Electromagnetic Spectrum Invention Project
I use this activity in class after students learn about the electromagnetic spectrum, some of the uses of various frequencies, and some of the dangers. This project helps students evaluate a new invention/new use for IR camera drones. Then, using their understanding of the EM spectrum and possible uses, they identify a problem and design an invention that uses one or more waves on the EM spectrum to solve the problem. Then, students create a poster to showcase their invention. Students can work independently or in small groups to complete this activity.
This resource includes a student planning sheet and rubric for the poster that students create.
National Geographic Article and Video Link
This one minute video clip and short article describe how scientists are using infrared cameras to help monitor the location of animals in wildlife preserves at night. It is designed to help protect animals from poachers who often come at night to capture or kill animals.
Student Activity Sheet
For a formatted version of the handout, see the links here:
EM Spectrum Invention Project Google Doc
An accessible version of the worksheet is also available below.
Read the article linked here:
Endangered Animals Get Watchful Eye From Astronomy Software
Fill in the chart below:
What is the problem the invention is meant to solve? | Which waves on the EM spectrum is the invention using? | Describe the invention and how it works. | Who will buy/use the invention? |
Now, make your own invention.
Describe your ideas in the chart below using complete sentences.
Requirements:
Needs to solve a problem.
Needs to use a wave/waves on the EM spectrum.
Draw (digitally or physically) a labeled diagram on a poster (at least 11”x14”) with a creative name for your invention that describes what it will do. Be sure to include the type of EM waves being used, the problem your invention will solve, how it works, and who you will market the invention to.
What is the problem the invention is meant to solve? | Which waves on the EM spectrum is the invention using? | Describe the invention and how it works. | Who will buy/use the invention? |
What challenges do you see for your project?
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Rubric
CATEGORY | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Use of Class Time | Used time well during each class period. Focused on getting the project done. Never distracted others. | Used time well during each class period. Usually focused on getting the project done and never distracted others. | Used some of the time well during each class period. There was some focus on getting the project done but occasionally distracted others. | Did not use class time to focus on the project OR often distracted others. |
Required Elements | The poster includes all required elements as well as additional information. | All required elements are included on the poster. | All but 1 of the required elements are included on the poster. | Several required elements were missing. |
Attractiveness | The poster is exceptionally attractive in terms of design, layout, and neatness. | The poster is attractive in terms of design, layout and neatness. | The poster is acceptably attractive though it may be a bit messy. | The poster is distractingly messy or very poorly designed. It is not attractive. |
Labels | All items of importance on the poster are clearly labeled with labels that can be read from at least 3 ft. away. | Almost all items of importance on the poster are clearly labeled with labels that can be read from at least 3 ft. away. | Several items of importance on the poster are clearly labeled with labels that can be read from at least 3 ft. away. | Labels are too small to view OR no important items were labeled. |
Mechanics | Capitalization and punctuation are correct throughout the poster. | There is 1 error in capitalization or punctuation. | There are 2 errors in capitalization or punctuation. | There are more than 2 errors in capitalization or punctuation. |
Extension
I had students perform a "gallery walk" to look at everyone's projects. Then, using a check-box google form, I had students anonymously vote for their top-three favorite inventions based on what they would like to see actually get made. I then had the winners describe their projects to the whole class. This gave kids a little more motivation to make the project top-notch and the winners seemed excited to get to share their work with the whole class.
Source
Picture Citation:
Accessed at https://pixnio.com/computer-arts/photomontage/photomontage-light-bulb-brain-inspiration-electricity-invention on 12/22/19 Usage: CC0 Public Domain https://creativecommons.org/choose/zero/