(Full teacher resource documents are included in the PDF)
Lesson Focus Lesson focuses on the engineering and operation of artificial heart valves, and the interface between man and machine.
Lesson Synopsis
The Heart of the Matter activity explores the concept of valve operation and how engineering adapted valves for use in mechanical heart valve design. Students learn about several different valves used at home and in industry, and three different mechanical heart valve designs. Students examine and operate both a ball valve and a experiment with a gate valve, then they work as a team of "engineers" to develop and sketch enhancements to the mechanical heart valve.
Age Levels: 8-18
Objectives
Learn about valves.
Learn about engineering design changes to mechanical heart valves
Learn about human/machine interface to meet human needs.
Learn about teamwork and the engineering problem solving/design process.
Anticipated Learner Outcomes
As a result of this activity, students should develop an understanding of:
valves
mechanical - human interface
impact of engineering and technology on society
engineering problem solving
teamwork
Lesson Activities
Students learn about how valves operate and the engineering enhancements that have improved mechanical heart valve design over time. Topics examined include problem solving, teamwork, and the engineering design process. Students work in teams to examine and operate two types of valves, then recommend changes to improve the functionality of mechanical heart valves. Student teams sketch their new designs and present to the class.
