Wonder Window Washers
I propose designing a competitive, interactive game between elephants and zoo guests. In the elephant compound, there would be an area set up with two giant windows. In front of the windows would be multicolor tubes of bathtub paints. Kids could decorate the windows with all kinds of creative designs, then move to a protected area. Then they could then guess or hypothesize on a computer, which elephant they think will win. Then zoo keepers would bring out two elephants and roll out two gigantic barrels of water. The elephants would each go to a barrel, suck up as much water as possible in their trunk, and then power spray the windows as fast as they can. The elephant who sprays all the paint off first, would be the winner and would receive a special treat. Eventually, the elephants would come to understand the connection between spraying the water and earning the prize, just like they do in the circus. For the elephants, the game would be a great way to exercise their mind and body and keep their trunks clean. For zoo guests, it would be a great way to learn cool things about elephants such as their water power and strength and intellectual abilities. It would also provide a fun and safe way to interact with the animals.
I came up with this idea by thinking about animals that have special talents or characteristics and how they could use them differently than they currently do. I was also thinking about what would be cool or interesting to see at a zoo as a young person.
I propose designing a competitive, interactive game between elephants and zoo guests. In the elephant compound, there would be an area set up with two giant windows. In front of the windows would be multicolor tubes of bathtub paints. Kids could decorate the windows with all kinds of creative designs, then move to a protected area. Then they could then guess or hypothesize on a computer, which elephant they think will win. Then zoo keepers would bring out two elephants and roll out two gigantic barrels of water. The elephants would each go to a barrel, suck up as much water as possible in their trunk, and then power spray the windows as fast as they can. The elephant who sprays all the paint off first, would be the winner and would receive a special treat. Eventually, the elephants would come to understand the connection between spraying the water and earning the prize, just like they do in the circus. For the elephants, the game would be a great way to exercise their mind and body and keep their trunks clean. For zoo guests, it would be a great way to learn cool things about elephants such as their water power and strength and intellectual abilities. It would also provide a fun and safe way to interact with the animals.
I came up with this idea by thinking about animals that have special talents or characteristics and how they could use them differently than they currently do. I was also thinking about what would be cool or interesting to see at a zoo as a young person.