for wildlife, while becoming stewards of their school, local park, and neighborhood.
Teachers and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium educators collaboratively build hands on lessons and outdoor experiences for K—5 students using inquiry-based science concepts.
Wildlife Champion’s unique curriculum is created to build a school community centered on empathy and stewardship and to enhance school values. Each school day, Arlington and Lister Elementary staff and zoo educators partner to teach hands on lessons in the classroom and nearby parks.
Students participate in hands on nature based lessons focused on developing empathy for wildlife. Caring for ants, worms and other unusual creatures is a what Wildlife Champions students do!
Students and teachers are given the tools to feel confident exploring in nature and the skills to be empathic towards all living things. Wildlife Champions practice pulling invasive species, planting native Camus, and learning about plants and animals in Oak Tree and Swan Creek Parks.