Teacher Experiences
Putting Engineering under the Spotlight
“Anyone who loves learning is going to have a good time,” notes McAleer of the SWEET program. “I loved it just from that perspective and the kids liked it. The kids learned something. It was very interesting.” McAleer, a self-acclaimed math guy, learned ‘a ton’ about engineering and science while working with WSU faculty to create a module to simulate current lazar/light research and its effect on cancer patients.
"Engineering takes the truth of science and math to design tools that help people."
“We used a high powered flashlight, like a spotlight,” explained McAleer. “And we shot the light through different color lenses. We found that different materials absorb light at very specific frequencies. We wanted to illustrate how if you change the color of the light, you change what happens.” While the biochemical engineering lab has very expensive lazars that work to attack cancer cells, McAleers project cost about $500 and was aptly demonstrated on candles which would or would not melt.
Beyond creating the module, McAleer notes, “I’ve got a better understanding of engineering in general and my view became more focused, realizing that engineering takes the truth of science and math to design tools that help people.
“At least once a month I will get in a conversation with a student about engineering and ask them ‘Have you thought about being an engineer?’ This happens much more in my classroom.”
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Teacher: Marcus McAleer
Class Module: Laser Simulation-Visual Light Lab for High School Students
Setting: Pullman High School, Pullman, Washington
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