Each group needs:

• computer with access to the internet, to research artificial heart valve ideas
• pitcher of colored water (add a few drops of red food coloring to the water)
• bucket (or access to a sink)
• a variety of items from the class source of supplies (listed below)
• a notebook or journal, for use as an engineering journal

For the class to share:

• a wide selection of various disposable materials, such as pieces of rubber (of different shapes and sizes), paper clips, ping pong balls, rubber bands, plastic sheets (of varying thicknesses), wire coat hangers, metal scraps, cardboard (miscellaneous pieces), cardboard rolls (from paper towel or toilet paper rolls), dental floss, and other miscellaneous household supplies
• general building materials, such as scissors, masking tape, duct tape, hot glue guns and glue sticks, rulers
• bottle of red food coloring

Note: The idea for the valve project is to provide an assortment of materials, but not direct groups towards any single solution. If desired, permit students to also bring in items from home to use. This way, students are designing their own valves and building them from their own plans. To level the playing field for the class, do not let them buy high-end supplies with their own money.