James Hanger: Prosthetic Pioneer

Lesson Overview

When James Hanger was hit by shrapnel from an exploding cannon ball, he became the first casualty of the Civil War.  His leg was severely damaged, and as was the custom in that war, the surgeons promptly removed his leg.  Only half those that suffered this sort of amputation survived.  Happily, Hanger survived and prospered. On return to his home town he found that there were few options for prosthesis to replace his leg.  After some exploration and experimentation, Hanger opened a manufacturing operation to create thousands of prosthetic devices for war veterans.  In this unit, students use the knowledge of simple machines and pneumatics to make model arm and leg devices. Using pulleys, syringes, levers, and wheels, they design solutions for those needing prothetic support. This unit may be assigned to any general science sequence, but fits most aptly after experiences with simple machines, forces, and mechanical advantage.