Tuesday, March 30, 2026

Buckley third graders visited the Queens Zoo as part of their reading and writing units on animal research, extending their classroom learning in a meaningful, real-world setting.

Students are currently working in groups to research animals, using cross-text synthesis to gather information from books, videos, and current events articles. As they research, they are writing informational books about their animals, focusing on key areas such as habitat, appearance, life cycle, prey, predators and dangers, and adaptations.

The visit to the zoo gave students the opportunity to see some of the animals they are studying in real life, including water buffalo, sea lions, and a puma—bringing their research to life in exciting and memorable ways.

A highlight of the trip was an interactive experience where students engaged with a chinchilla and a Chinese box turtle, deepening their understanding of animal characteristics and adaptations.

The Queens Zoo also helped students understand why and how organizations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society work to protect endangered animals and preserve habitats around the world. This connection reinforced the importance of their research and introduced students to the role they can play in caring for the natural world.

Experiences like this reflect Buckley’s commitment to hands-on, interdisciplinary learning—where reading, writing, science, and real-world exploration come together to inspire curiosity and deepen understanding.

Check out photos from the field trip here on Buckley’s SmugMug photo archive!