Waves: The Three Color Mystery
Students design ways to help those who are color blindCopyright 2004 Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 USA. All rights reserved
Students are presented with a challenge question concerning color blindness and asked to use engineering principles to design devices to help people who are color blind. Using the legacy cycle as a model, this unit is comprised of five lessons designed to teach wave properties, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the anatomy of the human eye in an interactive format that introduces engineering applications and real-world references.
Engineers use the properties of waves in the design of everyday tools. Rearview mirrors, x-ray machines, and microwaves are examples of technologies that rely on an understanding of waves. When engineers work with ophthalmologists and optometrists to design eyeglasses, as another example, they apply their knowledge of light waves to the interactions light has with human eyes, so that they can customize solutions for individual deficiencies. Engineers of all disciplines employ the steps of the engineering design process in order to create innovative, effective and efficient solutions to human challenges.
- Students will develop an understanding of the role of troubleshooting, research and development, invention and innovation, and experimentation in problem solving.
Grades K-12
Do you agree with this alignment?
- MS-ETS1-1 Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
Grades 6-8
This resource focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS:
Science & Engineering Practices- Define a design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process or system and includes multiple criteria and constraints, including scientific knowledge that may limit possible solutions.Do you agree with this alignment?
Disciplinary Core Ideas- The more precisely a design task's criteria and constraints can be defined, the more likely it is that the designed solution will be successful. Specification of constraints includes consideration of scientific principles and other relevant knowledge that is likely to limit possible solutions.Do you agree with this alignment?
Crosscutting Concepts- The uses of technologies and any limitations on their use are driven by individual or societal needs, desires, and values; by the findings of scientific research; and by differences in such factors as climate, natural resources, and economic conditions.Do you agree with this alignment?
- All human activity draws on natural resources and has both short and long-term consequences, positive as well as negative, for the health of people and the natural environment.Do you agree with this alignment?
Do you agree with this alignment? - Define a design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process or system and includes multiple criteria and constraints, including scientific knowledge that may limit possible solutions.
Contributors
Ellen Zielinski; Courtney Faber; Marissa H. Forbes
Supporting Program
Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Program, Center of Advancement of Engineering Fibers and Films, Clemson University
Acknowledgements
This unit was developed through Clemson University's "Engineering Fibers and Films Experience – EFF-X" Research Experience for Teachers program, funded by National Science Foundation grant no. EEC-0602040. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
Copyright
2013 by Regents of the University of Colorado; original © 2010 Clemson University