Abstract
Purpose :
To bridge engineering and ophthalmology research in a high school course that inspires discovery-driven learning and critical thinking via cutting-edge research applications.
Methods :
The content of Engineering I (John Bapst Memorial High School, ME, USA) was redesigned to learn engineering design process, documentation, modeling, research techniques, and iteration by addressing cutting-edge research questions in ophthalmology. The course learning objectives are summarized in Fig. 1. Starting from common reading and discussion of published research articles, students are prompted to identify interesting engineering questions within the field, formulate the problem statement, design experiments and protocols to investigate the problem, iterate to fine-tune the strategy, and present the process and the results in a professional manner.
Results :
Offered in Fall 2023, the course enrolled 21 students in grades 9-12 (Fig.1), who were divided into 6 groups with 3-5 students per group. Each group self-selected eye-related engineering questions, including building a physical model to simulate how the ocular vasculature may respond to changes in pressure inside or outside the vessels (Fig. 2). Much effort was put into finding appropriate materials to use to mimic human tissues. The utility of liquid latex, which can be applied in layers over a dissolvable 3D printed mold was a favored approach. Another group looked at an electric circuit design that is used as an analog for the blood flow in the intraocular region, and built and tested the electrical circuit in its physical form.
Conclusions :
Through study of the eye and design of models consistent with its properties, students developed significant appreciation for and knowledge of ocular anatomy and physiology. Student learning was driven by real problems, yielding a higher level of engagement and ownership than previous years. Students have been exposed to peer reviewed research, learning how to read and decipher work that is years ahead of their educational level. Intentionally integrating engineering and ophthalmology may help excite the next generations of scientists and clinicians who will work effectively and collaboratively to advance disease understanding, cure, and care.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.