Unit Overview

Students use the Engineering Design Process to design a wearable vision extender that enables users to see behind themselves without turning around. Students learn about their field of view and how light travels in predictable ways, even when reflected off curved surfaces.

  • Grades 6–8
  • Setting: In school
  • Science connection: Reflection of Light
  • 9 lessons
  • 45–55 minutes per lesson
  • 2 computer science modules: Exoplanet Discoveries and Light Sensors
  • Student materials available in Spanish

Standards alignment

YES units align with state and national science standards, integrating seamlessly with popular middle school science curricula. View unit-specific Engineering Vision Extenders Alignment or all Standards Alignments.

Unit Map

Students are introduced to engineering by designing a phone stand to solve an everyday problem.

Students learn about the problem though a case study and experience it for themselves through a simulation. They measure their field of view and identify important criteria.

Teams investigate angles of reflection, then apply what they know about the path of light to see hidden objects using flat and flexible mirrors.

Teams collect data about how to place mirrors to see dangers approaching from behind. Students compare the benefits and limitations of using mirrors to expand their field of view.

Students consider tradeoffs as they brainstorm ideas and make a plan, justifying their ideas with evidence.

Teams collaborate to create their vision extenders.

Teams test their vision extenders. They evaluate results and identify one failure to flip.

Teams use test data to identify success and failures in their design, then plan their work for the day. They iterate on their design and compare their iterated design to their first.

Teams reflect on implications of vision extender technology through a Showcase, and reflect on their identity as engineers.

Video Resources

View the full unit playlist on YouTube.

Teacher Preparation Videos

Model Phone

Videos for Students

Pedestrian Examples

Frame the Problem

How Much Can You See?

How to Measure With a Protractor

Simulation

Computational Thinking Modules

Exoplanet Discoveries

Students consider how computers can help scientists search space telescope data for exoplanets. After learning to recognize patterns in light curves that indicate a possible exoplanet, students realize that the pattern needs to be described explicitly to a computer. This module uses free online interactives from MathWorks.

  • 2 lessons
  • 40–50 minutes each

Light Sensors

Students explore similarities and differences between sensors and their own senses. Students use a computer to monitor light and notify a user of changes in the environment. This module uses BBC micro:bits.

  • 2 lessons
  • 45 minutes each

Our funders

Major support for this project has been provided by MathWorks.

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What’s Included?

  • Teacher Guide (PDF)
  • Teacher Slides (Google Slides)
  • Student Engineering Notebook (PDF or Google Slides)
  • Print Materials (PDF)
  • 2 Computer Science Modules