Developing & Presenting Design Solutions: Waves Go Public!
Good communication is important to the success of engineering designs.Copyright 2004 Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 USA. All rights reserved.
Students apply everything they have learned over the course of the associated lessons about waves, light properties, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the structure of the eye, by designing devices that can aid color blind people in distinguishing colors. Students learn about the engineering design process and develop three possible solutions to the engineering design challenge outlined in lesson 1 of this unit. They create posters to display their three design ideas and the comparisons used to select the best design. Then, students create brochures for their final design ideas, and "sell" the ideas to their "client." Through this activity, students complete the legacy cycle by "going public" with the creation of their informative posters and brochures that explain their designs, as well as color blindness and how people see color, in "client" presentations.
Engineers use their understanding of waves, light and the electromagnetic spectrum to create medical devices and systems that enhance the lives of people everyday. For example, the gamma rays in CT instruments enable doctors to see organs inside people and determine medical treatment. Engineers in all disciplines employ the engineering design process, including the process of brainstorming to come up with creative ideas, in order to create innovative, effective and efficient solutions to problems. The ability to provide concise and clear communication is important to the success of engineering designs.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain how humans are able to see colors.
- Explain what causes people to be color blind.
- Make an informative poster and brochure to communicate an engineering design.