Over September and through the beginning of October, the class (Technological Design – Middle Creek High School) completed the Wearable Device project designed through the Kenan Fellows Program. It was a highly interactive project that gave students the practice in programming using C/C++ Programming Language, designing circuits, applying sensors and output devices to gather feedback, as well as implementing the Engineering Design Process.

The students worked very hard and at the same time they experience numerous problems. Majority of these students had zero experience with programming which is a large aspect of the Wearable Device Project where they must design a device that can be worn by a rescue worker. The device uses the Arduino LilyPad board along with sensors and output devices (LEDs, Speakers, Motors). In fact, only 1 students had ever really programmed a device before using a programming language. This was difficult, but with time and practice, they were able to pick up some basics very quickly.

In September, we had Dr. Jur, from the ASSIT Center at NCSU, come in and introduce to students to a variety of engineering projects occuring at NCSU and various industries. He also informed them of the upcoming technologies that incorporate different sensors and output devices for both humans and animals.

After Dr. Jur’s visit, students worked for 5 weeks programming, designing, building, testing, advertising, and informing the public about their wearable device. Numerous students state they had no idea the amount of work that goes into such an item. They related this experience to many of the devices they interact with everyday.

Through The Kenan Fellows Program, me and fellow educators were able to design such projects and, through our classes, we are able to apply the projects. The Kenan Fellows Program also provides numerous resources (including audience members for students presentations) for teachers to utilize during the school year.