Build an Artificial Bicep
Posted on May 21st, 2021 by Mary Lord
Students in grades 5 to 7 learn about how muscles work and follow the engineering design process to create their own biomedical device to aid in the recovery of a strained bicep. They discover the importance of rest to muscle recovery and that muscles (just like engineers!) work together to achieve a common goal.
Image from NASA Jet Propulsion Lab
Filed under: Class Activities, Grades 6-8, Grades K-5, Lesson Plans | Comments Off on Build an Artificial Bicep
Tags: anatomy, biceps, biomechanical engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Class Activities, Grades 6-8, Grades K-5, Human Body, Lesson Plan, muscles
Students in grades 7 to 9 explore mathematical algorithms and geometric concepts to devise possible solutions to how a robotic vacuum should move to best clean a floor of unknown shape and dimensions. They brainstorm, analyze, and present the best of the generated ideas before being introduced to an elegant solution that involves a random number generator determining which direction the robot will take when it hits a barrier. Note: Activity uses LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robot and software. 
Celebrate National Robotics Week April 3-11 with robot videos, family code night, or other fun virtual activity designed to inspire the next generation of engineers and roboticists. 
Learn skills and tools to help you integrate engineering and design in your STEM classes with TeachEngineering’s virtual professional development summer workshops for PreK-12 teachers. ASEE endorsed! 
Broadway tech, robotics, and racecar engineering are among dozens of engaging, interactive sessions being presented at Awesome Girls: National Girl Scout STEM Festival, a free virtual showcase for K-12 girls – including non-Girl Scouts – and their families. Register by April 9 for the Saturday, April 17 event. 
Join ASEE’s P-12 Educator Series for a free online panel discussion February 24, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Eastern on the challenges students and teachers face and strategies for dismantling racial barriers that will lead to more equitable and inclusive STEM learning environments.
Students in grades 6-8 use their knowledge about how healthy heart valves function to design, construct, and implant prototype replacement mitral valves for hypothetical patients’ hearts. In the process, they discover the pros and cons of different types of artificial heart valves based on materials, surgery requirements, and lifespan.
Because of COVID-19, National Engineers Week (February 21 – 27, 2021) is being celebrated virtually. This year’s theme, Imagining Tomorrow, salutes the critical work of engineers in creating a world safe from pandemics, climate change, cyber-attacks, and other daunting global challenges.
The Ohio Technology and Engineering Education Association hosts free monthly webinars for teachers. Next presentation: Monday, February 22 from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern on the Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy and a roadmap for teaching with ITEEA executive director Steve Barbato. See blog post for Zoom log in and link to standards.
