Sugar is an important part of our body’s metabolism; we wouldn’t be able to function without it because it’s a vital source of energy. When our cells can’t get enough sugar, our body breaks down fat and uses it for energy instead. When fat is broken down, chemicals are produced. If too much fat is broken down, then our blood will become acidic.
Acetone is a chemical produced by fat metabolism. Acetone is shown in our blood, but because it’s so small it also diffuses into the lungs and appears in exhaled breath; it can even be emitted from the skin. This key characteristic of acetone allows us to create wearable technology to detect its presence quickly and easily.
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. A more graphic version is available as Student Handout Pamphlet.
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.
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. Attributions
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. Attributions
There is also a PowerPoint presentation available that was used in the original design challenge implementation.