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YES Enrichment

Engineering Bandages

Lower Elementary Matter Camps/STEM Classes

Youth engineer bandages that can cover and protect a model cut.

unit Overview

Youth use the Engineering Design Process to design a bandage that covers and protects a model cut as the user does various tasks. Youth investigate sticky and absorbant materials and explore how the different parts of a bandage work together to create a successful design.

  • 9 activities (5 core, 4 optional)
  • 45–60 minutes per activity
  • Youth materials available in Spanish

Standards Alignment

YES Enrichment units connect with state and national standards.

unit Resources

Digital Resources (FREE)

YES provides these materials free of charge! Use the link below to download resources from our Google Drive.

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Purchase Materials
Educator Guide Pack - $69
  • Full-color print educator guide, plus multiple sets of heavy-duty reusable color-print resources (ex. vocabulary cards, materials glossaries, station signs, and student instructions) for the class.
Materials Kit - $259
  • Hands-on materials to support 24 learners.
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Unit Map

Youth engineer a school supply case and learn about the Engineering Design Process, a 5-phase problem-solving tool.

Youth are introduced to the problem and learn why bandages are the best technology to use for a cut.

Youth investigate which materials work well for the sticky sides and pad of a bandage.

Youth explore whether and how pre-planned bandage designs protect a cut when it is rubbed in soil. Then, youth imagine and plan a bandage.

Youth create and test their bandage designs and use what they learn to make improvements.

Youth decorate their bandage and test it to ensure the decoration does not impact its functioning.

Youth use what they know about bandage design to create, test, and improve a bandage that bends for a finger joint.

Youth survey peers about bandage use and make recommendations to a bandage company.

Youth present their bandages and share their processes with guests.

Our funders

Major support for this project has been provided by the National Science Foundation.