Think It

Using the steps of the invention process (Think It, Explore It, Sketch It, Create It, Try It, Tweak It, and Share It), design a wheelchair that can be used on difficult terrain and in unexpected environments.

Where will your wheelchair be used? Who will use your wheelchair? How will its design help the user navigate challenging terrain or environments? Is your wheelchair designed for use in any sporting activities? What types of materials will be used to make your wheelchair? What makes your wheelchair go: motors, muscle power or something else? Brainstorm ideas, and record your answers to the above questions on Think It – ATW in Google Classroom.

Explore It

The next step of the invention process is to explore the question, “How have inventors solved this problem in the past?” and then conduct research to learn more about the problem to understand solutions that already may exist.  

One of the first wheelchairs was created in the late 16th century by an unknown inventor for King Philip II of Spain. At its core, a wheelchair is a tool that increases a person’s freedom of mobility. Advanced in material science, production technologies, and design tools have opened new possibilities for how and where wheelchairs are used. 

Explore some resources that take a look at types of wheelchairs and innovations related to their use and design: 

Click here to hear the story of extreme wheelchair athlete Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham. 

Click here to hear the story of Marilyn Hamilton and the invention of the “Quickie Wheelchair.” 

Click here to learn more about a wheelchair invented for dancing.