Unit Overview

Youth use the Engineering Design Process to design an assistive device that helps people with limited mobility put on their socks. Youth identify the steps of putting on a sock and explore materials for designing assistive devices.

  • Grades 3-5
  • Setting: Enrichment
  • 10 activities
  • 45–60 minutes per activity

Standards alignment

YES Enrichment units connect with state and national standards. View unit-specific Engineering Sock Assistive Devices Alignment or all Standards Alignments.

Unit Map

Youth engineer a school supply case and learn about the Engineering Design Process, a 5-phase problem-solving tool.

Youth identify that their sock aid needs to hold the sock open, pull it onto a foot, and let go of the sock.

To prepare for Step 1 of putting on a sock, youth engineer a device to hold a bag open and connect the experience to the sock aid problem.

To prepare for Step 2 of putting on a sock, youth engineer a device to pull a pillowcase on and connect the experience to the sock aid problem.

Youth create, test, and improve their sock aid designs.

Youth explore the accessibility of their program’s building from the perspective of various users.

Youth use the Engineering Design Process to improve a common household utensil so it is easier to use.

Youth analyze the accessibility of various common objects and brainstorm how to make them more accessible.

Youth learn about the careers of people who design assistive devices and/or teach others how to use them.

Youth present their sock aids and share their process with guests.

Video Resources

View the full unit playlist on YouTube.

Educator Preparation Videos

Example Assistive Device

Our funders

Major support for this project has been provided by the National Science Foundation.

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What’s Included?

  • Educator Guide (PDF)
  • Optional Educator Slides (Google Slides)
  • Youth Engineering Notebook (PDF)
  • Comic (PDF or Slides)
  • Print Materials (PDF)