Exploring BioSTEM

Exploring BioSTEM!

Maker Monday


 Bioengineers use the principles of biology and engineering to create technologies that improve our quality of life. They create things that help the body such as prosthetic limbs, medical implants, and structures to treat disease.

Today you will explore the field of bioengineering and build a model of a robotic hand!

Step 1: Meet a bioengineering professor from UC San Francisco in this video.

Step 2: See how engineers created a robotic hand that can grow with you in this video.

Step 3: Let’s create a model of a robotic hand using household materials! Watch this video for step-by-step instructions.  

At the end of the video, a second challenge is given to make your robotic hand wearable. We will explore this challenge on Wednesday!

Step 4: Ask an adult to share a picture of your robotic hand on social media using #MakerMondayTN and #AlwaysLearning!

Additional Resources:




Wonder Wednesday


Prosthetic limbs or artificial limbs are created to improve the quality of life for people who are born without a limb or have lost one due to an accident or health condition. Prosthetic limbs are generally very expensive to manufacture and children outgrow them quickly.  

Today you will learn about the need for prosthetics and make improvements to your robotic hand!

Step 1: Read about the different types of prosthetic limbs and how they are used here.

Step 2: Learn about how Team Unlimited 3D prints robotic hands for children in need in this video.

Step 3: Read more about the growing need for affordable prosthetic limbs for children here and how non-profit companies are making it happen.

Step 4: Next you will reflect on the robotic hand you made on Monday. Make improvements so that it can be used. Prosthetic hands need to be wearable and controlled by one hand. You can revisit the challenge here by skipping ahead to 12: 37 (12 minutes, 37 seconds). 

Step 5: Ask an adult to share a picture of your wearable hand on social media using #WonderWednesdayTN and #AlwaysLearningTN!

Additional Resources:




Future Friday


Bioscience is a field of study that works to develop biological solutions that sustain, restore, and improve the quality of life for humans, plants, and animals in our world. From life-saving therapies and procedures, to healthier foods and cutting-edge research, society benefits from a better quality of life because of bioscience.

Today you will explore bioscience careers related to animals, plants, and humans!

Step 1: Read about the job descriptions, salary ranges and educational requirements for bioscience careers here. Select 2 or 3 careers to explore!

Step 2: Watch this video about 4 futuristic biology careers.

Step 3: Explore more life science careers here at sciencebuddies.org.

Step 4: After your exploration, are you more interested in working with animals, plants, or humans? 

Step 5: Ask an adult to share something you learned about one of these careers and why you might be interested in that career field using #FutureFridayTN and #AlwaysLearningTN!

Additional Resources:




Connecting Globally - We at TSIN believe STEM connects us all and in an effort to enhance those connections, the Resources Series will be connected to the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals.

Goals  3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Goals 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*

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