The 8th grade Intro to Tech class submitted an application for the Samsung Solve competition. They were selected as a state finalist. This will include $2500 to proceed to the next step of product development.
The challenge or issue you and your students are planning to tackle
Sports and outdoor activities increase the risk of injury. Modern technology has allowed many advancements in materials and safety precautions. Helmets, kneepads, and other safety devices cannot report the impact or severity of the injury. Parents and medical professionals need help to identify injuries and possible safety device deterioration.
Using impact sensors on safety devices like helmets can alert users and medical for assistance. The impact sensor could link the device to reset.
This could be simple visibility to helmet or typing code on phone to report ok.
How will students use STEM to solve this problem?
"Having a pressure sensor in helmets, gloves, kneepads, and elbow pads. These sensors would detect or be broken after a fall. A light would be turned on and after 10 - 15 seconds, emergency services would be called. If you're OK but the sensors are activated, you should notice the light. If you see this light then you need to disactivate it by typing a code into a smaller device or your phone. There couldn't be a button because there's a chance you deactivate it by landing on the button. " Carl 8th grader
"We could solve this problem by making a device that you put into your helmet that detects if you are injured or if you are stuck, and calls emergency services." Parker 8th grade
How will you ensure the solution will be sustainable?
Create sports standards for safety protocol and gear inspection on certain activities.
Examples:
Ski or snowboard alert systems for ski patrol
Football and baseball impact bars after contact
Moto helmet impact light systems
Helmet inspections to determine if safety materials need to be disposed of and are not safe