Engineering Activities to STOP the Panic Attack!
A student dunking their face into ice water during a simulated panic attack while measuring heart rate.Copyright W. Donnie Howell
Students explore the human brain's comparison to a computer by observing the autonomic nervous system's responses to stimuli, focusing on panic attacks. They simulate a panic attack by submerging their feet in ice water to activate the sympathetic nervous system (“fight-or-flight” response). Using BBC micro:bit and pulse sensors and applying the engineering design process, students measure heart rate and then test different methods to lower it, such as meditation or singing, aiming to reverse the fight-or-flight response. If unsuccessful, they refine their approach. Finally, students perform a positive control by submerging their faces in ice water to trigger the mammalian diving reflex (MDR), which activates the parasympathetic system and lowers heart rate.
Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles to solve problems in medicine and biology. Their work combines science, math, and technology to design equipment, devices, and software that help improve healthcare and save lives. For example, biomedical engineers might create artificial limbs (prosthetics), design pacemakers that help the heart to beat correctly, or develop machines that doctors use to take pictures inside the body, such as MRI scanners. They also work on cutting-edge projects like designing 3D-printed organs, improving robotic surgery tools, and even developing new ways to deliver medicine. In short, biomedical engineers use their creativity and technical skills to help doctors and patients by inventing new tools and solutions for the medical field.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system balance.
- Compare the human brain to a computer.
- Understand the nature of a panic attack and how to counteract it.