iBOT Power - The Mind of a Seventh Grader

The first nine weeks of our 2009 – 2010 year is almost over! It has been fast and furious. My seventh grade students have been learning about careers in biotechnology. One of the activities is to visit the website of an engineering company called DEKA. As we explore DEKA developments, students must determine the placement of each development into one of the following categories: fluid management, mobility, power or water. One DEKA creation is the iBOT, an all terrain wheelchair, which can convert the patient in to a standing position. When discussing the iBOT, I had one student at each table stand and look down at other students seated at their table. I asked those seated to imagine never being able to stand and the feelings associated with having no choice in the matter. I asked those standing to think about the feelings associated with standing over someone and the freedom to make a choice. Upon conclusion of this discussion, I asked students to place the iBOT into one of the four technology categories. As you can imagine, students easily placed the iBOT into the category involving mobility. Several students felt the iBOT should be included in the category of power. One student said, “I believe emotional power is as important as electrical power.” I was completely surprised by such a mature statement. I hope to incorporate more discussion into my classroom activities.