Problem-Based Learning with our Akron Zoo Partner
Posted on 04/09/2019
On April 4th, our 5th-grade learners presented their animal enrichment prototypes to the Akron Zoo. Four teams of learners presented designs for five different animal exhibits. Zoo animals included the snow leopard, Galapagos tortoise, goats & sheep, aviary, and the river otters. The Akron Zoo staff judged the designs to select one winning prototype for each exhibit. Prototype displays were brought to life in the school’s Digital Fabrication Lab. The winning model will be made into the actual animal enrichment piece used by the zoo. Winning learner teams will build their enrichment with Akron Zoo staff and watch the animal respond to the enrichment when it is put in the exhibit on May 15th. This event was the culmination of print research with materials from the Akron Public Library, electronic database research, and interviews with Akron Zoo animal experts at the zoo. Following research, learners collaborated on a design and blueprint which they shared in video format for feedback from the zoo before creating the final prototype shared in their persuasive demonstration.