STEM II
During the second part of the year, students work in small teams in order to engineer new products; usually assistive technology devices. They meet with clients, conduct patent searches, design and build prototypes, demonstrate their products to expert judges, and deliver the products to their clients. Throughout the course, students practice incorporating purpose, clarity, organization, mechanics, and audience appeal as they communicate about topics in science and technology. Assignments consist of research papers, short essays, technical reports, and presentations. Students participate actively, as both writers and self-editors, and their works are consistently revised and often submitted for publication in online and print journals.
The Watering Point
Problem Statement
Children around the world are born with various developmental disabilities every year. These disabilities can range from mild to severe, both mentally and physically, negatively impacting a child's quality of life and ability to participate in various tasks. For example, Down syndrome is a disability where individuals are born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. It presents with various physical signs, such as weaker muscles, but can also cause other defects, such as congenital heart problems. People with Down syndrome often need care throughout their lives to maintain their quality of life (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). Another example of a disease that worsens the quality of life of individuals is cerebral palsy. People with cerebral palsy have weakened movement and posture, which can cause tremors, lowered coordination, and other symptoms. They may also have neurological symptoms such as seizures, trouble with vision or hearing, or even behavioral problems (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Individuals with these types of disabilities may need assistance to live their daily lives. Some use wheelchairs due to a lack of leg strength and use various switches to activate devices around them.
Design Approach
Design Approach 1: The first design features a solenoid that can be opened and closed under the control of the Arduino and the motor controller. Each set of components is separated from the rest to reduce the chance of water leaking into other areas. The goal is that the client would be able to attach their favorite switch to the device, and when they activate the switch, water will flow.
Prototype
This is a photo of the initial prototype, showing the solenoid, water reservoir, and the electronics compartment. The design keeps water away from sensitive components and allows easy access for maintenance.