Animal Prosthesis Challenge: Design a Helping Limb
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as orthotists and prosthetists, design and present a functional prosthetic that integrates with an injured animal's existing systems to improve its chances of survival?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do the structures of different organisms enable them to survive?
- How can we apply our understanding of animal structures to design a prosthetic that aids in an animal's survival?
- What are the key considerations when designing a functional prosthesis for an animal?
- How does the prosthesis interact with the animal's existing systems to promote survival?
- How can we effectively communicate the design and function of our prosthetic to others?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to design a functional animal prosthetic.
- Students will be able to explain how animal structures enable them to survive.
- Students will be able to present the function of their prosthetic design.
- Students will be able to apply their understanding of animal structures to design a prosthetic.
- Students will be able to understand the key considerations when designing a functional prosthesis for an animal.
- Students will be able to understand how the prosthesis interacts with the animal's existing systems to promote survival.
- Students will be able to communicate the design and function of their prosthetic to others effectively.
- Students will be able to follow the design process to design, build, and evaluate a model of a prosthesis.
- Students will be able to research the specific animal structure they will recreate with a prosthesis.
- Students will be able to create a presentation to share their prototype and explain how the structure of the prosthesis works with the organism’s other structures as a system to promote the animal’s survival.
- Students will be able to improve an injured animal's chances of survival through the design of a prosthesis that restores movement or eating abilities.
- Students will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of their prosthetic design in relation to the animal's needs and survival.
- Students will be able to understand the concept of systems in the context of living organisms and prosthetic devices.
- Students will be able to collaborate effectively with peers to design, build, and present their prosthetic design.
- Students will be able to use appropriate tools and materials to construct a functional animal prosthesis.
- Students will be able to understand the importance of iteration and refinement in the design process.
- Students will be able to connect the design of prosthetic devices to real-world applications and advancements in veterinary medicine.
- Students will be able to improve their communication and presentation skills through the sharing of their prosthetic design and its functionality.
NGSS
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsAnimal Rescue Challenge
A local animal shelter brings in an animal with a missing limb or other injury that requires a prosthetic. Students meet the animal, learn about its challenges, and brainstorm initial ideas for how a prosthetic device could help it survive and thrive. This creates an emotional connection and immediate relevance for the project.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Animal Structure Spotlight
Students select an animal and the structure that requires a prosthetic, researching its function in detail. They will create a detailed anatomical drawing, labeling key components and explaining how the structure contributes to the animal's survival.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA labeled anatomical drawing and a written explanation of the structure's function and its importance for the animal's survival.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers 4-LS1-1 (internal and external structures that function to support survival) and 4-LS1-2 (animals receive and respond to information).Prosthetic Design Brainstorm
Students will brainstorm and sketch initial prosthetic designs. They will consider how the prosthetic will attach to the animal, how it will function, and what materials will be needed.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA series of sketches showing different prosthetic design ideas, with annotations explaining their functionality and materials.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers 4-LS1-1 (designing a prosthetic that integrates with existing systems) and 4-LS1-2 (prosthesis enabling response to stimuli).Model Build & Test
Students will build a model of their chosen prosthetic design. After building, they will test the model, collect data on its performance, and identify areas for improvement.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA functional model of the prosthetic, along with a written report detailing the testing process, results, and areas for improvement.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers 4-LS1-1 (evaluating the prosthetic's integration and function) and 4-LS1-2 (testing the prosthesis's ability to aid in information reception and response).Prosthetic Presentation Showcase
Students will prepare and deliver a presentation showcasing their prosthetic design. They will explain the animal's needs, the design process, the prosthetic's functionality, and how it integrates with the animal's existing systems.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation (slides, poster, or video) explaining the prosthetic design and its benefits, delivered to the class.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers 4-LS1-1 (communicating how the prosthetic supports survival) and 4-LS1-2 (explaining how the prosthetic enables the animal to receive and respond to information).Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioAnimal Prosthetic Design Rubric
Anatomical Understanding
Focuses on the accuracy and depth of understanding demonstrated in the anatomical drawing and functional explanation of the animal structure and prosthetic design.Anatomical Accuracy
Accuracy and detail in representing the animal's anatomy and the prosthetic design.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the animal's anatomy and accurately represents intricate details in the drawing and prosthetic design. The drawing is exceptionally detailed and precise.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough understanding of the animal's anatomy and accurately represents key details in the drawing and prosthetic design. The drawing is detailed and precise.
Developing
2 PointsShows an emerging understanding of the animal's anatomy, with some inaccuracies or omissions in the drawing and prosthetic design. The drawing lacks detail or precision.
Beginning
1 PointsShows a beginning understanding of the animal's anatomy, with significant inaccuracies or omissions in the drawing and prosthetic design. The drawing is incomplete and lacks detail.
Functional Explanation
Depth and clarity in explaining the structure's function and importance for the animal's survival. How well do they communicate its role?
