4th
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!
