The Design Lab- What’s in Your Paleo Park?

“What’s in Your Paleo Park?” is project-based learning (PBL) for Learners (Designers) who are creative animal lovers that might be interested in the design and workings of a zoo combined with the challenge of creating spaces for dinosaurs.  It will also be an opportunity to explore careers within a zoo beyond being a zookeeper (there’s lots of poop involved with being a keeper) and a scientific researcher.  

This PBL course will give Designers an opportunity to select a focus species to create an exhibit/living space taking the needs of the animal and exhibit requirements into account.  How large will that specific animal grow and how long will it live?  What are its nutritional needs?  What type of environment is that species from?  Do they live in groups and need companionship?

The week will culminate with each Designer creating an exhibit space for their species and presenting it to the other members of our design group.  

Class 1: Paleontology Basics
•	What is the difference between a dinosaur, a reptile, and a bird?
•	What is the timeline for various prehistoric species?  The stegosaurus and t-rex never existed at the same time?!
•	What type of environment would be best for a variety of species?  Where should our Paleo Park be located?
•	The Design Process
•	Homework: select a species for your design

Class 2: Natural History & Behavioral Enrichment
•	Requirements for an exhibit space- discover how the natural history of a species influences design
•	What is behavioral enrichment?  What should be included in your design to have happy, healthy animals?
•	Homework: research the requirements needed for your selected species and develop a basic concept for your design

Class 3: Design Considerations
•	Design/Architecture Basics- scale, plans (floor plans, elevations, etc…)
•	What types of nutrition does your species need?  How much will it need to eat? How will you feed it?
•	What types of security needs might be needed for your species?  Would they be a danger to the public if it was to escape?
•	Homework: begin adding details to your design

Class 4: The Research & Study of Dinosaurs
•	How did dinosaur research begin?  We’ll take a look at the Bone Wars that dominated the American scientific community of the late 1800s.
•	How has paleontological research changed over the last 150 years?  What types of research and preservation efforts are emerging?
•	One-on-one breakout with the instructor for your design
•	Homework: finish up your design and create a visual presentation of your design to present to the group

Class 5: Project Presentation
•	To create a complete Paleo Park, what needs for the public would also need to be addressed?  
•	Designers will also learn about the various careers working within paleontology and the zoological fields.
•	Present your species and project design with the rest of the design group.  Presentations do not need to be longer than 5 minutes and do not have to be intensive digital presentations.