Chicken Coop Conundrum: An Engineering Design Challenge

A Chicken Coop Conundrum makes engineering concepts tangible for students by carefully integrating science, technology, and math to solve a real world problem: how to design a backyard chicken coop! Dr. Tory allows students to think critically and drive the direction of the lesson, since engineering often requires open-ended creativity. More than just an introduction to engineering, Chicken Coop Conundrum allows students to make explicit connections between STEM areas for data-informed design designs. A small class size allows learners to share their prior of knowledge, whether in math or chicken care, and explore multiple possible solutions to the engineering design challenge.

This class is primarily discussion based, with several slides to provide visual information and a general structure to working through the engineering design challenge as a team. Dr. Tory facilitates learners in making meaningful connections between their prior knowledge, ideas, and interpretations throughout the class. Therefore, learners will have ample opportunities to share their thinking and receive informal feedback by Dr. Tory. This class is designed with Universal Design for Learning in mind, for an inclusive experience.

It is recommended that enrolled learners have had some early introduction to the math concepts of rectangular area and perimeter. For those students ready for additional rigor, this class provides opportunities for extension activities to fulfil the learner's curiosity in STEM.
*Please note that class will be at least 50 mins, but depending on learner questions and discussion, some classes may reach 60 mins.*

Dr. Tory is neurodivergent and welcomes neurodiverse students (ADHD/ADD, autism/autistic, learning disabled, mental health differences, LGBTQ+, etc.) to enroll! Her inclusive and equitable class culture values each learner's voice (whether spoken or typed!) which is why class sizes are kept small and students are invited to communicate by their preferred method (camera anxiety? no problem!). Check out Dr. Tory's reviews and you'll notice her "patience" is a standout theme.