School News

 

Laser Light

In Primary School, science, technology, engineering, and math projects are well underway in preparation for STEMFest on March 11. Tying into the grade level theme, "systems," 4th graders are hard at work designing laser light security systems to protect a museum artifact. This project requires students to use their knowledge of the properties of light and introduces them to laser technology as they engineer their model security system. The system itself is simple with two main components, a laser pointer and a mirror. With these tools, 4th graders demonstrate the law of reflection and how it can be used in a practical application.
 
Leading up to this project, students studied the properties of light. They learned how light could reflect, transmit, or absorb when translucent, transparent, or opaque materials are in its path. Like sound, light travels in waves. Fourth graders "broke" waves of light by using diffraction lenses to reveal the colors that comprise white light. Concluding their lesson, students built kaleidoscopes and periscopes, exploring how they can control the direction of light using a system of mirrors. Finally, it came time for their main challenge: to design a laser light security system to protect a museum artifact.
 
Fourth graders first designed blueprints for their security systems. They had to choose a path for the laser and had to predict how the light would reflect through a series of mirrors. Using rulers and protractors, students calculated the angle of incidence and predicted the angle of reflection. Science Teacher Kate Bueno says students are engaged throughout the project, even during the math portion, even though it's a pretty tough task. "A laser system requires a lot of fine motor skills; they have to set up their mirrors accurately," says Kate, as her students problem solve their designs. “The more complex the design, the more room there is for error.” Currently, 4th graders are testing and making adjustments to their plans with the goal of creating a closed system.
 
Along with the display of their security systems, these students will present their designs with a persuasive essay explaining the features of their system and why it should be chosen the to protect the museum artifact. Don't miss out on the grand finale of this project on March 11 at STEMFest!
 
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