Fifth-grade STEAM students at Islip’s Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School recently took on the challenge of researching and designing prosthetic legs. Working in height-based teams, students were tasked with creating an interchangeable prosthetic leg that could attach at the bent knee and support each team member. After learning about real-world prosthetics and the importance of accessibility and innovation, students began building their prototypes. The ultimate test? Taking three-to-five unassisted steps using their design.

“It was incredible to watch their determination, problem-solving, and teamwork come to life,” Sherwood STEAM teacher Sara Fisher said. “The sense of pride and accomplishment was unmistakable as students successfully walked using the prosthetics they engineered themselves.”

Date Added: 6/20/2025