2018-2019-STEAM-Superheroes - Flipbook - Page 47
EPIC IDENTITY FEATURING PROF. LEIA STIRLING
Epic Identity Project Idea
The Epic Identity MIT Challengs can take any number of different forms, depending on how your school
decides to implement it. Regardless of implementation, all schools should highlight the MIT connection to
Epic Identity, and share the work of Prof. Leia Stirling with their students. Here we’re presenting one
example of an activity that schools could do as part of the Epic Identity MIT Challenge.
“Relate to the work of Prof. Leia Stirling by using wearable
technology to enhance and measure human performance”
Project Process
Develop a wearable technology that enhances the identity and/or powers of a superhero. Guide your
students through the design of a superhero costume, gadget, or tool that enhances their superhero’s
performance. Collect data to quantify the effect of the device on human performance.
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Exposure to the subject (and enabling constraints)
Begin this process by exposing your students to the variety of wearable technology. There are
popular science and engineering articles about exoskeletons, fitness trackers, and smart devices,
but keep in mind that commonplace items like glasses, clothing, or shoes are also wearable
technology. (If this definition is too broad, feel free to provide enabling constraints about the kind of
wearable technology you’re interested in i.e. bio-inspired wearables, smart wearables, assistive
devices, textiles, footwear, performance enhancing wearables, etc.)
Express ideas
Help students express their ideas for a wearable technology for their superhero. Help them express
what the technology does, and why it is useful. Have your students communicate their ideas to you
and their teammates (for group projects). Create the specs for their technology; this step can be
simple illustration, or mixed media. The result of this step will be a visual of the wearable
technology, and the ability to describe it in a very short amount of time (i.e. an elevator pitch). This
will allow you to reality check the students’ ideas, and make sure they are in the realm of STEAM
(and not science fiction).
Research and develop skills
Help your students develop a plan for realizing their vision. What is the most difficult part of their
wearable technology? There may be patterns or tutorials that can be remixed to create their
technology. If the technology requires the use of an unfamiliar skill (sewing, soldering, 3D printing,
programming, etc.), take time to learn the basics of the skill by completing a simple project to help
your students develop their tech skills.
Product assembly
Have your students build their technology (or a model or prototype) using the maker resources you
have available. If you have the time, do this in an iterative process of repeat modeling and testing,
incorporating feedback and improving the design with each iteration.
#NAEMIT
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