2019-2020 Show Us Your Mussels Challenge
Did you know that almost half of Minnesota’s native freshwaters mussels are threatened or endangered of extinction? In Show Us Your Mussels Challenge students are introduced to these unique species, learn STEM skills, address water quality in our area and seek solutions.

In the Show US Your Mussels Challenge Minnesota Middle and High School students create original digital media campaigns informing the public about the impact of water quality on native mussels.  The creation of these digital media campaign can be a powerful hands-on strategy to help students highlight their science research projects, retain content knowledge and even increase learning goals. In addition, the school groups that get the message out to the most people will receive FREE field trips to the Minnesota Zoo including bussing, admission, parking and interactive sessions with our Mussel education staff. 

For more information or to register, go to: mnzoo.org/digitalmussels/.

Free Professional Development

Show Us Your Mussels Teacher Training Saturday, September 21, 2019, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. OR Friday, September 27, 2019, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Are you interested in learning more about native freshwater mussels and water quality? Would you like to learn more about the Minnesota Zoo and DNR’s conservation work? Join us for a FREE Professional Development including behind the scenes peaks and tours of the Minnesota Zoo’s native freshwater mussel program. In addition to receiving CEUs and being reimbursed for mileage, participants will leave with more knowledge of these critically threatened species and resources to implement the Show Us Your Mussel Challenge for the 2019-2020 school year.

For more information go to: mnzoo.org/digitalmussels/

Free Downloadable Lesson Plans

The Minnesota Zoo has also developed FREE downloadable lessons and resources aligned to current state standards. Topics include: aquatic food webs, invasive species, water quality, mimicry, nutrient cycling and more! To download your copy go to: https://mnzoo.org/education/schools-teachers/free-downloadable-curriculum/