In this studio, students will explore the potential of biotechnology to enhance us as human beings and help us survive in extreme environments. Simple organisms such as bacteria, algae, etc are all around us and inside our bodies. Bacteria cells in our body outnumber human cells 10:1. If the new technology of biology allows us to engineer these organisms for new functions, what new abilities could we as humans/ or synthetic humans have? Can we inhabit new environments? Can we engineer synthetic organisms to filter water, generate power, detect and transform harmful chemicals, produce food, make bioplastics? In this studio,  students will imagine, design, and build wearable bioreactors that will inhabit engineered living cells to work in symbiosis with us, empower us, and enhance our survival abilities.

Session 2: Jul 20-31, 2020

Wearable technology is everywhere today. The Apple Watch lets you monitor your daily fitness, read emails, summon Siri, and make and receive phone calls from your wrist. During a pandemic, how can we use the potential of wearable technology to approach health and wellness? As we start to adjust to the new normal, we will seek more information about ourselves, our surroundings, and contacts at school and in our own neighborhood.

In the healthcare industry, wearable technology is being used to address big problems, and all around the world, designers are creating smart and responsive apparel, accessories, fitness wear, and assistive devices to enhance people’s everyday life. Are you ready to make the next breakthrough product in wearable tech?

In this Studio, we will be developing the next generation of health-focused wearable tech products! Using innovative textiles, materials, and technologies, you will learn how to design wearable tech products that will improve the lives of people, patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. 

Through this process, students will learn the basics of electronics, microcontrollers and computer programming. They will learn how to integrate external sensors (from simple switches and buttons to heart rate and muscle sensors) and actuators (such as motors, lights, speakers, solenoids, valves, fans) into their designs to create responsive products for the body.