Wildlife Conservation Society (International Wildlife Park (Bronx Zoo ))

The Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo will partner with Miami's Metrozoo, Chicago's Brookfield Zoo, and Tucson's Reid Park Zoo to disseminate a successful educational program to other institutions throughout the nation. SPARKS—Supporting Parents in Advocacy, Reform and Knowledge in Science—has proven to be highly effective in helping museums redefine their relationships with parents and assume a more central role in meeting the educational needs of working families. Funding will support the establishment of SPARKS at 28 other zoos, museums, and science centers, where parents can engage their children in hands-on science learning. The project will provide museum professionals with the skills to train parents in effective teaching strategies. Funding will also support Family Science Fairs at host institutions to enable parents to share the experience of shared learning with the broader community. The project will also include a technical assistance program and a hotline that will foster a long-term peer support network for museum professionals.