YES Middle School
Engineering Vision Extenders
Students use what they learn about the reflection of light as they engineer devices that extend users’ vision behind them.
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.
- 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.
unit Resources
Digital Resources (FREE)
YES provides these materials free of charge! Use the link below to download resources from our Google Drive.
Download ResourcesPurchase Materials
- Full-color print educator guide, plus multiple sets of heavy-duty reusable color-print resources (ex. vocabulary cards, materials glossaries, station signs, and student instructions) for the class.
- Hands-on materials to support 24 learners.
- Supplements Materials Kit to serve up to 24 more students.
Unit Map
Teacher Preparation Videos
Lesson 1 Preparation: Model Phone
Videos for Students
Lesson 2: Pedestrian Examples
Lesson 2: Frame the Problem
Lesson 2: How Much Can You See?
Lesson 2: How to Measure With a Protractor
Lesson 4: Simulation
Our funders
Major support for this project has been provided by MathWorks.
Exoplanet Discoveries
Extend learning with this computer science module designed to be taught after Engineering Vision Extenders. 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 patterns they can readily identify need to be described explicitly to a computer.
Light Sensors
Extend learning with this computer science module designed to be taught after Engineering Vision Extenders. 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.