Work

Mimicking Bone Bioscaffolds with K'NEX: Developing Student Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills (P12 Resource Exchange)

Year: 2016

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Bone can become injured by trauma or disease. The field of tissue engineering strives to replace or repair injured bone through the combination of cells and porous scaffolds made of biomaterials. This paper describes how middle school and high school teachers can introduce their students to college-level tissue engineering principles and problem solving methods using simple materials. K’NEX toy construction sets are used to mimic the construction of a bone bioscaffold, as they are durable and can yield a variety of geometrical shapes. The student learning goals include: 1) Designing and creating a scaffold that meets mechanical specifications; 2) Analyzing the role of geometry on scaffold strength; and 3) Recognizing the real-world applications of bioscaffolds. Students will develop their creativity and problem solving skills through the scaffold design and testing process.

Source: ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

DOI: 10.18260/p.25722

Authors: Margaret Bennewitz, Ruben Hartogs, Mary Besterfield-Sacre

Institution: University of Pittsburgh

Language: English

Topic: Science Education and Pedagogy

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W2612057643