Bringing the Zoo to Life with Delightex EDU

This term, my Year 3/4 students at Stirling East Primary School have been using Delightex EDU to design and build their own zoo enclosures, inspired by our recent excursion to the Adelaide Zoo.

The project aimed to combine design thinking with real-world environmental learning. After exploring different habitats and animal needs at the zoo, students returned to the classroom to analyse and evaluate the enclosures they observed — considering factors like space, enrichment, safety, and sustainability.

Using Delightex EDU, students then brought their ideas to life in 3D. The platform gave them the freedom to experiment with layouts, test design decisions, and visually communicate their thinking. Many students began by sketching ideas on paper, then transitioned into Delightex EDU to create digital prototypes that reflected their understanding of what makes an effective and ethical animal enclosure.

Throughout the process, students moved through the design thinking cycle:

  • Empathise – Understanding animal needs and visitor experience
  • Define – Identifying key design challenges
  • Ideate – Brainstorming creative solutions
  • Prototype – Building in Delightex EDU
  • Test and Reflect – Presenting and refining designs based on feedback

The level of engagement and creativity was remarkable. Students debated enclosure features, discussed natural behaviours of their chosen animals, and refined their designs to ensure both welfare and functionality were achieved. Delightex EDU enabled them to work independently yet collaboratively, and the visual nature of the tool helped every student — regardless of ability — to feel successful in expressing their ideas.

This project has not only deepened their understanding of animal habitats and environmental sustainability, but also built confidence in using digital design tools and applying critical and creative thinking. Delightex EDU has become an exciting way for my students to turn real-world learning into tangible, visual creations — and they’re already asking what we can design next!

Attachments

Classroom Creativity Innovation in Schools Design Thinking Instructional Design Age: 11–13 years Technology Integration

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