Energy and Environment Kits
Heat Transfer *Kit is currently unavailable*
The purpose of this kit is to instruct students on the basic difference
between heat and temperature and how heat moves through an environment.
Concepts that are covered range from the basic states of matter to the
effects of global warming. The kit also focuses on the insulating
properties of materials through the concepts of heat transfer. Students
will tie these concepts to real world applications like energy costs
and home insulation.
Chemical Reactions & Electricity Kit Summary | Complete Kit Documentation
This kit contains activities for the students to gain a better understanding about chemical energy; its use in creating mechanical, electrical, thermal, and light energy; how chemical energy is used in a diesel/internal-combustion engine to create mechanical work; and current research into alternative fuel sources. Basic concepts of chemical energy including transfer of electrons between two substances, oxidation, combustion, heat and light will be presented.
Wind Energy Kit Summary | Complete Kit Documentation
This kit will teach students about how wind and water can be used as
renewable sources of energy. The students discuss renewable and
nonrenewable resources and decide which category better fits a variety
of different energy sources. The students will then compete to see who
can design the most effective wind turbine.
Solar Energy Kit Summary | Complete Kit Documentation
This kit will teach students about the way solar power can be harnessed to
provide energy for various applications. It will also introduce the
concept of the energy cycle using visual aids. The students will then
be given photovoltaic collectors and will go outside and compete to see
who can gather the most solar energy. Finally, they will warm a food
item in a solar oven so they can view how solar energy can be applied.
Electrical Energy Kit Summary | Complete Kit Documentation
The Electrical Energy Kit introduces students to the fundamental concepts
of the use of electrons to harness energy. Students will construct
simple circuits and analyze the electric potential of the designs they
create. Concepts that are covered include Bohr's model of the atom, the
concepts of charged particles, the ability of some circuit elements to
store charge, varied circuit elements and common circuit constructions,
and also power consumption in a circuit and in physical devices.
Molecules & Fuel Cell Technology Kit Summary | Complete Kit Documentation
Bioengineering Kits
Bionic Eye Complete Kit Documentation
This kit gives students the opportunity to build their own "bionic eye" that detects infrared light. Students will also learn about the functions of different parts of the human eye and the electrical components that perform the same basic functions in their own bionic eyes.
Artificial Hearing Complete Kit Documentation
Students will build a simple amplifier circuit that functions like a hearing aid. They will use a breadboard and learn about some basic electrical circuit components.
Biomechanical Hand Complete Kit Documentation
Each student builds a simple biomechanical finger, and students can team up to build a whole hand. The lesson also contains a discussion of the applications of robotics and mechanical hands. The lesson can be tied into research into biomimetic robotic devices being done at RIT.
Biomechanical Joint Complete Kit Documentation
This kit contains a demonstration of an air muscle and a biomechanical elbow joint that allows students to select different attachment points for the biceps muscle. The lesson can be tied into research into biomimetic robotic devices being done at RIT.
Artificial Lung-Diaphragm Complete Kit Documentation
Students will learn about engineering design and decision making as they choose from different available configurations and assemble a simple lung-diaphragm system. The lesson can be tied into lung and breathing simulation research being done at RIT.
Laparoscopic Surgery Complete Kit Documentation
This kit consists of a discussion of materials used in engineering applications as well as a "laparoscopic surgery" simulation where students learn the importance of teamwork and communication for engineers.