Limerick pupils challenged to build prosthetic leg by Cook Medical for Engineers Week

FOUR Limerick National Schools have been challenged to construct a prosthetic leg as part of Engineers Week 2018. 

Limerick-based medical device company Cook Medical visited four Limerick national schools to promote medical  engineering by challenging classes to build a simple, prosthetic leg.

Cook volunteers came to classes in Milford NS, Monaleen NS, St Nessan’s NS and Scoil Ide, with each class receiving a special ‘engineering pack’ with materials to build the prosthetic.

The idea behind the challenge is to encourage national school students to consider how engineers approach developing and creating helpful devices for patients across the world.

The company hopes that the challenge will give students an insight into working in engineering and encourage Limerick students to develop an interest in further study of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects, according to engineering director at Cook Medical Darach McGrath

“To celebrate Engineers Week 2018, we’ve developed a fun, practical and engaging challenge that reflects the creativity and solutions-oriented approach needed for a career in STEM. The Cook Medical team is excited to see what Limerick’s school pupils build in the Device Challenge and one day we hope to have the privilege of working with them.”

Engineers Week is Ireland’s biggest celebration of engineering and focuses on raising pupil’s awareness of the subject.