On November 18, 2025, our second-grade class had an exciting and educational visit from Avery Carroll, a prosthetist/orthotist who builds prosthetic limbs for people of all ages. She shared fascinating details about her work and held a demonstration for Mast Way second grade students that brought her profession to life!

Ms. Carroll began by explaining what a prosthetist does and how she helps people who need artificial limbs. To illustrate how she creates custom prosthetics, she demonstrated the casting process by making a plaster cast of a student's leg. The students watched with wide eyes as she carefully wrapped the plaster around the volunteer's leg, explaining each step along the way.

2nd grade volunteer getting his leg cast during a prosthetic demonstration

She went on to describe how she uses different methods to create the perfect fit for each patient. Sometimes she works with traditional plaster casts like the one we saw, while other times she uses modern 3D imaging technology to capture a digital picture of the patient's limb or body. This custom process allows her to design prosthetics that fit each person perfectly.

One of the most interesting parts of her presentation was learning about the prototype process. Ms. Carroll explained that she created a test version of the prosthetic using hard, clear plastic. This transparent material is specially chosen because it allows her to see exactly where the fit might be too tight or not quite right. Using a heat gun, she can carefully adjust and reshape the plastic until the fit is perfect for her patient. Once the prototype fits just right, she moves on to creating the final prosthetic using strong, durable materials like carbon fiber and stainless steel.

Avery Carroll presenting to Mast Way second grade students during their limb difference unit

Ms. Carroll walked the students through the entire process using videos and real samples she brought to share. The second-graders were full of questions and curiosity throughout her visit! Their enthusiasm makes perfect sense, as our second-grade class is currently participating in an exciting integrated limb difference unit. Students are building and coding their own prosthetic arms using LEGO WeDo Robotics, researching limb differences and prosthetics during library time, and writing informative essays in their classroom to demonstrate what they've learned.

This hands-on visit from a real prosthetist was the perfect complement to our students' learning. Thank you, Avery Carroll, for sharing your inspiring work and helping our second-graders understand the amazing combination of art, science, technology, and care that goes into creating prosthetic limbs!