Functional Robot Hand

• For those who have an advanced understanding of electronics and engineering, you could put together a functional, moving mechanical hand. This is an actual, robotic hand with articulated joints that works off of a remote control. You could do something like a metal skeleton, or if you want a little more authenticity, you could cover that robot hand in a glove that makes it look more human. You should keep a journal of how this project is built, and all the trials and tribulations that come with creating a functional, human hand as the report to go along with the final project.
  
  

Cybernetic Limbs

• Though a functional model is beyond any high school science fair and beyond most college programs, a project on cybernetic limbs and hands might be appropriate. Show video clips of functional cyborg hands along with explanations of how these technological marvels work, complete with highlighted pictures to reinforce your explanation. As an additional point this project could make, list how many sources of science fiction and fantasy have used cybernetic hands and limbs, from Star Wars to Cowboy Bebop, and compare how close reality has come to fiction.
  
  

Movie Magic

• While movies might deal in fiction and illusion, often hard science is behind their props. For instance, the arm props for Mr. Hyde in "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" are extensions with articulate mechanical hands. The same is true for representations of the famous King Kong from movies made past the days of claymation. For this project, you could create one of these extensions, practice with it, and make it part of a costume that you could wear during presentation of your report.
  
  

Assistive Devices

• When you injure yourself, you may need a device to help you once more do the things you used to be able to do with your own body. If you hurt your leg, you need a cane. If you hurt your back, you might not be able to bend over to grab things any more, even though your hand works fine. Make a project on the evolution of these "grabbing" devices, and show how they have to be functional while also doing the job of much more complicated hands.