Zoology & Evolution Club

Belong. Socialize. Explore.

Pursue your interests! Discover the amazing diversity of the animal kingdom. Explore reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, fish, insects, and more through hands-on activities, museum collections, live animals, and conservation experiences.

  • When:  Fourth Monday of the month
  • Where: Burpee Museum, Rockford Illinois
  • Time: 6:30-8:00pm

Burpee Clubs: Communities of Curiosity

Pricing:

Drop In Admission – $25 (Best for First-time visitors, occasional participants, friends joining for a session)

Class pricing includes museum admission for the participant

Burpee Museum Member – $5  (Best for regular attendees who want the best value)

Introduction to Zoology

September 16 at 6:30pm

In this introductory session, we’ll discuss what zoology is, and how it relates to other branches of science.  We’ll take a deeper look into some of the things a zoologist studies, what adaptations are and how they’re used for survival, and how animals are classified through a system called taxonomy.  We’ll also discuss what food chains are and how they work together to make food pyramids.  

Fish:  Form, Function, & Survival

October 21 at 6:30pm

Get ready to dive beneath the surface and discover what makes fish so uniquely suited to life underwater! In this session, we’ll explore fish anatomy and adaptations, uncovering how different species have evolved specialized features and unique roles within their habitats. We’ll take a closer look through a virtual dissection, meet some of our resident fish species, and investigate the fascinating characteristics that help fish survive and thrive in their aquatic world.

Discovering Dinosaurs:  Uncovering the Past

November 23 at 6:30pm

What exactly are dinosaurs, and where did they come from?  Why were they so big?  We’ll answer these questions, and many more, as we take an in-depth look at this amazing group of animals.  We’ll also take a look at our paleontology department to see how dinosaur fossils are processed and catalogued.

Birds:  the Science of the Sky

December 28 at 6:30pm

Get ready to spread your wings and take flight! How do birds soar through the sky, hover in place, or zip from one tree to another? We’ll explore the amazing mechanics of flight and discover how different birds use their wings in fascinating ways. We’ll also learn some simple tricks for identifying birds and explore the many habitats they call home. By the end, you’ll see birds in a whole new way!

Snakes:  Slithering Serpents

January 25 at 6:30pm

Slither into the fascinating world of snakes! Often misunderstood, snakes play an important role in keeping our ecosystems healthy. We’ll uncover some of the incredible adaptations that help snakes survive, meet fascinating species from both the prehistoric and modern worlds, and discover what makes these animals so unique. Best of all, you’ll have the chance to interact with some of our live snakes and get a closer look at these amazing reptiles!

Mammals:  Life All Around Us

February 22 at 6:30pm

From tiny mice to enormous whales, mammals come in all shapes and sizes—and they’re all around us! In this session, we’ll discover what makes mammals different from other animals and explore the amazing ways they fit into our ecosystems. We’ll also learn how energy moves through the food web and discover simple ways we can share our world with mammals while helping protect them. Get ready to meet some incredible mammals and see the world from their point of view!