Communication & Technology
Born in the 1860s from many minds at play, I first took shape to help the blind put words on display. Sholes and his partners refined me with care, Giving me keys and a layout now used everywhere. I sped up offices, empowered those who couldn’t write with ease, Clicking through decades as a tool meant to free.
Typewriter
Born in 1937 with a clever little twist, I help many sip when lifting a cup is missed. I bend on command, yet stay light as air— What am I, easing each drink with flexible care?
What am I?
Bendy/Flexible Straws
Born in 1954, I buzz and spin to help you clean, I do the work—your hands stay serene. For those who struggle with grip or strain, I make brushing easy, again and again. I light up smiles with less to do, Accessible design is my secret clue.
What am I?
Electric Toothbrush
I am the gentle slope where the street meets the sidewalk. Born to lower wheelchairs, I've lifted strollers, luggage, and skateboarders. I make the world smoother. What am I?
Curb Cuts/ Sidewalk Ramps
When does Explorations officially begin?
Thursday, February 5th
Born in 1989 from a wish to quiet the world’s roar, I offered calm to travelers and to those who found loud places hard to endure. For minds that tire from chaos or ears that ache from sound, I wrap the listener in softness where gentler moments are found. What am I, turning noise into hush with a simple embrace?
Noise Canceling Headphones
I’m wrapped around what you hold each day, from kitchen tools to pens at play. I’m soft, not sharp, yet strong in my grip, I help hands hold so they don’t slip. For those whose fingers tire or strain, I make things easier, less of a pain.
What am I?
OXO Good Grips
I grip with a pull and release with a rip, No knots to tie, no buttons to clip. A curious man once paused on a trail, Noticing burrs that clung without fail. From nature’s trick, a new idea grew— Two simple sides that stick like glue. For those who find fine motor tasks tough, I make fastening easy without all the fuss.
What am I?
Velcro
Born in the 1950s from sensors and clever design, I opened myself without a push, a pull, or a line. I ease the way for wheelchair users, elders, and those with hands full or weak, Parting smoothly for anyone who needs a gentler way to seek. What am I, sliding aside the moment someone draws near?
Automatic Doors
True or False - I can work with anyone in the 7th grade
False - You can only collaborate with peers in your assigned class
Born in the early 2000s from advances in AI, I follow spoken instructions without needing a hand nearby. I help people with limited mobility or low vision stay independent each day, Answering questions, sending messages, guiding tasks along the way. What am I, responding the moment someone speaks my name?
Voice Assistant (examples: Siri, Alexa, Bixby, etc)
I'm round, I'm small, and I work while you sleep. I was invented so hands didn't have to push brooms anymore. Now I'm in millions of homes, cleaning up after chaos. What am I?
Robotic Vacuum
I soften with warmth and shape to your form, Cradling you gently, cozy and warm. Born from space tech to cushion a fall, Now easing pressure for sleepers of all. For those with pain or bodies that ache, I spread out the weight with each move they make. Slow to rise and quick to care, What am I, molding to you like air?
Memory Foam
I'm a blanket that wears YOU instead of you wearing me. My sleeves hang free while I wrap you in warmth. Perfect for anyone whose hands need freedom—wheelchairs, remote controls, and more. What am I?
Snuggie
What subject areas will the Explo Project graded upon?
Math, Science, Social Studies, ELA
Your project must address all four subject areas.
First crafted in the 1930s so blind individuals could follow every line, I turned printed tales into flowing sound, steady by design. I support people with low vision, dyslexia, or hands that tire with need, Letting stories drift through the air at whatever pace they heed. What am I, carrying chapters in a form that never fades?
Audiobooks
Born from the wish to make daily care kind, I wait with no need for strong hands to align. For those whose grip falters or movements are slow, I offer a brief, cleansing moment the instant they show. What am I, giving help with a drop that appears on its own?
Automatic Soap Dispenser
I weigh more than I should, but my heaviness is a comfort. I was designed to mimic the calming pressure of a loving hug, soothing anxious minds and racing hearts. Now wandering thoughts find peace beneath me. What am I?
Weighted Blanket
I was born in medical offices for shaking hands and stiff fingers—those with cerebral palsy, arthritis, and tremors. Now I'm in every classroom, helping young fingers learn to grip and grow stronger. I soothe and steady. What am I?
Pencil Grips
How many points is this Explo Project worth?
In total the rubric assesses your project out of 24 points. Your average will be entered into DOE Grades.
Born for those who could not stand long beneath a steady stream, I broke from the fixed and rigid to follow motion’s gentle dream. Once crafted to serve bodies moving with caution or pain, I’m now a roaming companion in homes across the terrain. What am I, a wandering cascade guided wherever the hand may take?
Handheld Shower Head
Born to ease the burden hands once struggled to command, I traded rigid shapes for one that yields within your hand. Made first for those whose grip or lift could falter under strain, I now ride in packs of children crossing playgrounds, fields, and lane. What am I, a soft‑shelled carrier shaped for comfort’s sake?
Juice Pouch (ex: Capri Sun)