LASER-TEC hosted a full-day hands-on workshop on integrating emerging technologies of lasers and fiber optics into K-12 STEM curriculum on May 14, 2015. During this 7-hour content-rich workshop, educators explored modern applications of light-based technologies, discussed the importance of integrating these cross disciplinary technologies into a STEM classroom, and enhanced their technical knowledge about fiber optics and laser technologies.
Educators explored 15 classroom demonstrations and experiments supported by the Light and Optics Exploration Kit developed and assembled by LASER-TEC. The kit is accompanied with detailed step-by-step lesson plans. Karlheinz Haas, a physics and calculus instructor at the Pine School, shared about benefits and best practices in integrating concepts of lasers and fiber optics into classes using the kit and materials developed by LASER-TEC.
Teachers received a stipend, the Light and Optics Exploration Kit, classroom posters and other informational materials. A total of 14 teachers from 5 middle schools and 2 high schools participated in the workshop.