determine what changes need to be made . “ Eventually when we get to the final stage of building it , it will be made of aluminum because aluminum is lighter ,” says sixth grader Emmy Saltzman .
“ They did a great deal of research into how various materials would work for the chair , the weight , how easy it was to work and cost were all factors that came up again and again ,” said Mr . Todd . “ The students really took my direction and ran with it !”
This ambitious project has taught students important lessons about practical applications of math , engineering , teamwork , and perseverance . This is a practical application of concepts they ’ d mostly read in books . Unfortunately , the real-world sometimes presents unexpected challenges .
As this magazine goes to print , Clark ’ s foster mom says he will need to have his legs amputated in the coming weeks . According to his veterinarian and physical therapist , Clark
will never recover the use of his legs and keeping them runs the risk of developing pressure sores and infections , which could prove fatal . It is a difficult decision , but it will help Clark , ultimately , live the best life possible .
The students will have to make some minor changes to the wheelchair design , but all their hard work can still produce positive results : a new wheelchair and a new outlook on life for Clark the Super Kitty . “ It will feel really good , for the people working on this project , to see him [ use ] his wheelchair ,” says Saltzman , “ It was cool to see our design and be able to look at it and touch it .”
“ I am amazed at the level of passion these students carried into this project ,” said Mr . Todd . “ I have always tried to impress on students that engineering is more than designing a part for a machine or programming a robot . As an engineer , we have the ability to affect lives and we can make lives better through what we do .” 14