Engineer a Cane
Lesson Focus
Lesson focuses on how engineers improve assistive devices such as a cane to meet the needs of the elderly. Students work in teams to re-engineer a cane for a “client.” They are assigned a client profile, develop a design to suit the needs of the user, and those in older grades build a working prototype of their design.
Objectives
- Learn about assistive devices and technology.
- Learn about engineering design and redesign.
- Learn how engineering can help solve society’s challenges.
- Learn about teamwork and problem solving.
Anticipated Learner Outcomes
As a result of this activity, students should develop an understanding of:
- assistive devices and technology
- interaction of technology and societal issues
- engineering design
- teamwork
Lesson Activities
Students explore the impact of assistive technology on meeting the needs of society. They work in teams to reengineer an assistive device — in this case a cane — to meet the needs of a client. They develop a new design with features to assist the client’s specific needs, present new designs to their class, and older students will develop a prototype of their design.
Students explore the impact of assistive technology on meeting the needs of society. They work in teams to reengineer an assistive device — in this case a cane — to meet the needs of a client. They develop a new design with features to assist the client’s specific needs, present new designs to their class, and older students will develop a prototype of their design.
Resources/Materials
- Teacher Resource Documents (attached)
- Student Resource Sheet (attached)
- Student Worksheets (attached)
Download:
Full Lesson Plan PDF
Student Worksheets
Alignment to Curriculum Frameworks
Curriculum alignment sheet is included in PDF.
source [http://tryengineering.org]
