This online course features a series of seven challenges that engage students in the positive power of engineering and human-centered design. Lessons are designed to make it easy for grade 4-8 teachers to deliver remotely and include instruction as well as videos that can be assigned directly to students. Centered on the work e-NABLE has done to bring 3D printed prosthetics to people all around the world, students will learn about the Engineering Design Process, how makers and engineers are using that process in the face of COVID-19, the power of empathy in design, anatomy, and simple machines. The culminating challenge gives students the opportunity to create an initial prototype of an upper limb prosthetic.

Lesson Breakdown

We’ve broken down this series of lessons or challenges into seven parts:

1. Engineering Design Process
2. Using Tech For Good
3. What is a Limb Difference?
4. Getting to Know e-NABLE
5. Connecting to Anatomy
6. Simple Machines and the Human Body
7. Creating a Prototype

Your students will:

• Be empowered by witnessing the positive impact that “regular people” can make by using their imagination and resources for good.
• Engage in activities that strengthen empathy and social emotional learning while helping them gain a greater understanding of limb differences.
• Utilize design thinking and creativity to create a prototype of a prosthetic hand.
• Increase their understanding of human anatomy and simple machines.
• Connect prosthetic prototyping to anatomy and biology learning goals.