Above is our “Final Product” a Kenan Fellow, a wearable device that measure IR Temperature/ Body Surface Temperature so people can measure if they have Hyperthermia to prevent Heat Stroke. I wrote two unit lessons based on this experience. One unit was “Keeping Your Balance: Measuring Thermoregulation in Humans and Animals in Relation to Hypothermia and Hyperthermia” and the second unit is :”Engineering Design of a Prototype of a Wearable Device with Squishy Circuits”. Each unit at 4 lesson plans each.
The first unit: “Keeping Your Balance: Measuring Thermoregulation in Humans and Animals in Relation to Hypothermia and Hyperthermia” utilizes TI sensors to measure IR/Body Surface Temperatures in humans in a variety of settings, i.e. running, sitting etc.. Students learn about what is thermoregulation, hyper and hypothermia. Students then learn how this relates to body temperatures and how a TI Sensor can be used to get this data. Students utilize a TI Sensor in different settings and applies this knowledge as a way to prevent hyperthermia. Students learn what are sensors and how they work too. Students also learn other applications of TI Sensors.
The second unit: Engineering Design of a Prototype of a Wearable Device with Squishy Circuits”. In this unit students learn how electricity works, what are circuits by using squish circuits, circuits made with clay. Then students use squish circuits to learn engineering design and mind mapping and make a model of a wearable device using squishy circuits.
I really enjoyed creating these lessons and unit plans. I think they are able to demonstrate; engineering design, content knowledge about circuits and wearable devices, sensors and mind mapping. They encompass both student learning and application of knowledge and thinking. I think also from a teacher’s point of view they are not high cost and teachers will be able to access materials needed. In addition it allows for creativity for the students and they can have fun while leaning many important concepts.
While creating the lessons was the fun part for me the writing was not. I found it very difficult to write for teachers who may or may not have a background in the subject and direct instructions for things I automatically include in my lessons. I found this tedious and not fun. While I did enjoy presenting at conferences and talking and teaching other teachers how to do these lessons with their students by demonstration and hands on activities. Teachers used both the TI sensors and squishy circuits and wanted to use these lessons in their classroom. I think next year the Kenan Fellowship should consider having teachers submit their lessons in different formats, like YouTube videos.. I think they actually would be used more than just by writing them and get more publicity. I also think I liked presenting too more because it was not a one way conversation with immediate feedback, something I enjoy more than writing.
My students really enjoyed the lessons. The students were able to quickly learn the concepts of circuits, electricity and engineering design with them. The circuits are safe to use and fun and not intimidating to the kids. With this support they were able to move on to build more complex circuits with other types of materials. They were able to learn the basics of engineering design and carry this over to other projects. Squishy circuits allow lots of creativity which engaged my students who might not want to learn about electricity but were engaged by the art.
The kids were able to quickly learn how use the AP and use the TI Sensors. They learned about body systems in Grade 7 and hypo and hyperthermia. This lesson worked well with the curriculum. Students learned content needed but were able to apply their knowledge to sensor and make a wearable device. The kids also designed their own experiment using the sensor. My high school students also used these sensors and from it did mind mapping and developed an idea to make a sensor to measure stress in cows using many variables. This lesson gave them a good jumping off point to develop their own creation.
I think more lessons like we did for the Kenan Fellowship are needed to bridge the gap between current state of the art research and students in elementary, middle and high school . My students now know about wearable devices and how to create one. They saw the ones the ASSIST Center built and are creating their own. This allows students to see where research and knowledge can lead. It also allows the public understanding too, through our exhibit and science fair.
In addition I used my lessons to bribe my math students. During Smart Block a time where students come for math help, I bribed them by telling them after they complete their homework/help during smart block we can use these materials. It was a win-win situation, students did their math and learned more about science. These lessons worked well because they are hands on and allow students to learn, think and create. I try to do this as much as possible in all my lessons.
I anticipate using this lesson to expand more via both our Museum Exhibit in April at the North Carolina Natural Science Museum at SCITECH Day and also via MIT through being an EXCITE finalist for our invention of a wearable device for cows to measure stress. My middle schools students are now making an exhibit where they will use these lessons to teach visitors about wearable devices, electricity and nanotechnology. We will use TI sensors and squishy circuits and have the visitors use them too.
My high school students have a summer of learning planned with NCSU Professors, they will learn about cow anatomy, nerve function and how to measure stress in cows with the Vet School. We also will learn with the ASSIST Center how to make a circuit and wearable device. With the Animal Science Department we will test the device on cows and students will do their own research. I am excited for the students to have their own “fellowship” experience.
Making these lessons, made me a better teacher and taught me to add more thinking and creating to my lessons in addition to content and also helped my students learn more, be more engaged and have fun.