Join us for a unique opportunity to partner with Como Park Zoo and Conservatory for four days of hands-on learning. Created for 3rd grade students, we partner with teachers to deliver a FREE program that brings curriculum to life and creates meaningful experiences that students will remember for a lifetime.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE COMO RESIDENCY SPRING SEMESTER OPEN NOV 5th
Rainforest Adventures: Exploring Layers and Adaptations
Discover the wonders of the rainforest in our interactive program! Learn about the four layers of the rainforest ecosystem and about the incredible plants and animals that thrive there. Through creative hands-on experiences, students will design an interactive science poster that highlights the unique adaptations of rainforest species. This engaging program helps students better understand how plants and animals are perfectly suited to their environment, offering a fun and lasting connection to the natural world.
Fall semester runs September 15- December 19, 2025. The fall semester is full and applications are closed.
Spring semester runs January 12- May 15, 2026. Applications open November 5, 2025. Applications are due November 14.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. You will be notified of the status of acceptance into the program by November 20th. In the event an accepted school cannot attend, a waitlist will be maintained.
Email questions to madeline.mccullough@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Twin Cities Metro Schools (One Hour Driving Distance)
Metro-area schools and greater Minnesota schools that fall within an hour driving radius will have two days of programming at Como and two days of programming at your school during the week.
- This program is for third-grade classes.
- A typical day of instruction will last most of the day, fit inside your normal school times.
- We can accommodate one class (up to 30 students) per week at Como.
- School will be reimbursed for the cost of transportation.
- Teachers will be engaged along with the students during the lessons taught by the Como education staff. Teachers may be asked to lead small portions of the day or lead “teacher time” activities.
To apply as a Metro school for the 2025-2026 school year, please click HERE.
Greater Minnesota Schools (More than One Hour Driving Distance)
Greater Minnesota schools that fall outside of an hour driving radius will have four days of programming at your school during the week. The Residency Specialist will travel to the school to facilitate that week’s programming.
- This program is for third-grade classes.
- A typical day of instruction will last most of the day, fit inside your normal school times.
- We can accommodate one class (up to 30 students) per week.
- Teachers will be engaged along with the students during the lessons taught by the Como education staff. Teachers may be asked to lead small portions of the day or lead “teacher time” activities.
To apply as a Greater Minnesota school for the 2025-2026 school year, please click HERE.
Thanks to the generous funding from the Legacy Amendment Arts and Cultural Heritage Grant this program is being offered to participants for FREE.
