T.E.A.K. – Bioengineering
Mechanical Hand Lesson Plan
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T.E.A.K.
Traveling Engineering Activity Kits
Biomedical Engineering Kit:
The Biomechanical Hand and Joint
Biomechanical Hand Activity
T.E.A.K. - Bioengineering
Mechanical Hand Lesson Plan
Instructor Preparation Guide: Biomechanical Hand
Bioengineering Overview
Bioengineering is the use of engineering principles to tackle challenges in the fields of biology
and medicine. Bioengineering applies engineering design principles to model any living
systems.
Biomechanics Overview
Biomechanics is the application of mechanical principles to living organisms. Mechanical
engineers apply their engineering principles and knowledge of physics and mechanics to
simulate living things. Areas of biomechanics that will be covered in this lesson include
prosthesis, robotics, and materials. Prosthesis helps disabled humans perform tasks that they
could not naturally. Robotics is helping doctors perform surgeries that take a great deal of
precision and control. The materials needed for these applications of biomechanics must be
selected based on the many different functions and environments a system will be used in.
Figure 1 – Prosthetic Legs/Ankles
Figure 2 – Robotic Hand with Air Muscles
Robotic hands, such as the one in Figure 1 can achieve the same range of motion as a
human hand can. Doctors can use this technology to perform procedures without being in the
same room as the patient being operated on. Air muscles attached to wires simulate the effect
of a real human muscle. The concept for this robotic hand stems from simple mechanical
models, like the one in Figure 3, which the students will construct.
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T.E.A.K. - Bioengineering
Mechanical Hand Lesson Plan
Figure 3 – Mechanical Hand Activity
Image Resources
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Figure 1.0:
Prosthetic Legs/Ankles. Www.wikipedia.org. 3 Feb. 2009
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosthesis>.
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Figure 1.1:
Tactile Robotic Hand. Hacked Gadgets. 3 Feb. 2009
<http://hackedgadgets.com/2007/07/25/tactile-robotic-hand-with-air-muscles/>.
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Figure 2.0:
Give Yourself a Hand. Hey Kids. YES Mag. 3 Feb. 2009 <http://www.newsng.com/giveahand.cfm>.
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T.E.A.K. - Bioengineering
Mechanical Hand Lesson Plan
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Activity Preparation Guide - Biomechanical Hand
Overview
This kit is designed to give students a better understanding of how engineers solve
engineering problems and design systems to improve the quality of life for those with
disabilities. It further explains how engineers must analyze and acquire data from a biological
system in order to design and fabricate a biomechanical product. The main focus of this kit is
the design and fabrication of the hand and fingers, engineering problem solving, engineering
teamwork, and practical applications.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to…
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Explain what bioengineering is
Solve an engineering problem
Follow a procedure to build a prototype
See similarities/differences between a biomechanical finger and a human finger
Engineering Connection
Engineers work with Doctors and Surgeons to create solutions to many problems that
arise. Most medical instruments used today have been analyzed and designed by an engineer.
As technology continues to grow, engineers need to design new medical instruments or improve
on old ones. Engineers must acquire data from the testing or medical knowledge and design a
system to solve the given problem.
Activity Descriptions
A.) Introduction Discussion: 10 Minutes
This discussion will introduce the topic of bioengineering to the students and
demonstrate to them the current real world applications. The introductory
discussion will also cover terms and concepts that relate to biomechanical limbs.
B.) Mechanical Hand Activity: 30 Minutes
This activity will allow the students to construct a working mechanical finger on a
hand out of LEGOs, tape, straws and string. This activity will allow the students
to act as an engineer and build an artificial limb to work like an actual body part.
The students will also measure the strength of their own hand and compare that
to the strength of the mechanical hand they just built.
C.) Group Discussion: 10 Minutes
This concluding discussion will recap what the students have learned during the
activity. The discussion will further allow the students to give their own input on
how engineers must measure and record data in order to produce a functional
design solution to an engineering problem.
T.E.A.K. - Bioengineering
Mechanical Hand Lesson Plan
Material Preparation
Material must be prepared prior to teaching.
Materials are based on a class size of 25 students.
