Vision

The class will investigate various design types along with local species to the area and their current status (endangered, at risk etc.).
The exemplar design and slides for minds on have been provided by The Toronto Zoo and is based on their community outreach program.
The students will use there learned design software skills and shop tool skills to efficiently build Bat Nurseries for local stakeholders.

Action

Students reviewed different model types including necessary and recommended sizes and material types that lend to a good bat nursery.

Students created AutoCAD files that make that allowed the most efficient manufacturing for 3 Bat Nurseries from plywood sheets and other materials.

The students operated tools such as drills, table saws, scroll saws, and sanders. Students applied laser etched Bat patterns and painted the units using eco safe paints.

Local community stakeholders where found to use the systems:

a) Town of Braford West Gwillimbury – Holland Marsh Drainage Board (Big Thank you to Ruth Westlake for the outreach)
b) Ontario Parks – Sibbald Point (Big Thank You to Seaaira LeBlanc for the outreach)

Reflection & Celebration

This Bat Nursery Project created a great learning opportunity for students in several ways.

Students who were ahead and needed an added challenge to test their skills and push themselves had the chance.
Some students took on greater leadership roles for decision making that have local community impacts.

Students pushed themselves knowing that the end product was not theirs igniting a different type of pride of work within.

3 Bat Nurseries were designed and built for a fraction of what sticker price would be, while also leaving excess materials to be used within the course. Nothing went to waste.