This lessons has students exploring how visible light waves reflected from objects enter the eye causing objects to be seen. Before designing the maze, the students will have first learned and explored how a laser light will reflect on a mirrored surface and explore the angles at which it reflects. They should plan out their design on a piece of paper first, showing the path the light will take.
Then, using Tinkercad, students will create a maze that can reflect a laser beam from the beginning to the end. Here are the teacher’s specifications:
The maze may be any where from 4 to 7 inches wide/long. The height should be between 1 and 2 inches tall. Check that the walls are around 1/4 inch thick. The maze needs to have a starting spot and an ending spot. Focus on angles of the objects that will have mirrors on them to make the light reflect to the ending spot. The light should reflect off at least 2 surfaces before it gets to the end.
After the students have created their mazes the teacher should check each project before they print it. They should check that the objects in the project are connected and on the workplane. They should also check the size.
Once printed, the students will add the mirrors with tape and then test with laser pointers. Mirror angles may need to be adjusted with paper, putty or play doh to get the reflections just right.
Supplies needed:
- 3d printer and filament (if you do not have a 3d printer, you can check out printers from the STEM in Motion lending library, or apply for a STEM Action Center Classroom Grant)
- small mirrors
- laser pointers
- computers for Tinkercad
Standard(s) 4.3.2