Heart of the Matter

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this activity, learners explore the concept of valve operation and how engineers have adapted valves for use in mechanical heart valve design. Learners read about several different valves used at home and in industry, and three different mechanical heart valve designs. Learners then examine and operate both a ball valve and a gate valve. Finally, learners work as a team of "engineers" to develop and sketch enhancements to the mechanical heart valve.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Student Resource Sheets
  • Student Worksheets
  • One ball valve (1/4 turn valves show the turning ball)
  • Two 12-18 inch lengths of 3/4 inch galvanized pipe
  • 3/4 inch gate valve
  • Two 3/4 inch hose caps
  • One 3/4 head plug
  • Water source and place to allow water to flow (sink, or outdoors)
  • Funnel for pouring water into pipe

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering
      • Mechanical Engineering
    • Technology
      • Medical Technology
      • Agriculture and Biotechnology
  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
      • Circulation
      • Medicine
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Work and Machines
    • Motion and Forces
      • Machines
  • The Nature of Science
    • Science and Society
      • Risks and Benefits
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Formulating Explanations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Impacts of Technology
      • Technology and History
    • The Design Process
      • Invention and Innovation

Informal Categories

  • Outdoor Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, IEEE,