Many animals need your help! 
 
Their zoos may not be attracting enough visitors to keep their habitats appropriate
and clean. Animal Supporters of America (ASA) is conducting an investigation of several zoos. 
The ALA wants scientists to research the zoos' activities to be sure that the animals are
benefitting from their environment and that people benefit from the zoo's existence.  

Your task:

Your first goal is research the activities and conservation efforts practiced at each zoo 
because these help determine how useful the zoo is to the animals and the public. 
Your second goal is to compare admission fees with membership fees and see if membership 
is a cost-effective measure for zoo visitors.  The ASA looks forward to your final report
to them that will address how the needs of the animals' futures and of the public are being met.

Also, your report must compare the cost of admission and membership at each zoo.
A good zoo will offer many programs for a fair price. With the incoming money from
visitors, the zoo can maintain successful animal facilities. This is what matters to
the animals' survival!

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Essential Question:    

Based on zoo activities, conservation efforts, and daily admission fees,
would you recommend zoo membership for visitors?  If so, which zoo(s)?

Your role: 
Each student in your group will "specialize" in one zoo.  There are 4 altogether so
you need to decide among yourselves who will do each zoo. Each zoo has the same number of tasks.

You will complete the three research tasks that correspond with "your zoo." 
The group is counting on you to do your job well, just as you are counting on your partners.
Be very thorough in your notes!

After your group has completed its research, you will meet to discuss your results. 
You need to review each zoo's admission and membership fees, conservation efforts,
and family activities.You will need to analyze your results and decide which zoo(s)
are worthy of membership and which are not.

Finally, your group will compile your findings in a report to the ASA.

Roles    1.Expert researcher of Beardsley Zoo. 2.Expert researcher of Wisconsin Zoo. 3.Expert researcher of Atlanta Zoo . 4.Expert researcher of Lincoln Park Zoo.

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Activity 1:

Investigate the costs of admission and determine if membership is worth the money. 
First, use the links to get a general idea of the animals displayed at each zoo. 
Generally, each zoo offers the same types of animals.
Then, use the links to visit the websites and complete the chart. 
You should write detailed notes. 
  
Click here for the Admissions Chart
This chart will open in Micrsoft Word and you will type your answers in the chart
and save it with your name and the the word admissions.

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Activity 2: 

Investigate the Conservation Programs in use at each zoo. Remember, you're trying to
decide if membership is worth the money based on what each zoo offers.
Use the links to research each zoo.
Click here for the Conservation Chart
This chart will open in Micrsoft Word and you will type your answers in the chart
and save it with your name and the the word conservation.

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Activity 3:                                

Investigate the activities that each zoo holds for the public.
Remember, you will be recommending membership based on activities offered by each zoo.
Use the links to complete the chart.

Click here for the Activities Chart
This chart will open in Micrsoft Word and you will type your answers in the chart
and save it with your name and the the word activities. 

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Activity 4:
You must present your findings to the ASA.
Summarize your findings in a 2-3 page report.

• In the first paragraph, introduce the topic and explain how you completed your research.
• In the second paragraph, synthesize your research results and briefly review the
  conservation efforts of each zoo.
• In the third paragraph, synthesize your research results and briefly review the
  family/children activities offered by each zoo.
• In the fourth paragraph, compare the costs of admission and membership for each zoo.
  Explain the math.
• In the final paragraph, recommend the zoo(s) that visitors should join as members. 
  Include all of the reasons they should become members instead of simply
  paying admission fees.

Your group will hand in each members' individual notes and 1 report of your findings. 
The group's score will apply to each individual person, so be sure to discuss
your progress daily.
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Assessment 

Use this grading rubric as you complete your assignment.

                                                                       Total:  100
 

Conclusion:
The ASA appreciates your efforts. You and your group researched the operations of 
several zoos as chosen by the ASA. You compared your results with your partners and
concluded which if any zoos are worthy of a membership in lieu of paying admission fees
with each visit. The ASA will speak with those zoos that you deem not worthy of a
membership and make recommendations to those zoos so that they can attract more patrons.
The animals cannot live safely and happily if people do not visit and spend money.
The animals thank you for your efforts!