The students will learn the basic tenets of optical science by constructing and performing experiments using lasers, microscopes, digital cameras, infrared communications as in TV remote controls, optical fibers, and photoelectronics (photonics).
They will build devices, learn basic concepts behind devices, and communicate their experiences to others using synchronous (face-to-face or direct) and asynchronous (virtual) methods.
We will use learning activities and kits from sources such as Optical Society of America, SPIE, New England Board of Education PHOTON PBL: Problem Based Learning curriculum (Massa, Audet, Donnelly, Hanes & Kehrhahn, 2007), NSF Active Physics Curriculum and Edmund Scientific. Curricula aligns with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Physics and Computer Technology.
Below is a chart of the content areas that are covered over the course of the program.
| Theme | Photonics Introduction, The Power of Photonics and Optics |
| Content Areas (White & Frederiksen, 1998) |
Light as a wave and light spectra Transmission of light through air Reflection, Refraction, Intensity and absorption Detection of light Photonics applications in Biology, Chemistry, Atmospheric Earth and Marine Sciences |
| Hands-On Activities | Build a telescope and use it observe celestial objects Build a spectroscope and use it to measure chemical spectra Simple light detection circuit, Robotic mouse Measurement of the speed of light |
| Career Awareness and Competencies (Zimmerman, 1990 & Gianakos, 1999) |
Visit research labs in physics, engineering and textiles, Resume Writing and Workforce Skill Development Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens Leadership Development Seminars Use Personal Digital Assistants to incorporate information, communication and technology time management skills Orientation sessions for parents and students Student presentations to staff and parents at the end of the session |
| Mathematics | Use of algebra and geometry to calculate properties of light waves and focus of light Introduction to modeling, algorithms and data analysis using Vernier probeware |
| Research Design Competencies (Seymour, Hunter, Laursen & DeAntoni, 2004) |
Use NSF LabWrite for guiding research and lab reporting Use scientific method, define problem, perform a literature search, identify variables (dependent, independent and constant) and report results Conduct photonics inquiry optics activities and projects Online Data Analyses activities on Optics and Color |
| Externship Experience with Diverse Scientists (3 days) (Hill, Pettus, & Hedin, 1990) |
Visits to laboratories and corporations Scientists’ Visits and Presentations Student Internships in laboratories Interview STEM professionals |
| Information Communication and Technology Component (Gunel, Hand,& Gunduz, 2006 & Jong-Ki & Woong-Kyu, 2008) |
Elluminate, 6 sessions: Virtual Learning Orientation Sessions Photonics Applications, Research Methods, Physlets Peer Reflections and Externship Experiences Physlets on Electromagnetic Waves, Optics and Lights Muller-Lyer optical illusion online data analyses activity |
You may download a sample list of topics (pdf) for the Photonics Leaders II, including activities in math, research design, and leadership development.
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Summer 2011
June 20 - June 24
June 27 - July 1
July 5 - 8 (Elluminate)
July 11 - July 15
Program Number 0833615
