It's Chicken Feed

Schools involved	Primary	Central	Secondary
	Rolland Plains PS: Year 6		Wauchope HS: Year 8

The inefficiency of chicken feeders used on local properties was identified as a significant problem. Students at both schools worked collaboratively to design and produce a more effective commercial chicken feeder. After researching the requirement of local producers, they set the following criteria for the new product: suitable for use with ten chickens; holds food for 1 week; keeps vermin out; keeps water out as much as possible; saves food from being wasted; and is strong and durable.

Students were involved in every aspect of the process. This project was STUDENT CENTRED and teacher facilitated.

• Local business: The class worked closely with rural producers. Students used producers to evaluate their new product at different stages of its development and to provide feedback on their final designs.
• Internet research: Students made effective use of the Internet to identify and evaluate existing commercial products. They saw value in exploring the conditions in countries that manufactured commercial feeders.
• Involving parents: Parent provided information about the chickens and their food requirements. They also provided help with manufacturing techniques. They expressed enthusiasm for authentic learning and commented on student learning throughout the project.
• Ongoing learning: Students appreciated the complexity of design and manufacture. They identified the need for: further modifications; feedback from resellers; redesigning; and marketing.

Reflections on Enterprise Learning

"It was really great going to the High School and learning to use real metalwork stuff."

"Our feeder is better than the one at home, and we bought that one! I really enjoyed seeing how things can be better!"

"We did a lot of maths to work out the shape of the metal before we folded it up."