High school students in Tennessee have demonstrated their kindness and technical abilities by building a prosthetic hand for one of their classmates, Sergio Peralta. The project began when a student in the school’s engineering club noticed their classmate, born without a right hand, struggling with daily tasks.
Sergio Peralta was born with an undeveloped right hand. He practiced writing with his left hand. He stated he could handle almost any other profession by devising solutions for ordinary tasks such as lugging a water bottle from class to class. “In the first days of school, I honestly felt like hiding my hand,” he told CBS News. “Like nobody would ever find out.”
With the guidance of their teacher, the engineering students decided to design and create a prosthetic hand using 3D printing technology. The process involved researching various types of prosthetics, obtaining materials, and accurately measuring their classmate’s arm for the perfect fit. The students dedicated after-school hours to bringing their idea to life.
After weeks of hard work and collaboration, the students proudly presented the prosthetic hand to their classmates. The classmate was overwhelmed with gratitude and impressed by the hand’s functionality. It allowed them to perform tasks such as writing and holding objects with ease.
This touching story highlights the impact that technology and engineering can have on people’s lives and showcases the remarkable skills and determination of these Tennessee high school students. Their efforts serve as a reminder of the power of teamwork and the positive difference one person can make in another’s life.
The prosthetic hand project received attention from local media outlets and inspired other high schools to pursue similar initiatives. The students involved in the project not only helped their classmates but also set an example for other students on how to use technology for good.
Making prosthetics has always been an expensive and time-consuming operation. A prosthetic arm costs more than $2,000 on average, and the amputee may have to wait for a lengthy period (between 3 and 6 weeks) for construction and delivery. 3D prosthetic printing, on the other hand, is inexpensive, has a rapid turnaround time, and the materials are readily available. For $395, a 3D-printed arm may be built in one day.
In conclusion, the Tennessee high school students’ building of a prosthetic hand for their classmate showcases the power of empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. It is a heartening story that shows that young people have the ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.