Designing Knee Braces-Step 1

Our 4th graders are learning about the human body in their Science class. To get a S.T.E.M. slant on things, we decided to use the Engineering is Elementary unit on designing knee braces with this group. First, we read the story and assigned homework of doing the vocabulary sheet and the Engineering Design Process sheet.

Next, we learned about how a healthy knee works and took measurements with a goniometer. Then, using model injured knees, we took the same measurements and compared them. This is all part of the "Ask" step in the engineering design process.

Continuing with the "Ask" step, we looked at a bunch of different materials that the students will use to make their knee braces. Working in groups, the students will record the properties of each material as well as answering two questions: "How could you change the shape of the material?", and "How could you use it in making a knee brace?"