Protecting the Mummified Troll
A closed-circuit surveillance camera near a German train station.Copyright Florina Hurlbrink, Wikimedia Commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Surveillance_camera_Train_station_NSMA_Schnaittach_DE.jpg
Students are introduced to the (hypothetical) task of developing an invisible (non-intrusive) security system to protect the school's treasured mummified troll! Solving the challenge depends on an understanding of the properties of light. After being introduced to the challenge question, students generate ideas and consider the knowledge required find solutions. They watch a portion of the "Mythbuster's Crimes and Myth-Demeanors" episode ($20), which helps direct their research and learning toward solving the challenge. They begin to study laser applications in security systems, coming to realize the role of lasers in today's society.
Lasers are used in many engineering applications and it is essential for engineers to understand the properties of light and the physics behind them. Biomedical engineers use and design lasers in therapeutic settings, including ablation and coagulation, and diagnostic settings, with optical trapping / micromanipulation of cells and optical imaging through optical biopsies. Mechanical engineers use lasers in design and manufacturing for precision cutting and welding purposes. Other engineers incorporate lasers into such everyday items as CD reader/writers and security system sensors.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Explain the challenge problem.
- List what information might be needed to address the problem.
- Group together similar areas of knowledge needed for the challenge.
This lesson also meets the following Tennessee Foundations of Technology educational technology content standards: 3.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0; see https://www.teta.org/
This lesson also meets the following National Science Education Standards (NSES) teaching standards: A, B, C, D, E, F; see https://www.nap.edu/topic/