STEM class develops tool for wheelchair users
By Madison Sims
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CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WRCB) — For two students at Cleveland Middle School who rely on wheelchairs, getting through the school hallways just got a little easier, thanks to a group of their own classmates.
Sixth graders Angel Molina and Angel Diaz navigate the school differently than many of their peers.
The boys’ STEM teacher, Derek Morris, says it was clear the boys wanted to be able to do certain things on their own.
“They’re in wheelchairs, and they want to be independent. It’s like anyone else. Sometimes they get stuck on the door a little bit and have to have some help.”
Looking to change that, one of the school’s paraprofessionals, Betsy Wilis, approached Morris with an idea to make the boys’ travel a little easier: create a tool that would allow them to open doors on their own. She brought the concept to Morris and his STEM class, challenging students to find a real-world solution.
“Our goal for this class is not only just to get them into STEM and excited about it, but also find real-world application.”
They used only materials they had on hand, like scrap wood, cardboard, and a few items students brought from home.
“We started picking up junk and started making stuff,” Morris said.
In just one week, students designed and built six different prototypes of door-opening devices, each aimed at helping Molina and Diaz move more independently through the school.
“They help me open the door,” Molina said.
The impact of the project went beyond functionality. Diaz said it felt good knowing his classmates were working to make his day-to-day life easier.
The project also left a lasting impression on the students who created the devices.
“This was a really good project to help them get through our hallways and hopefully make them better,” said student Braylyn Harmon.
While the tools are still being refined, the effort has already made a difference.
And for Molina and Diaz, it’s one more step toward greater independence and a smoother ride through the school day.
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