Intelligent Light Barrier

Light is an important part of laboratory research. However, the light is not always needed. How can we control the light? Here comes our intelligent light barrier. The intelligent light barrier can block any light at its release state. When the intelligent light barrier is at its extended state, the light is allowed to go through the barrier. Intelligent materials are being developed that can accomplish this with a changing magnetic field. How would you design your intelligent light barrier?

The student handout will be given to all students working on the design challenge. It gives a brief recap of the story, it helps the students identify what they are attempting to achieve, and it recaps the design process.

This Instructor’s Guide provides the instructor additional information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience.

Telling the Story Video

The Telling the Story Video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students.

Design Challenge Video

The Design Challenge Video leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints. It also gives a second ‘level’ of the design challenge that allows ‘early completers’ to move on to a slightly more difficult challenge.