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LEGOs – 75 Pieces
Rubber Bands – 25 Pieces cut once
Masking Tape – 25 Pieces at 4’ lengths
String – 25 Pieces at 12” lengths
Foam Board – 25 Pieces sized 3”x2”
Straw – 100 Pieces at 3/4” Lengths
Dixie Cups – 25 Pieces
Put 3 LEGOs, a rubber band, a piece of string, and 4 pieces of straw into a Dixie cup. Place a
piece of the foam board over the top of the cup, like it’s a lid. Wrap the length of tape around
the cup/foam board to hold everything together.
Resources
1.) http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/cores.htm
2.) http://accelerateu.org/standards/index.cfm?page=Explore
3.) http://www.albanyinstitute.org/Education/standards.pdf
4.) http://www.new-sng.com/giveahand.cfm
New York State Learning Standards
New York State Health Learning Standards
a.) Standard 3: Resource Management
- Students: Distinguish between invalid and valid health information, products,
and services.
- Students: Analyze how the media and technology influence the selection of
health information, products, and services.
New York State Technology Learning Standards
a.) Standard 1: Engineering Design
-Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design,
as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers and develop solutions.
- Students:
 Activate devices
 Recognize why an object or choice is not working properly
 Recognize how a defective simple object or device might be fixed
 Under supervision, manipulate components of a simple, malfunctioning
device to improve its performance
 Design a structure or environment (e.g., a neighborhood) using modeling
materials such as LEGO Duplo blocks, model vehicles, model structures,
etc.)
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T.E.A.K. - Bioengineering
Mechanical Hand Lesson Plan
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b.) Standard 5: Technological Systems
- Students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use,
and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.
- Students:
 Identify and operate familiar systems
 Assemble simple systems
New York State Science Learning Standards
a.) Intermediate Standard 1: Analysis, Inquiry, and Design.
- T1.1: Identify needs and opportunities for technical solutions to from an
investigation of situations of general or social interest.
- T1.1a: Identify a scientific or human need that is subject to a technological solution
which applies scientific principles.
- T1.3a: Identify alternative solutions base on the constraints of the design.
b.) Intermediate Standard 6: Interconnectedness
- 1.2: Describe the differences and similarities between among engineering
systems, natural systems, and social systems.
- 1.4: Describe how the output of one part of a system can become the input to
other parts.
- 4.1: Describe how feedback mechanisms are use in both designed and natural
systems to keep changes within desired limits.
- 6.1: Determine the criteria and constraints and make trade-offs to determine the
best decision.
T.E.A.K. - Bioengineering
Mechanical Hand Lesson Plan
Biomechanical Hand
Duration
45-50 Minutes
Concepts Covered
Bioengineering
Biomechanics
Prosthetics
Medical Applications
Bioengineering Discussion: 2 Minutes
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T.E.A.K. - Bioengineering
Mechanical Hand Lesson Plan
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Background Information:
Bioengineering is the application of engineering principles to address challenges
in the fields of biology and medicine. Bioengineering is the application of the principles
of engineering design to the full spectrum of living systems.
Group Discussion:
Bioengineering Background
(Pose the following questions to the group and let discussion flow naturally… try to give
positive feedback to each child that contributes to the conversation)
What do you think bio (biology) means?
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The study of life and a branch of the natural sciences that studies living organisms and
how they interact with each other and their environment.
The study of the environment.
The study of living organisms and living systems.
What do you think engineering is? What do you think it means to be an engineer?
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A technical profession that applies skills in:
o Math
o Science
o Technology
o Materials
o Anatomy
o Environmental Studies
Discuss with the students what bioengineering is and the broad scope of areas that
bioengineering includes. For this discussion, provide students with examples of bioengineered
products and applications.
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Bioengineering applies engineering principles in the fields of medicine, biology, robotics,
and any other living system.
Examples of products that have been bioengineered are:
o Prosthetic Joints
o Artificial Limbs
o Hearing Aids
o Artificial Organs – Heart, Lungs, Etc.
o Dialysis Machines.
o Contact Lenses.
Mechanical Hand Activity Introduction:
5 Minutes
T.E.A.K. - Bioengineering
Mechanical Hand Lesson Plan
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Background Information:
This kit is designed to give students a better understanding of how engineers solve
engineering problems and design systems to improve the quality of life for those with
disabilities. It further explains how engineers must analyze and acquire data from a biological
system in order to design and fabricate a biomechanical product. The main focus of this kit is
the design and fabrication of the hand and fingers, engineering problem solving, engineering
teamwork, and practical applications.
