Building a Better Organ

Summary

Students will read about the development of the artificial heart and then choose from a list of organs to design a "working" model of one of them.

Materials

• student sheet (attached)
• craft sticks
• odds and ends
• rubber bands
• springs
• tape
• scissors
• plastic tubing
• packing materials
• plastic wrap
• game stuff
• things students bring in

Background for Teachers

Time Needed: 180 minutes spread over several days.

Instructional Procedures

Day one-40 minutes

1. Begin with the Opinionaire and Artificial Heart reading activity. It is on this website.
2. Gather as much "stuff" as you can, run off student sheets.

   Day two-45 minutes

3. Read introduction and procedures with students.
4. Organize students into groups of 3-4 and begin the research component of the task. Students must first pick their organ.
5. Have students decide who is bringing in the materials they need if it is more than you can provide.

   Day 3-45 minutes

6. Allow time to build the organ and test it.

   Day 4-40 minutes

7. Student groups will share their product with the class.

Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.