On April 24, 2026, Metro Prep students in Grades 7, 8, and 11 traded their classrooms for the Toronto Zoo, taking their study of ecosystems and biodiversity out into the field.

Moving through the exhibits in mixed-grade groups, students saw firsthand what they had been covering in class. They observed the varied habitats that support wildlife and learned about the real-world conservation efforts underway to protect them. Zoo staff added helpful context along the way, answering questions and pointing out details that do not always make it into a textbook.

Grouping students across grades gave the day an added benefit beyond the curriculum. Seventh graders, eighth graders, and eleventh graders don’t often share a bus, let alone an afternoon exploring exhibits together, and the mix made for some great conversation as they walked the grounds.

Photos were taken, favourite animals were debated, and one clear winner emerged: a baby giraffe that had the whole group stopping in its tracks. It was, by every measure, a fantastic day of exploring science and the natural world outside the usual classroom routine.