Ellis girls engineer for Zoo, Animal Rescue League

Ellis Introduction to Engineering Design students have been working with The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium and with Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center (ARL) to create feeding and enrichment devices that address real-world challenges facing animal care experts in both organizations. At the Zoo, the students worked with zoologists to create a more aesthetically pleasing flamingo feeder that would keep the ducks out, fit into a specific location, in the flamingo enclosure, and allow keepers to easily refill the food tray. Ellis students created two projects for Animal Rescue League. The first is a cat enrichment device that is sturdy enough to stand up to intensive cleaning and constant use. The second is a sprinkler that keeps crows entertained and cool during the hot summer months at ARL’s Wildlife Center.
These projects built on skills Ellis students developed through class projects, such as designing artificial limbs in AutoDesk and on the 3D printer. We are so proud of what these girls accomplished when given the opportunity to apply their skills for real clients. Active learning, technology and design thinking have been integral components of this new course co-taught by four faculty members - one from science, technology, engineering and math.

Working for animal and human clients challenged the girls to use active learning and design thinking method in new ways. Using the LUMA Institute http://www.luma-institute.com System of Innovating for People, the girls were challenged to select six appropriate methods to address the problems identified in their visits to both organizations. Building empathy is a key component of successful design thinking. Ellis students worked closely with the animal management staff to deeply understand the needs of the animals and humans at each location.

The students interviewed key stakeholders, determined constraints, and got their project plan into place. Using their analytic and empathetic skills, the girls designed and tested prototypes. Both at the Zoo and at Animal Rescue League, the students met the end-user up close in their habitats. (They also saw the behind-the-scenes areas for the Zoo’s tigers).

The teams used and leveraged their strengths, developed their collaboration skills, and also were required to present updates about their project to the entire class each week.

The feeders and enrichment devices were installed this week at all three locations. Both client organizations attended client debrief sessions at Ellis this week. Zoo and ARL staff were so impressed with the girls’ follow through, ability to meet deadlines, and responsiveness that Ellis will be invited to partner with both organizations again next year.
Back

Envision Her at Ellis

If you're interested in exploring Ellis for your daughter, let's connect! Request information about enrollment, attend one of our upcoming events, or hear about Ellis from those who know it best: our students.