Participate in the 2024 Massachusetts’ STEM Week! 

As part of Massachusetts’ STEM Week, we’re excited to present a two-tiered engineering design challenge for science teachers grades 5–8. Partnering with the Lloyd Center for Environment and Buttonwood Park Zoo, we invite science teachers to engage their students in redesigning zoo habitats through the "Extreme Zoo Makeover: A STEM Approach to Habitat Design."

Challenge Overview:
- Learn about the importance of zoo enclosure diversity
- Redesign Zoo Habitats: Create new animal habitats that meet their needs.
- Engineer Enrichment: Design enrichment items to stimulate natural behaviors.
- Public Engagement: Develop interpretive signs and interactive features.
- New for 2024: The advanced tier incorporates Arduino sensor technology!

Pre-Challenge Workshop:

Pre-Challenge Professional learning workshops will be offered on Saturday, September 28th at Buttonwood Park Zoo for teachers interested in either design challenge. During the workshop, you’ll participate in elements of the challenge and have the opportunity to try out your enrichment toys with animals at Buttonwood Park Zoo. For those interested in the new technology component of the Design Challenge, we will include a session on engaging participants in examples of the technology-based component of the challenge, working with Arduino-based solutions. With these two challenges, the Wade Institute welcomes new participants as well as former participants who would like to build on the Extreme Zoo Makeover challenge with their students this year.

Date: Saturday, September 28
Time: 8:30 AM–3:30 PM
Location: Buttonwood Park Zoo, New Bedford, MA
Cost: Free

Pre-register for the workshop and challenge to receive a curriculum guide and materials kit.
Spaces are limited, so sign up today! For more details and registration, visit Wade Institute's website!