4th Grade Student Engineers design Toys for African Monkey Sanctuary

4^th graders were visited by Animal Defenders International (ADI) Education Director, Gigi Glendinning.  Gigi shared stories about several monkeys ADI rescued from harmful situations, and brought to Lakeview Monkey Sanctuary, in the UK. Practicing empathy, the students spent time thinking about the experiences and the needs of these primates; specifically, their need to be mentally stimulated.  They used the DESIGN THINKING PROCESS to create toys that will fascinate and challenge the monkeys.  The students worked collaboratively to brainstorm (or IDEATE) their sketches on paper.  The next step was to build a sculptural sketch, (or PROTOTYPE).  The prototype needed to go through multiple adjustments (or ITERATIONS), before it was ready. The students used tools such as drills, saws, hot glue guns, and clamps.  Some of the materials included rope, wood, cardboard, felt and tubing.  Every prototype was put to the TEST as students pulled, banged, dropped and played with their designs….just as if they were monkeys themselves! The children wrote letters, descriptions and project titles to go along with each toy.  They also recorded video interviews describing their work.  We plan to send all of the prototypes overseas to Lakeview this spring and look forward to seeing pictures or videos of the monkeys enjoying them!