CNPRC Education Outreach Program

The Education Outreach Program (EOP) was developed to introduce K-6 students to nonhuman primates, general science concepts, animals in research, and biomedical research programs and careers. It supports the California Science Content Standards.

Using classroom-tested and age-appropriate curriculum and manipulatives, children are presented with a 90-minute program. Each session begins with a general introductory discussion, allowing flexibility for questions and verbal discoveries. This is followed by a generous amount of time for manipulatives and self-discovery using displays, educational tools and experiments. A summary discussion follows, to tie together ideas and answer common questions that have come up during the self-discovery time.

A coloring and activity book is provided to each child to use during the discovery time, and to support continued learning of the materials covered during the program. The children are encouraged to share the information and excitement with their families and friends, extending the education benefits.

This program has been a huge success with the classes visited since it began in June 2003. Some of the comments we have received indicate that the children, as well as the adults, have a greater understanding of primates and the sciences, and the positive benefits that the Primate Center has on their lives.

Future goals include expanding our program to low-income and high-risk schools in Sacramento, Solano and Yolo Counties, reaching the families that are lacking in exposure to, and experience in, biomedical research, higher education and career opportunities in these fields.

If you are interested in finding out more about the program, or to schedule a visit to your classroom, please contact the Primate Center, or write to: eop@primate.ucdavis.edu.

Read about how we keep the monkeys happy and healthy: UC Davis Spotlight: Monkey Comfort