UIS Workshop 14

In May, the 4-H Program from the University of Illinois-Springfield, completed a STEAM workshop with our IATP Makers program. With the completion of 3 workshops, students from the ages of 8-13 followed the design process to create a piece of assistive technology. The students were split into groups led by an IATP Maker. The Maker staff provided each group with a scenario, and they started by identifying the challenge and then creating sketches of ideas they had to create an assistive technology solution. They learned principles of Computer Aided Design (CAD) to help prototype their ideas so they could test them.

One project was to create a writing guide that would help Daredevil write a letter to his friend Spiderman. Another project was to create a writing aid for the studious ninja turtle, Donatello, as he has three fingers and needs an aid to help him take notes. The last project was to create a built-up handle for the Hulk as he has larger hands and needs some help to eat his favorite food, baked beans. At the end of the workshop, students presented their possible solutions to other IATP staff members, and each got to take a prototype of their final design home.

Students were able to learn about assistive technology devices, engage in problem solving and creative design, 3D print solutions, and practice presentation skills.

Contact the Maker Team for more information on learning and volunteer opportunities.

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