Inventing "Assistive Devices" That Give People Their Independence

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Grade(s)

6, 7, 8

Overview

What do hearing aids, wheelchairs and prosthetics all have in common? All three are examples of assistive technology that help people with disabilities or the elderly perform daily activities independently or with assistance. In this lesson, students will learn about assistive devices and how innovation plays a key role in the invention process, including raising empathy. Specifically, students will learn how 3D printed prosthetics are changing lives and design their own assistive technology to help others.

Using the invention process, teams will be asked to identify a problem that could be solved through a new assistive device or an innovation to an existing invention. They will then sketch, draw or build an assistive device to share with their classmates in 4 to 5 minutes presentations. Students should receive constructive feedback from their peers, work on any redesigns and present their device to real-life stakeholders. An optional activity for schools that have 3D printers is to allow students to 3D print their final designs.

Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 6

DLCS18.6.28

Define assistive technologies and state reasons they may be needed.

UP:DLCS18.6.28

Knowledge

Students know:
  • that people have differing abilities and that technologies exists to aid users in overcoming challenges.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • define 'assistive technology'.
  • explain reasons one may use an assistive technology.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • being different doesn't have to be a difficulty.
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 7

DLCS18.7.28

Classify types of assistive technologies.

UP:DLCS18.7.28

Vocabulary

  • assistive technology

Knowledge

Students know:
  • assistive technologies have been created to assist in many areas of need (auditory, visual, motor, etc.
    • ).

Skills

Students are able to:
  • distinguish the needs addressed by different assistive technologies.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • assistive technologies have been created to assist in many areas of need (auditory, visual, motor, etc.
    • ).
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 8

DLCS18.8.27

Analyze assistive technologies and how they improve the quality of life for users.

UP:DLCS18.8.27

Vocabulary

  • assistive technology

Knowledge

Students know:
  • technologies exist to assist users with varying needs.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • research assistive technologies.
  • determine the possible uses of assistive technologies that can improve quality of life for users.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • technologies exist or can be created to help people accomplish tasks they may not otherwise be able.

CR Resource Type

Lesson/Unit Plan

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

Custom
https://aptv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/2b91fafd-74bb-44ec-9d96-c4e43650db15…

Custom License Type (URL)

https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/help/terms-of-use/

Comments or Notes

PBS Learningmedia is a free resource for educators.  Educators can create an account to save resources to their dashboard and assign resources to students.

Approved Date

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