KS3-4: Smartphones, laser surgery, internet: Modern technologies that rely on light

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Suitable for 11-18-year olds (secondary, middle and high schools), this article and accompanying activity sheet can be used in the classroom, in science/engineering/tech clubs and at home.

This resource links to KS3 Physics, light waves; Design Technology, technical knowledge KS4 Physics; Design Technology but is also internationally relevant.

It can also be used as a careers resource and links to Gatsby Benchmarks:
Gatsby Benchmark 2: Learning from career and labour market information
Gatsby Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers

The article includes a description of optics and photonics, a summary of modern technologies that rely on them, an interview with Professor of Optics Dr Alexis Vogt and an overview of optics careers (with so many devices now relying on optics and photonics, there’s a global shortage of technicians in this field).

The activity sheet includes discussion points - six questions the students can answer in groups or individually. There are also links to other relevant resources from the Institute of Physics.

This resource was first published on Futurum Careers, a free online resource and magazine aimed at encouraging 14-19-year-olds worldwide to pursue careers in science, tech, engineering, maths, medicine (STEM) and social sciences, humanities and the arts for people and the economy (SHAPE).

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