Example Course Inventor of Tomorrow: Animal Toy Design

Students will step into the shoes of animal behaviorists and toy inventors as they design and create enrichment toys for zoo animals. Zoo animals need toys and activities that engage their natural instincts, keep them active, and promote mental stimulation. Students will learn about the role of enrichment in zoos and then use their creativity to design functional and fun toys that could enhance the lives of animals in captivity. The focus will be on empathy, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary concepts as they explore how to meet the needs of various animals. Students will take home their toy invention for their favorite real or stuffed animal.