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indent Achievements > 2002 Nuggets

Guy SIMPlant

Buddy D. Ratner, University of Washington, EEC-9529161

The Engineered Biomaterials ERC at the University of Washington (EEC 9529161) is using their exciting developments in medicine, biology, and engineering to stimulate young people toward careers in science and engineering. One example is Guy SIMPlant (www.guysimplant.org). Guy SIMPlant is a computer learning environment on a CD developed by the center and the University of Washington School of Art to catalyze education on the properties of materials and how they are used in medicine. Guy SIMPlant leaps from a spy plane, his parachute fails and he sustains multiple injuries. His damaged body parts must be repaired so he can complete his mission. This is the scenario presented to a group of sixth-graders huddled around a computer screen. Youngsters are challenged to repair Guy’s hand using an on-line “lab,” a “virtual body,” and a “materials box” to design their implant. Within this section, the player has access to information about anatomy, how the hand works (“virtual body” section) and a full inventory of materials to select from. By dragging from the materials box, the students are able to construct a blueprint of the hand. When ready, they can push a “Test it” button to receive feedback on how well their design functions, if it is strong enough, and if it has esthetic appeal. The center is distributing CD-ROMs to K-12 teachers and students.

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