Design a Better Bandage
In this maker challenge, students follow the engineering design process and use water-absorbing crystals to create a bandage that can be used in a traumatic situation, like a car accident or hiking accident. Students first observe how water-absorbing crystals work and then consider how their function could be applied in a medical setting. Later, students design a new bandage while following a budget as well as some constraints. In conclusion, students discuss whether or not their design would be effective in the real world.
A student tests her bandage. She has added a packet of water absorbing crystals between two layers of gauze. The top of the bandage (not shown) has medical tape to help prevent blood loss.Copyright 2019 Mackenzie McNickle, University of Florida MRET