Making a sloth: an exploration of sloths and conservation education

Through the course of Spring 2022, I produced an anatomically accurate 3D model of a sloth and an accompanying set of supplemental learning materials related to wildlife conservation education. Through research, zoo visitations, and sculptural techniques, I developed a final three-dimensional product resembling an anatomically correct model of one sloth species. Supplemental materials accompany the sloth model to provide further insight to the animal and current conservation efforts. To arrive at the final product, research and studies were done related to the techniques, construction, and use of materials for the sculptural aspect of the project. The inspiration for the project relates to an Immersive Learning class called Conservation Tales, which produces wildlife conservation books for children made by a multidisciplinary student group at Ball State. Focusing upon the idea of wildlife conservation enabled me to explore the subjects of art and science. In conjunction with a biology professor, The Sloth Institute, zookeepers, and zoo educators, the project was developed through multiple perspectives, including art and conservation education. Overall, using art techniques, research and immersive exploration, I produced a creative thesis project for the purpose of wildlife conservation education about sloths for children in kindergarten through eighth grade.