Engineering Biomaterials

Cells are the basic unit of life that enable us to do any and everything from breathing to rock climbing. A group of cells that are similar and work together to perform a specific function are known as tissues. Many of us know someone who has suffered from some type of serious injury such as a burn or disease
such as cancer. The result can be significant and irreversible damage to cells and tissues. Unfortunately, in some situations, current technology and treatment protocols are not advanced enough to fix the damage. We are therefore tasked with finding a practical solution to heal the patient: a biomaterial. A biomaterial is material produced to replace or repair damaged or missing tissue. Students will get the chance to design a model of a biomaterial.

Engineering Biomaterials TEK8 Student Handout

The student handout will be given to all students working on the design challenge. It gives a brief recap of the story, it helps the students identify what they are attempting to achieve, and it recaps the design process.

Engineering Biomaterials Facilitator’s Guide

This Instructor’s Guide provides the instructor additional information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience.

Telling the Story Video

The Telling the Story Video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students.

Design Challenge Video

The Design Challenge Video leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints. It also gives a second ‘level’ of the design challenge that allows ‘early completers’ to move on to a slightly more difficult challenge.