Ellis Engineering Students Partner with Local Clients
Upper School students partnered with local clients, the Humane Animal Rescue and the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, for their final community-based project in the elective, Introduction to Engineering Design. The course exposed students to major concepts encountered in university engineering classes and developed students’ problem-solving and research skills in the face of real-world challenges and clients.
Students collaborated with leaders from the Pittsburgh Zoo and the Humane Animal Rescue to create prototypes and solutions to problems their clients were currently facing. Each group went through the design thinking process, brainstormed ideas, crafted, and tested prototypes to fulfill their client’s objectives.
At Ellis, Upper School Science Teacher Sam Rauhala utilizes design thinking methods in the Introduction to Engineering Design course to encourage girls to inquire, define, and address problems affecting people’s lives. Through hands-on interpretation, research, and analysis, students articulate problems, troubleshoot, and find solutions. This exposure to experiential learning prepares students for the complex and dynamic world that awaits them after graduation.
Humane Animal Rescue
Kaley Forster, Class of 2017
Maddie Daily, Class of 2017
Maya Ginter-Frankovitch, Class of 2018
Zoe Papernick, Class of 2017
Request: The Humane Animal Rescue requested a reusable structure for cat colony rooms. The structure had to provide a safe, hiding place for cats, while still allowing potential adopters and volunteers to see and interact with the cats without causing them anxiety.
Proposal: After completing research on existing products and studying the behaviors of their own cats, students decided on a wooden structure that had a large front opening, a side ramp, and several top barriers. Made with the laser cutter at TechShop, the final prototype provided enough entertainment for interaction and shelter to hide but still be seen!
Pittsburgh Zoo
Laurel Conover, Class of 2018
Lemlem Gamble, Class of 2018
Angie Scheuermann, Class of 2018
Request: The zoo requested a puzzle feeder for gorillas based off a video they provided. The puzzle feeder had to be easily movable and engaging to keep gorillas interested and challenged.
Proposal: Students considered the design of the feeder from video provided by the zoo and worked to refine specifically for their client. They created two prototypes with different dimensions and levels of difficulty for the gorillas. Students decided on the final, larger prototype with stronger chicken wire and decided that a stick would be provided to the gorillas so they do not get their fingers stuck.
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.
