Dan & Cassidy Towriss IDEA Space KC

Student Engineers Build a better Chicken Coop

Using their ingenuity and engineering know-how, upper school students pitched ideas for a predator-proof chicken coops this week. 
The challenge centered on a fictional client, “Farmer Fran,” who needed a way to protect her free-roaming flock from hungry foxes and raccoons. Working in groups at IDEA Space, students were tasked with developing a solution that addressed Fran’s needs while meeting at least seven required specifications.

The project took students through the engineering design process, beginning with identifying the problem and brainstorming possible solutions. Teams then designed and built prototypes and refined their ideas through multiple rounds of iteration.

The challenge culminated in student presentations, as groups pitched their proposed designs to “Farmer Fran” and a panel of faculty and administrators.

Students were also challenged to communicate every step of their engineering process, using CAD models and sketches to explain their designs and detail how their solutions addressed the problem. Presentations included descriptions of the testing process, along with updates and improvements teams made based on their results.

One team's prototype tapped into hens' natural instincts to seek shelter at night. The design used audio alerts to respond when predators were detected, activating a mechanical screen to cover the birds' enclosure and provide an added layer of protection.

Another team developed a system that combined sounds, treats and a timer to deter predators, alert the farmer and encourage the chickens to move into a designated safe space. Once the birds were inside, a protective door would automatically close.

Testing and feedback helped that team take its concept a step further, expanding the product into three different levels to better accommodate the varying needs of potential customers.

Beyond designing a better chicken coop, the project gave students an opportunity to experience the value of the engineering design process firsthand. They learned that successful engineering takes more than a good idea: It requires identifying a problem, developing a thoughtful solution, building and testing a prototype, evaluating results and making improvements along the way.

Just as importantly, presenting their work to an audience challenged students to clearly explain their thinking, defend their decisions and communicate the value of their designs. Through collaboration, hands-on prototyping, problem-solving and iteration, students experienced how engineers turn creative ideas into practical solutions to real-world challenges.
 
 
 


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    • Kieran and Jake present the Chicken Protection System

    • The students relied on a bird's natural instinct to seek shelter in the dark when deciding on their design.

    • Jay and Sawyer used soundss, treats and timers to prompt chickens through a protective door into a predator-proof coop.

    • All groups presented their plans to an audience of engineering faculty and administrators.

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