Saving a Life: Heart Valve Replacement
OverviewEngineering ConnectionBecause diseases of the heart and circulatory system are a leading cause of death in the U.S., artificial heart valves are a leading area of research for biomedical engineers. Heart valve diseases can be fatal if the valve is not replaced. Engineers and physicians use the engineering design process to collaborate to design valves made of materials that the human body accepts and function for as long as possible, and that require the least invasive implantation procedures. This process involves asking to identifying the needs and constraints, researching, imagining possible solutions, planning by selecting a promising solution, creating a prototype, testing, and improving the designs so they are dependable solutions to replace non-functioning heart valves. NGSS AlignmentThis lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:
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Grade Range
6th-8th
Group Size
3
Total Time
45 minutes
Area of Science
Human Biology & Health
Medical Biotechnology
Key Concepts
heart valve, biomedical devices, organs
Credits
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