DaVinci Academy Students Take Top Honors at Minnesota Zoo Design Challenge!

Last week three 4th grade design teams and two eighth grade design teams represented our school at the 2nd annual ZooMS Exhibit Design Challenge at the Minnesota Zoo (ZooMS stands for Math and Science at the zoo). This was our school’s first year participating. There were over 1900 students from across the state who accepted the challenge this year and created 522 projects. Of the projects invited to attend the zoo exhibition days, 3 of the 41 elementary projects and 2 of the 36 middle school projects were from DaVinci Academy.

The 4th grade design team of Mahati R., Arushi S., and Jasmine R. took first place in the elementary competition on Tuesday and our eighth grade teams took both first and second place in the middle school competition on Thursday! First place went to Lilly J., Lauren K., Boatemmaa A., and Bella D. and second place went to Max W., Alan C., and Josh Y. Their designs were selected because of their thoroughness in meeting the needs of the animal, the zoo keeper, and the visitors. An education staff member at the zoo commented to our staff that the depth of scientific knowledge our students shared was far superior to other schools. Each team won a free return visit to the zoo and a one-of-a kind behind the scenes experience with the Grizzly Bears or Penguins next month!

The other two 4th grade teams were excellent ambassadors of our school as well. Congratulations to all of these students and to their science teachers, Mrs. Payne and Mrs. Brown, and to project coordinator, Mrs. Thom!