Clearing a path to the heart

Clearing a path to the heart
Publication Date: January, 2008
Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

This online resource looks at technologies that unblock clogged blood vessels.

Following the steps of the engineering design process and acting as biomedical engineers, student teams can use everyday materials to design and develop devices and approaches to unclogging blood vessels. Through this open-ended design project, they learn about the circulatory system, biomedical engineering, and conditions that lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Engineering Connection

Engineers of all types—biomedical, mechanical, chemical, electrical, materials, computer—work together with medical professionals to apply basic biological and medical science to solving real-world problems. Devices such as catheters, balloon catheters and stents help people avoid or live beyond life-threatening heart attacks and strokes.

Australian Curriculum v9 Codes: AC9S8U02 (Year 8)

Australian Curriculum:
  • Year 8 > Science Inquiry Skills > Planning and conducting > Collaboratively and individually plan and conduct a range of investigation... > ACSIS140
  • Year 8 > Science Understanding > Biological Sciences > Multi-cellular organisms contain systems of organs carrying out specialised... > ACSSU150
  • Year 8 > Science as a Human Endeavour > Use and influence of science > People use science understanding and skills in their occupations and these have... > ACSHE136