STEM workshop educates Kuen Cheng High School students on ECG

Excitement buzzed through Kuen Cheng High School as 44 students took part in the “Development of Wireless Electrocardiogram Acquisition Device” workshop on 3 August 2024.

Kuen Cheng High School students with UTAR staff and students

The workshop aimed to teach students about the principles of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, as well as the placement and functions of electrodes on the body. Organised by the UTAR STEM Outreach in collaboration with the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES), this workshop marked the third session of the Mentorship Programme, offering UTAR students the opportunity to mentor secondary school students.

Ir Dr Danny Ng Wee Kiat (right) receiving a souvenir

The workshop began with LKC FES academic Ir Dr Danny Ng Wee Kiat giving a detailed introduction to the ECG. Dr Danny Ng went beyond the basics, explaining the significance of ECG in monitoring heart health, including the placement and functions of electrodes on the body. Besides that, he also taught the students how to process raw ECG signals to ensure it is accurate and reliable so that the results will be successful. He then explained the importance of filtering out noises and artifacts as they may cause disruption during heart monitoring.

Students enjoying the workshop with guidance from LKC FES undergraduates

During the workshop, students learnt how to transmit the processed ECG signals via Bluetooth. With the guidance of the undergraduate students from LKC FES, the secondary school students were able to configure the Bluetooth module to allow seamless communication between the ECG device and the mobile application. By attaching electrodes to their wrists, the students were able to transmit their pulse as an ECG signal to the mobile app, which then interpreted the data and displayed the readings.  One student even tested the system’s responsiveness by exercising to raise his heart rate, observing how the mobile app interpreted the changes in the ECG signal.

By the end of the workshop, students gained valuable knowledge and skills in ECG technology, as well as a deeper understanding of heart health monitoring. As such, the workshop was aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Quality Education (SDG 4). o:p>

A student exercising to increase his heart rate