Empathize
Empathize
You will engage in a nature walk at a local reserve or park to observe tortoises in their natural habitat, take detailed notes on their behaviors and environmental preferences, and gather insights to inform the design of a tortoise enclosure that meets all survival needs.
Days 1 - 3
Ideate
Ideate
You will brainstorm and explore various design ideas for your tortoise enclosure through interactive sketching sessions, collaborative discussions with classmates, and reflecting on tortoise habitat research to generate diverse solution possibilities tuned to meet the tortoise's needs and align with project goals.
Days 7 - 10
Prototype
Prototype
You will construct a functional prototype of your tortoise enclosure, incorporating feedback from peers and experts to refine your design and ensure it effectively meets the survival needs of the species, using hands-on skills learned during community collaboration sessions.
Days 11 - 15
Empathize
Days 1–3
Day 1
Day 2
Define
Days 4–6
Ideate
Days 7–10
Prototype
Days 11–15
Test/Present
Days 16–20
July 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
27
Day 1
Empathize
Nature Walk to Observe Tortoise Habitats
Nature Walk to Observe Tortoise Habitats
Meet Park Stakeholders
Meet Park Stakeholders
28
Day 2
29
Day 3
Synthesize Field Observations into Problem
Synthesize Field Observations into Problem
August 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
3
Day 5
From Observation to Tortoise Enclosure Sketches
From Observation to Tortoise Enclosure Sketches
4
Day 6
Prototype Planning: Layouts and Materials
Prototype Planning: Layouts and Materials
6
Day 8
Creating Low-Fidelity Enclosure Layout Sketches
Creating Low-Fidelity Enclosure Layout Sketches
10
Day 9
Peer Review of Enclosure Design Plans
Peer Review of Enclosure Design Plans
11
Day 10
Material Feasibility and Safety Planning
Material Feasibility and Safety Planning
13
Day 12
Collaborative Peer Design Review Workshop
Collaborative Peer Design Review Workshop
17
Day 13
Materials, Safety, and Sustainability Audit
Materials, Safety, and Sustainability Audit
18
Day 14
Comprehensive Tortoise Habitat Requirements Mapping
Comprehensive Tortoise Habitat Requirements Mapping
19
Day 15
Scaled Model or Digital Mock-up Build
Scaled Model or Digital Mock-up Build
20
Day 16
Test/Present
Expo Q&A Practice and Reflective Revision
Expo Q&A Practice and Reflective Revision
24
Day 17
From Field Observations to Design Specs
From Field Observations to Design Specs
25
Day 18
Develop Construction Drawings and Materials List
Develop Construction Drawings and Materials List
26
Day 19
Peer Review and Design Refinement
Peer Review and Design Refinement
27
Day 20
Tortoise Habitat Expo
Tortoise Habitat Expo