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Name of NGM Educator:

Peter Poulos, Engineering Professor, Manchester Community College

Name of Host Company:

University of Connecticut Photonics Laboratory

Grade Level:

Freshman-sophomore college students

Student Work Types:

• Discussions/Observations: Students will be required to model an antenna circuit illustrating the detection of a radio signal and be able to discuss the detection circuit and understand the concept of resonance.

Task Abstract:

The goal is to understand how photons are detected. This will be accomplished by first understanding the detection of a radio wave in an antenna.

Task Objectives:

To illustrate through simulated experiment the behavior of a detection circuit. Understand the physics involved in the detection of electromagnetic waves and the correspondence and similartty to photon detection.

Esssential Understandings/Questions:

Students will gain an understanding that physics provides a glimpse of nature and that it helps us understand real events. In this lesson, the best we can do is detect the existence of a photon and therefore it is important to understand how a detector functions. Armed with that knowledge we can better determine if physics is real.

Task Description:

Model an antenna circuit with radio signal inputs and observe the selection/ detection process resulting from resonance. 

Resources Required:

Classroom computer, Electronic Workbench software.

Prior Learning Required:

None

Educator Comments:

This lesson will provide students a look into the world of physics at the sub-atomic level.