Engineers can read your mind

Explore the different technologies that engineers have developed to scan the brain

The use of different types of signals is hugely important in all areas of healthcare. Signal processing engineers are involved in everything from extracting information from the body’s own electrical and chemical signals to using wireless signals to allow search-and-rescue robot swarms to communicate with each other.

Together with related activities, this resource allows students to investigate the wide range of sophisticated imaging technology available in modern hospitals, and to explore the latest ideas in search-and-rescue robotics.

Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
This activity encourages students to think about new technologies and how difficult it is to predict their future development and application. The handout ‘Reading minds’ is an introduction on how the engineering field of biomedical signal processing is helping doctors understand the brain and treat patients.

The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The ‘Mind Scanner’ challenge is an extension activity that allows students to do a bit of future gazing. The challenge looks at how future compact mind scanner technology could be used and by whom - considering both ethical and economic issues.

Download the free activity sheet!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation