SBIR/STTR Award attributes
Project Summary/Abstract Proposed is an innovative product using the latest biomedical sensors to create hands-on activities for students. It will help teachers increase their students’ exposure of students to health sciences and promote healthcare related careers. Significance: Due to concerns that the United States will not have the workforce needed to meet industry demands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related careers, significant focus has been placed on STEM education. Across the US, the growing implementation of STEM programs has quite visibility taken form through the addition of robotics, maker spaces, 3D printers, and virtual reality into classrooms and after school programs. However, the majority of the fastest growing occupations are in health-related fields, and, thus, it is vital for STEM programs to also provide engaging and diverse pathways to introduce students to health career opportunities. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that a product which engages students in activities rooted in health science will increase interest and the pursuit of healthcare related careers. Specific Aims: To prove the feasibility of the proposed system in Phase 1, IDL will 1) Develop curriculum and stakeholder requirements; 2) Create a prototype system andamp; software; and 3) Evaluate the system with a pilot study with end-users.Project Narrative The need for healthcare workers is increasing due to the aging population, expansion of insurance coverage, and healthcare innovations. While the introduction of STEM educational products has been working to increase the number of students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, the health science area has been underserved. 3T
