High school students engineer hope for an underdog
Officials with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) were so intrigued by an engineering project at Stillwater Area High School that they had to see it for themselves. After reading an article in the Washington Post about the incredible work of students in creating assistive devices for a 3-legged dog, USPTO officials decided to visit teacher Matt Howe’s classroom.
The Saving Sadie project piqued the interest of Derrick Brent, Deputy Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the USPTO, as well as Assistant Regional Director James Wilson and Patent Examiner Sheree Brown. They were excited to see the students’ designs in action and expressed how much they admired their creativity, saying it gave them hope for the future of the U.S. economy. The officials even offered to help the students apply for patents that might come out of this project.
For the past several weeks, students have been busy creating assistive devices to help Sadie, an 8-year-old Brittany Spaniel get around easier. Sadie, who lives with high school para Nancy Schoenecker and her family, lost one of her front legs in an accident when she was just a year and a half old. While she can run just as fast on 3 legs as she ever did on 4, she tires quickly. She’s also developing arthritis and could use some assistance getting around.
After researching different types of assistive devices, drawing plans, and eventually designing a prototype using CAD software they used 3D printers, laser cutters and other technologies to build carts or prosthetics to help Sadie get around. Then they put their concepts to the test and learned what worked well and what needed improvement. Next they will make adjustments, refine their projects and test them again. The students are hopeful their creations will keep Sadie active for years to come.
Star Tribune story
Star Tribune video
|
|
|
In Other News
Thomas Blair and Rylynn Zanon are among 40 students, with and without disabilities, who serve on the Special Olympics Minnesota Student Board of Directors.
Officials with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) were so intrigued by an engineering project at Stillwater Area High School that they had to see it for themselves.
Stillwater students earned ten 1st place awards as well as five 2nd place and one 3rd place.
Camryn Anderson, a senior at the high school, was listed among the top 20 student artists recognized in the 2023 Student Spotlight Competition.
Ben Straka, who teaches astronomy and biology, was one of just 10 teachers across the country recognized by The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).
The competition is considered the most prestigious prize in student computer science.
A calendar has been approved for the 2023-2024 school year.
Stillwater mountain bikers placed 1st and 2nd in the Minnesota Cycling Association All State Finale.