Mechanical, or Robotic, limbs can serve different purposes. They can help people with
disabilities live a more normal life by serving as an artificial limb. They can also help doctors
perform complex medical procedures. As new technologies become available, there becomes
new ways to use these technologies to make human life better.
Simplified Definitions:
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Biomechanics – Taking knowledge of mechanical systems and applying them to living
organisms. EX: Prosthetic joint, robotics
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Prosthesis aka Prosthetics – An artificial extension that replaces a missing body part.
Used to replace body parts lost by injury, missing from birth, or to supplement a
defective body part.

Air Muscle – A man-made “muscle” that uses air pumped into tubing to mimic the
actions of human muscles. As the tubing expands, it causes the plastic mesh to get
shorter. This causes a “contraction” of the muscle. The mesh works like a Chinese finger
trap.
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Robotic Hand – A mechanical hand that is stationary, and is typically used to perform
medical procedures.
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Telesurgery – New technology using a robotic hand that allows a doctor in one location
to perform surgery at another location. The doctor wears a glove that transmits his
movements to the robotic hand controlled by air muscles.
Group Discussion:
Biomechanics
T.E.A.K. - Bioengineering
Mechanical Hand Lesson Plan
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(Pose the following questions to the group and let the discussion flow naturally… try to give
positive feedback to each child that contributes to the conversation)
Have you ever seen someone wearing a prosthetic (mechanical) limb?
(There will be various answers.)
Why would someone need a prosthetic limb?
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To replace a lost or missing limb.
To perform a task that they cannot do.
Increase strength or motion of human limb.
What do engineers need to know to create a prosthetic limb?
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Range of motion
Strength
Size
Location
Purpose
Do you think there is a difference in the design of a prosthetic hand compared to a
robotic hand?
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YES!
Prosthetic hands are designed to look like a human hand, where robotic hands are
designed for functionality
Prosthetic hands utilize a person’s remaining muscle, while a robotic hand needs air
muscles
Prosthetic hands are streamlined, while robotic hands may be bulky and take up lots of
room
T.E.A.K. - Bioengineering
Mechanical Hand Lesson Plan
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Biomechanical Hand Activity – 30 Minutes
Learning Objectives
By the end of this exercise, students should be able to…
 Follow a procedure to build an apparatus
 Determine similarities/differences between a biomechanical finger and a human finger
Materials (Per Finger Construction Kit)
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LEGOs – (3) Pieces
Rubber Bands – (1) Piece cut once
Masking Tape – (1) Piece cut to a 4’ length
String – (1) Piece cut to a 12” length
Foam Board – (1) Piece sized 3”x2”
Straw – (4) Pieces cut to 3/4” lengths
Dixie Cups – (1) Piece
Procedure
1. Pass out a biomechanical finger construction kit to each student. Instruct the students to
carefully unwrap the tape that is around the kit and hang it off their desk. (They will be using
this tape to build their hand, so make sure that they understand they need to try not to
tangle it.) The students should then lay all of the pieces on their desk.
2. Pass out an activity handout to each student/group.
3. Once everyone is ready to begin, the instructor will start going through the assembly
instructions step by step. In between each step, the instructor should walk amongst the
students and check that they are building their finger correctly.
*** Assembly instructions are on the activity handout. ***
4. Once all the students have correctly assembled their fingers, have them try to pick up
various objects around the classroom. While this is happening, walk around to each group
and let the students measure their grip strength with the hand dynamometer.
End Biomechanical Hand Activity
T.E.A.K. - Bioengineering
Mechanical Hand Lesson Plan
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Concluding Discussion: 5 Minutes
What were you able/unable to pick up with your hand/finger?
What were some of your limitations?
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Strength of material
Size of fingers
Spacing of fingers
Shape of hand/fingers
Think about how hard you squeezed on the hand dynamometer. What do you think would
happen if tried to squeeze that hard with your mechanical hand?
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The wood would break
The string would break
The tape would rip
What are some improvements you would make to have your mechanical hand work like a
human hand?
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Use a stronger material (metal or plastic)
Use a material with more friction
Make a thumb
T.E.A.K. - Bioengineering
Mechanical Hand Lesson Plan
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Revisions
Date
Changes Made
Changes Made By
10/13/2009
Updated the assembly procedure to account for the change
from wood to LEGO finger pieces. Added more detail to the
procedure and discussion sections. Also, updated pictures.
Heather Godlewski