stem playground

This morning Blum Physical Therapy was able to attend the STEM Playground put on by the IKM-Manning School District.  STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.  Local businesses partnered with IKM-Manning  to provide K-6th kids with the opportunity to explore STEM-related educational and career opportunities. 

Jamie gave the students an overview of the physical therapy profession and how science (especially anatomy) is used everyday by physical therapists.  The students learned the bones and joints of the arms, and the word "goniometer."
A goniometer is the tool a physical therapist uses to measure the motion in the joints of the body.  The term goniometry is derived from two Greek words, gonia - meaning anlge, and metron - meaning measure.
The students then got to measure their partners elbow motion.  They had a lot of fun with this. 

The students were presented with a problem about a patient who did not have enough elbow motion and was unable to eat.  They were able to come up with exercises to increase the motion and strength of the arm to allow the patient to eat again.  Great problem solving skills!
Each student had a STEM journal that they were able to write they information they learned.  They were given small goniometers to put in their journals.  Many of the younger students wrote the words presented on the posters and drew pictures of the arm bones.  They older students took studious notes of the physical therapy and anatomy terms. 

This was a great event to partner with the local school system to be able to teach the next generation about science and the physical therapy profession!  In January another event will be held for 7th-12th graders.  I can't wait to go back!