Optics Mosaic
Objectives
- Students will understand refraction and be able to use Snell’s Law to calculate angles of refraction.
- Students will understand the differences between converging and diverging lenses. They will be able to produce accurate ray tracing diagrams that allow them to calculate image distance and magnification. They will be able to verify their diagrams using the lensmaker’s and magnification equations.
- Students will be able to predict the result of compound lenses.
- Students will be able to explain how a laser works and the specifics of the excimer laser.
- Students will understand and be able to explain the basic steps of the LASIK eye surgery procedure.
- Students will study optics and lasers in a unique and interesting context.
Description
This module was written with a physics or accelerated physics class in mind. A biology or physiology class may also find it useful. This mosaic leads students through a thorough study of the eye’s anatomy and physiology, refraction, converging and diverging lenses, compound lenses, and lasers. All of these topics end in the final, deep understanding of the LASIK eye surgery procedure.
Concepts and Skills
Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
- Anatomy of the eye
- Vision
- Changes in anatomy in vision problems
Physics
- Refraction
- Snell’s Law
- Converging and diverging lenses
- Lensmaker’s equation
- Lenses in combination
- Applications of lenses
- Lasers
Biomedical Engineering
- Using lasers to cause tissue ablation
- Biomedical optics
Activities
- Lens activities
- Ray-tracing diagrams
- Design and build a working compound microscope, simple camera, or overhead projector
- Work with a functional eye model
- Design glasses
- Create a patient brochure for the LASIK procedure
Time
This mosaic takes approximately twenty-two 50-minute class periods.