YES Enrichment
Engineering Sock Assistive Devices
Upper Elementary
Motion & Stability
Camps/STEM Classes
Youth engineer an assistive device that helps people with limited mobility put on their socks.
unit Overview
Youth use the Engineering Design Process to design an assistive device that helps people put on their socks without bending past their knees. Youth identify the steps of putting on a sock and explore materials for designing assistive devices.
- 10 activities (5 core, 5 optional)
- 40–55 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.
Download ResourcesPurchase 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 -
$239
- Hands-on materials to support 30 learners.
Unit Map
Youth engineer a school supply case and learn about the Engineering Design Process, a 5-phase problem-solving tool.
Youth identify that their sock aid needs to hold the sock open, pull it onto a foot, and let go of the sock.
To prepare for Step 1 of putting on a sock, youth engineer a device to hold a bag open and connect the experience to the sock aid problem.
To prepare for Step 2 of putting on a sock, youth engineer a device to pull a pillowcase on and connect the experience to the sock aid problem.
Youth create, test, and improve their sock aid designs.
Youth explore the accessibility of their program’s building from the perspective of various users.
Youth use the Engineering Design Process to improve a common household utensil so it is easier to use.
Youth analyze the accessibility of various common objects and brainstorm how to make them more accessible.
Youth learn about the careers of people who design assistive devices and/or teach others how to use them.
Youth present their sock aids and share their process with guests.
Educator Preparation Videos
Activity 3: Example Assistive Device
Activity 4: Test an Assistive Device to Pull on a Pillowcase
Our funders
Major support for this project has been provided by the National Science Foundation.