"Lismore STEM students tackle one-handed prosthetic limb challenge"

Lismore STEM students are embarking on a significant endeavor by addressing the challenge of designing prosthetic limbs specifically tailored for one-handed individuals. This initiative not only showcases their dedication to advancing prosthetic technology but also highlights their innovative problem-solving skills in the field of STEM. By focusing on this specific need, these students aim to make a meaningful impact by creating functional and accessible solutions that can improve the quality of life for individuals with limb differences.

Boston Brand Media brings you the latest news - In brief, high school STEM students in New South Wales are crafting prosthetic hands as an educational project. They start by securing one of their hands in a stubby holder and are tasked with completing the project using only their other hand. Looking ahead, these prosthetics will be shipped abroad to countries including India, Ethiopia, and the Philippines.

In Australia, a teacher creatively uses beer holders to simulate the experience of limb loss for students. At Lismore's Rivers Secondary College, comprising three public high schools, students recently engaged in a unique lesson. They were challenged to place a stubby holder on their dominant hand and assemble a prosthetic hand, gaining firsthand insight into the realities faced by amputees.

The group of forward-thinking students understood the reasoning behind the activity. "It gives us insight into the challenges faced by people who lose their dominant hand or are born without one," explained 14-year-old Nahla Martin.

Real-life STEM

The activity aimed to develop problem-solving skills among students studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while also addressing the demand for prosthetics among amputees.

"We aim to engage students in projects with tangible real-world impact, so they feel they're contributing to solutions," explained STEM project officer Zane Van den Berg.

This initiative aligned perfectly with Helping Hands, an Australian social enterprise dedicated to providing prosthetic solutions.

Boston Brand Media also found that ,Helping Hands, an organization established to aid amputees, has supplied nearly 25,000 prosthetic hands, primarily to land mine victims. These hands are assembled through team-building exercises, often involving corporate groups in Australia. According to Helping Hands founder Matt Henricks, this activity encourages participants to step outside their comfort zones, fostering personal growth. The organization significantly reduces costs by utilizing volunteer labor, making prosthetics accessible at a fraction of the commercial price. Dr. Henricks expressed enthusiasm about the program's educational use, hoping it inspires students to pursue careers in STEM.

"I love to think that there are aspiring scientists who will pursue this path."

Patience required

Thirteen-year-old student Izzy McLean expressed her enjoyment of the process, stating, "My favorite part has been seeing it come together slowly because each success makes me happy." She added, "We're getting closer to being able to give this to someone who needs it."

With their hand secured in a stubby holder, Izzy and fellow student Charli Bell, 15, made progress on the prosthetic hand, gaining valuable insights along the way.

"Having only one hand... teaches you patience in getting things done," Izzy remarked.

STEM project officer Karen Ramsay hoped the experience would offer the students a fresh perspective on engineering.

"Often, students associate engineering with civil projects, but this involves mechanical engineering and the immediate impact it can have on someone's life," she explained.

"We aim to present authentic challenges to students, knowing that this project will directly benefit someone and make a significant difference in their life."

For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: abc net‍