Everything Under The Sun: A Special Guest

Thursday, December 31, 2015

A Special Guest

The Roland Park Country School.

David Brock, who teaches upper school science at ROLAND PARK COUNTRY SCHOOL (RPCS) in Baltimore, had some thoughts to share in a blog article. He had read an article in the Baltimore Sun from October about two women, who had started this company, SISU GLOBAL HEALTH. Their company creates inexpensive and life-saving technologies for health care providers in developing countries. The two women, Caroline Yarina and Gillian Henker, had developed a Hemafuse device for the purpose of recycling blood during surgery, reducing the need for transfusions, particularly for use in areas where that would not be an option.

As he read about the backgrounds of the two women, who had earned degrees in areas other than the biological sciences, he began to think about the opportunities presented if the students (all girls at an all-girls school) whom he teaches could meet with these young inventors, who were in their 20's. That's where the challenge came in, since the article had provided no contact information and had mentioned that they were "very busy people".

However, undeterred by the challenges, Mr. Brock presented his idea to the STEM teaching team and all agreed that it would provide a wonderful opportunity for the 52 STEM students in grades 9 to 11. The idea became a reality on December 4, when Gillian Henker came to RPCS for a wonder hands-on workshop about developing medical technologies for developing nations with the students.

During the ninety-minute workshop, Ms. Henker took the students through brainstorming and design of alternate mobility technology for people who had lost portions of their leg(s). Part of their learning included some of challenges presented in countries still engaged in development. They came up with a Pathway Paws-er, which was a sled that used dog power, and a Wiggler, which used energy from the nervous system to provide movement.

STEM subjects have long been part of RCPS' curriculum.

In total, the participating students came up with nine different designs. The experience showed the girls their actual capabilities in being able to solve problems, while also showing how their STEM skills could be used in real-world situations. It was a rather unique experience for students to be working with someone who designs products that make a difference.