Many people know that fiber optics are used in delivering the Internet, but are surprised to learn they are also used in astronomy. Scholars explore light, reflection, and fiber optics through hands-on activities. They discuss...

Message sending has come a long way since the days of Morse code's dots and dashes. Young scientists study the research of optical physicist Anthony Johnson and his work in fiber optics, lasers, and the principle of total internal...

This is a printout of the slides for a presentation on fiber optics. In bullet-style notes, it covers how optic fibers work, their structure, different types, and their use. You may use these as a lecture guide, or if you want to take...

Students explore the uses of optical fibers, are exposed to the principles of refraction and total internal reflection, solve problems relating to the design of fiber optic cables, and compare them to copper transmission lines.

Jell-O® can help model the transmission of light through fiber optic cables. Young scientists use the jiggly dessert to make a waveguide to transmit a laser beam from one point to another. Their models help them learn the function...

Students study attributes associated with concept of fiber optics is done using a labmade fiber optic from clear molded gelatin. A variety of shapes can be cut and pieced together to form a conduit to transmit the laser beam by internal...

A two-part lesson asks young scientists to research the contributions of African American scientists at Bell Laboratories. After presenting their findings, class members watch two demonstrations that introduce them to total internal...

Students experiment with the luminosity of the Sun's light. In this luminosity lesson, students participate in an experiment with luminosity of the sun and flashlights. They make filters and fiber optic sources.

A bit optional. How do computers transmit in the real world? Pupils research a device that is used in transmitting bits, then individuals create a poster that presents the information they have learned about their device. 

Learners study communication. In this telegraph lesson, students examine Morse code and the composition of an elementary telegraph circuit. They listen to a presentation and try to create Morse Code messages on a worksheet. This lesson...

Students explore the modern applications of robots and create one of the five parts of a robot that could solve a hypothetical public works problem. They study about the use of robots for laying fiber-optics cable in New Mexico by...

Students identify different wave types and their characteristics.  In this wave lesson students complete activities by activating tuning forks and interpreting data. 

Students discuss different ways engineers use light. In this engineering lesson plan, students are introduced to the properties of light and the way light is used. They view a demonstration of light waves using a slinky, and practice...

Third graders create a map showing the journey of rice from the field to the grocery store.  In this agriculture lesson, 3rd graders discover and map the process of harvesting and preparing rice to be packaged and shipped to sell to...

Students investigate how to create secrete messages through filters. They view pictures with red and green filters and discuss what they observe. They select the color filter that works best to read secret messages. They view pictures...

Young scholars study the brain and examine what the functions of the major functions are.  In this investigative instructional activity students dissect a sheep's brain and note the similarities and differences between it and a...

Students examine the eyeball and its parts.  In this sight lesson students divide into groups and complete a lab activity that includes creating a model.

Students investigate how we use technology to communicate.