Shoelace Assist

I teach a grade 8 computer exploratory and wanted to bring maker culture into the classroom. I asked my students to help me design a tool that would allow my father in-law, who suffers from ALS (a fatal degenerative muscular condition), to tie his own shoes despite the fact he no longer has use of his thumbs. The attached thing was the best product that the kids designed and printed, and what he currently uses.

I have since used this design to create a lesson sequence teaching the Engineering process to other students. It doesnt reference 3D printing however as I wanted it to be usable in schools that do not have access to 3D design software. It is easy however to allow the students to use any tools including 3D design software as they create their prototypes. I have now used this lesson sequence to design and print several other assistative technologies.

Matt Boulton
Gordon Head Middle School
Victoria BC