Tech Directions - May 2008 - (Page 20)

These Kids Are Really on the Ball! Invention Competition Winners A drumroll for the winners, please! Judge Harry T. Roman, an electrical engineer and inventor himself, has selected the best entries in the 2007-2008 Tech Directions Inventors Award Competition. This year’s challenge called for students to devise new uses for the common Ping-Pong ball. Of the results, the judge notes: “The ideas submitted were most interesting, with a high number of duplicate ideas. These students’ teachers are obviously paying much attention to creativity and inventive thought and activities in class.” And the winners are… First place: Taylor Di Roberto, grade 7, DuBray Middle School, St. Peter, MO. Teacher: Donna Marx Rehabilitation Weight My idea is a weight for rehabilitating patients who have surgery on their fingers. The weight will consist of a Ping-Pong ball, a piece or yarn or string glued to it, and some type of filler inside. To make the weight, you cut a small square, about 1 cm × 1 cm, in the ball (Ex. 1). Then, fill the ball with something to add weight, such as water (Ex. 2). Now, tape the cutout piece back in place and tape yarn or string to the ball so that it can be tied on the patient’s finger. The weight can now be used for strength-building exercises. I know firsthand the pain that patients of finger surgery go through and how long it takes to regain their strength because my dad had surgery on his thumb. My invention is inexpensive and the weight can be modified to suit the patient’s particular strength by adding more water, bits of wood, or small pieces of lead as the patient gets stronger. The rehabilitation weight can help patients get back to regular activities like playing catch or writing without feeling pain. Judge’s comments: This is a most unique application of PingPong balls as rehabilitation exercise weights. This idea grew out of Taylor’s direct experience with a family member who had injured his thumb. Often we hear of the high cost of rehabilitation, but this invention could be just what the doctor ordered. Good thinking and problem solving! 20 techdirections ◆ MAY 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tech Directions - May 2008

Tech Directions - May 2008 Contents Technically Speaking Direct from Washington The News Report Mastering Computers Technology's Past Technology Today Road to Success - Service Learning Enhances Tech Ed Experience Balsa Tower Walls Brave 'Big Buster' These Kids Are Really on the Ball - Inventors Competition Winners School Web Site of the Month Animator Career Exploration Tools Guide Index to Volume 67 More than Fun

Tech Directions - May 2008

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