Seventh grade Technology Education students at Great Hollow Middle School have already jumped into hands-on learning with their Instant Design Challenge. This year’s project asks students to take on a meaningful task: designing orthoses for children with cerebral palsy.
Through the challenge, students are learning about the physical difficulties that individuals with cerebral palsy may face, as well as the role that supportive braces play in improving daily life. Their designs focus on creating orthoses to help with tight muscles in a child’s arms and legs, including devices for the wrist, elbow, knee, and ankle.
Working in the shop, students are collaborating, problem-solving, and applying creativity while gaining experience with tools and machines. The project not only builds technical skills but also fosters empathy by encouraging students to design solutions that can make a real difference in the lives of others.
