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A Genius Idea
A Genius Idea to let wildlife walk the walk
- Secondary 1
- Secondary 2
- Secondary 3
- Secondary 4
- Secondary 5
20–30 minutes
An engineering challenge in which students design and build a prototype wildlife crossing that allows animals to safely cross a road. They’ll explore different structural solutions while taking into account material constraints, structural strength, and environmental impact. This activity introduces engineering design principles and encourages students to reflect on how human infrastructure can coexist with natural habitats.
Physical principles covered
- Forces
- Properties of materials
- Structural rigidity
- Structural shapes (arches, triangles)
- Design of technical objects
- Environmental footprint
Required materials
- Printout of a road
- Thin cardboard
- Cardboard box
- Paper rolls
- Paper sheets
- Craft sticks
- Wooden blocks
- Paper straws
- Metal clips
- Elastics
- Blue adhesive putty
- Pipe cleaners
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Animal figurines
- Toy cars
- Rocks and twigs
- Various materials for the prototype
Concepts from the Québec Education Program
Science and Technology – The technological world:
- Design of technical objects
- Effects of forces
- Properties of materials
- Environmental footprint
- Competency 1: Seeks answers or solutions to scientific or technological problems