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and insightful explanation of the structure's function and its critical importance for the animal's survival. Explanation demonstrates sophisticated reasoning and understanding of complex relationships.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and thorough explanation of the structure's function and its importance for the animal's survival. Explanation demonstrates effective reasoning and understanding of key relationships.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic explanation of the structure's function, but struggles to fully explain its importance for the animal's survival. Explanation demonstrates basic reasoning and understanding of simple relationships.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides a limited or unclear explanation of the structure's function and its importance for the animal's survival. Explanation lacks reasoning and understanding of relationships.
Prosthetic Design
Focuses on the quality and innovation of the prosthetic design ideas, as well as the clarity and detail of the sketches and annotations.Design Innovation
Originality and feasibility of the prosthetic design ideas. How innovative and practical are the proposed solutions?
Exemplary
4 PointsGenerates highly original and feasible prosthetic design ideas, demonstrating innovative thinking and a deep understanding of practical considerations. Sketches are exceptionally creative and well-considered.
Proficient
3 PointsGenerates original and feasible prosthetic design ideas, demonstrating creative thinking and a good understanding of practical considerations. Sketches are creative and well-considered.
Developing
2 PointsGenerates some prosthetic design ideas, but they may lack originality or feasibility. Demonstrates some understanding of practical considerations. Sketches lack detail or clear purpose.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to generate prosthetic design ideas that are original or feasible. Demonstrates limited understanding of practical considerations. Sketches are incomplete and poorly considered.
Communication Clarity
Clarity and detail in sketches and annotations. How well are the design ideas communicated visually and in writing?
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents sketches that are exceptionally clear, detailed, and well-annotated, effectively communicating the design ideas and their functionality. Annotations demonstrate sophisticated understanding and attention to detail.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents sketches that are clear, detailed, and well-annotated, effectively communicating the design ideas and their functionality. Annotations demonstrate thorough understanding and attention to detail.
Developing
2 PointsPresents sketches that lack clarity, detail, or annotations, making it difficult to understand the design ideas and their functionality. Annotations are incomplete or unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents sketches that are unclear, lacking detail, and poorly annotated, failing to communicate the design ideas and their functionality. Annotations are missing or incomprehensible.
Model Testing
Focuses on the functionality and durability of the prosthetic model, as well as the thoroughness and accuracy of the testing process and results.Model Functionality
Functionality and durability of the prosthetic model. How well does the model function and withstand testing?
Exemplary
4 PointsBuilds a prosthetic model that functions exceptionally well and demonstrates high durability under testing conditions. The model's performance significantly exceeds expectations.
Proficient
3 PointsBuilds a prosthetic model that functions well and demonstrates good durability under testing conditions. The model's performance meets expectations.
Developing
2 PointsBuilds a prosthetic model that has limited functionality and/or durability under testing conditions. The model's performance is below expectations.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to build a functional prosthetic model that can withstand testing. The model is fragile and does not perform as expected.
Testing and Evaluation
Thoroughness and accuracy of the testing process, results, and observations. How well is the model tested and evaluated?
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts a highly thorough and accurate testing process, collecting detailed data and making insightful observations. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the model's performance and identifies areas for significant improvement.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts a thorough and accurate testing process, collecting relevant data and making clear observations. The report provides a clear analysis of the model's performance and identifies areas for improvement.
Developing
2 PointsConducts a limited or inaccurate testing process, collecting incomplete data and making superficial observations. The report lacks a clear analysis of the model's performance and identifies few areas for improvement.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to conduct a thorough or accurate testing process, collecting minimal data and making vague observations. The report is incomplete and lacks analysis of the model's performance.
Presentation Skills
Focuses on the clarity and organization of the presentation, as well as the depth of understanding demonstrated in explaining the animal's needs, the design process, and the prosthetic's functionality.Presentation Clarity
Clarity and organization of the presentation. How well is the information presented in a clear and structured manner?
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers a presentation that is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and engaging, effectively communicating the animal's needs, the design process, and the prosthetic's functionality. The presentation is highly professional and captivating.
Proficient
3 PointsDelivers a presentation that is clear, well-organized, and engaging, effectively communicating the animal's needs, the design process, and the prosthetic's functionality. The presentation is professional and informative.
Developing
2 PointsDelivers a presentation that lacks clarity, organization, or engagement, making it difficult to understand the animal's needs, the design process, or the prosthetic's functionality. The presentation is disorganized and uninspired.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to deliver a clear or organized presentation, failing to communicate the animal's needs, the design process, or the prosthetic's functionality. The presentation is confusing and poorly prepared.
Understanding and Explanation
Depth of understanding demonstrated in explaining the animal's needs, the design process, and the prosthetic's functionality. How well do they show their comprehension?
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the animal's needs, the design process, and the prosthetic's functionality, providing insightful explanations and connections. The presentation demonstrates exceptional critical thinking and synthesis of information.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough understanding of the animal's needs, the design process, and the prosthetic's functionality, providing clear explanations and connections. The presentation demonstrates effective critical thinking and synthesis of information.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates a limited understanding of the animal's needs, the design process, or the prosthetic's functionality, struggling to provide clear explanations or connections. The presentation lacks critical thinking and synthesis of information.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates a minimal understanding of the animal's needs, the design process, and the prosthetic's functionality, failing to provide clear explanations or connections. The presentation is superficial and lacks critical thinking.