Workshops take place in Colchester Zoo’s new Discovery Centre and encourage pupils to get hands on with a variety of different animals. Workshops last up to 45 minutes and are suitable for up to 30 students. Please note that all sessions are subject to availability.

• Colour and camouflage creative workshop (foundation and KS1) lasting 35-40 mins available at 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 1.30 (Available for bookings from 1st November, 2008)
  There will be a short presentation on colour and camouflage then the children will be encouraged to make their own examples of some camouflaged creatures. A range of templates and examples will be on offer to give inspiration.
  
• Pond dipping (foundation, reception) lasting 35-40 mins available at 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 1.30 (Available for bookings from 1st November, 2008)
  A chance to use the nets to find out more about the creatures that live in our Discovery Centre pond.
  
• Animal encounters (foundation, KS1 and KS2) 10.00, 10.30, 11.00, 11.30
  A hands on workshop in which children get the chance to meet different types of mammals and invertebrates.
  
• Minibeast workshops ( KS1 and KS2) 10.00, 10.30, 11.00, 11.30
  A hands on workshop to find out more about some of our invertebrates.
  
• Environment Enrichment Workshop
  A hands on workshop where students learn about enrichment devices for animals at the zoo. 1.30 to 15.00.

SEN: Using picture examples pupils are introduced to concept of environmental enrichment and how it improves animal welfare. Pupils then have the challenge of designing their own enrichments devices and watch their success as our keepers place their devices in various animals enclosures.

Higher Level: Following a PowerPoint presentation on the principles of environmental enrichment students are provided with a brief on an animal (such as the chimpanzee, spider monkeys, parrots, capuchins, meerkats), in groups they have the challenge of designing enrichment devices for their animals. Each device will be judged based on their success in the animal enclosure.

• Enclosure design workshop. 10.30 – 14.00. (Available for bookings from 1st November, 2008) Gifted and Talented: Pupils will be given a guided tour of our some of our new and modern enclosures followed by PowerPoint presentation about Enclosure Design and Enrichment. Pupils will then have the challenge of redesigning an enclosure either by creating models or sketches in our new discovery and learning centre. (this activity requires a preliminary task where pupils research a animal of their choice, focusing on its habitat and behaviour, supporting worksheets can be provided).
  
• UmPhafa, African culture workshop (reception, KS1,KS2) lasting 30-45 mins available at 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 1.30 (Available for bookings from 1st November, 2008)
  Learn about the Zulu culture through pictures, music and costumes. There is also a chance to design your very own Zulu shield.