Broken Bones and Biomedical Materials
Students are introduced to the concept and steps of the engineering design process and taught how to apply it. Students first receive some background information about biomedical engineering (aka bioengineering). Then they learn about material selection and material properties by using a provided guide. In small groups, students learn of their design challenge (improve a cast for a broken arm), brainstorm solutions, are given materials and create prototypes. To finish, teams communicate their design solutions through class poster presentations.
Students design to improve a cast for a broken armCopyright Wikimedia Commons http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/Day_220_-_My_Husband's_Cast.jpg
Biomedical engineers who specialize in biomaterials, test and develop new materials that can be safely implanted in the body. Engineers who work in biomechanics apply principles from physics to biological systems. They develop artificial organs, such as the artificial heart. A strong background in material science is required to be able to design these implants.
The purpose of this activity is to introduce students to the concepts of the engineering design process and teach them how to apply those steps to an engineering design challenge. In this activity, students:
- Learn about different engineering disciplines.
- Use the engineering design process to solve a specific design task.
- Learn how to evaluate and choose materials based on material properties.
- Explore the concept of a prototype.
- Sketch and build a prototype of a design including a cross-section view.
- Explore the field of biomedical engineering.
- Develop methods for communicating a design solution to a group.