Iguana Home Task
Evaluate and explain how to fix the habitat of a classroom iguana.
In the Iguana Home task, students help troubleshoot and fix the habitat for a classroom iguana named "Iggy." Students first learn about iguanas and their basic needs, and then they work through the task to determine how best to fix Iggy’s wire mesh cage.
67%
of students were able to analyze and identify a design problem.
8%
of students successfully explained how a set of design changes could solve a problem.
69%
of students were able to recognize requirements and critique a proposed design solution.
Explore task details by selecting a step below
Step 1
Evaluating the Cage Design to Solve Problem 1
Students consider design solutions and make predictions for solving the problem of Iggy’s cage being too cold.
Step 2
Evaluating the Cage Design to Solve Problem 2
Students consider design solutions and make predictions for solving the problem of Iggy being awake and active at night.
Step 3
Testing the Cage Design and Evaluating Alternative Solutions
Students observe Iggy’s behavior to determine whether the proposed cage design solutions solve Iggy’s problems.
Step 4
Redesigning the Cage to Prevent Dehydration
Students select a cage redesign to prevent dehydration.
A Closer Look: Students' Abilities to Evaluate Design Options, Predict Outcomes of Design Changes, and Explain Design Solutions
Six percent of students could identify an unmet design requirement, predict the outcome of a design change, and explain how design changes could solve a problem.
Students were able to identify design problems and predict the outcomes of design decisions but were less able to explain how a design change could solve a problem.