Eyesight Explorations: Math in Optics and Optometry
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use math and optical principles to design a device or model that diagnoses or corrects a specific vision defect, considering the limitations of current technology and the potential for future advancements in eye care?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can optical principles be applied to understand the workings of the human eye?
- What mathematical models can be used to describe and correct vision defects?
- How do technological advancements in optics contribute to advancements in optometry and eye care?
- In what ways can mathematical analysis improve the precision and effectiveness of eye surgeries?
- How do different optical instruments used in optometry function, and what are their limitations?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Apply mathematical models to describe and correct vision defects.
- Apply optical principles to understand the workings of the human eye.
- Evaluate the function and limitations of optical instruments used in optometry.
- Analyze how mathematical analysis can improve the precision and effectiveness of eye surgeries.
- Investigate technological advancements in optics that contribute to advancements in optometry and eye care.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Case of the Blurry Vision Epidemic
A local outbreak of sudden blurry vision has been reported. Students act as investigative teams, using optical principles to diagnose the cause and propose solutions, sparking interest in optics and optometry.'Optics Hackathon: See the Future
Students participate in a hackathon to design assistive optical devices for specific real-world challenges. This encourages creative problem-solving and introduces them to the practical applications of optics in improving lives.'The Great Eye Illusion Challenge
Students explore the science behind visual illusions, then design their own to trick the eye. This encourages critical thinking about perception and the limitations of human vision, linking math and science.'Optometry in the News: A Critical Analysis
Students analyze news articles and research papers related to recent advancements or controversies in optometry. This promotes media literacy and critical evaluation of scientific information, connecting classroom learning to real-world issues.'Build Your Own Eye Model Challenge
Students construct a working model of the human eye, using readily available materials. This hands-on activity allows them to understand the function of each part and the principles of optics, while also introducing them to common vision problems.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Understanding the Eye: Optical Principles Exploration
Students will research and present the basic optical principles behind how the human eye functions. This activity sets the stage for understanding vision defects and their correction.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed diagram or model of the human eye with a presentation explaining the optical principles involved in vision.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Apply optical principles to understand the workings of the human eye.Diagnosing Vision Defects: Mathematical Modeling
Students will learn about common vision defects (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) and create mathematical models to describe them.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA report containing mathematical models and explanations of common vision defects.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Apply mathematical models to describe and correct vision defects.Optical Instrument Analysis: The Optometrist's Toolkit
Students will investigate various optical instruments used in optometry (phoropters, retinoscopes, etc.) and analyze their function, limitations, and the underlying optical principles.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed analysis of optical instruments used in optometry, including their function, limitations, and optical principles.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Evaluate the function and limitations of optical instruments used in optometry.Surgical Precision: Mathematical Analysis in Eye Surgery
Students will explore how mathematical analysis is used to improve the precision and effectiveness of eye surgeries, such as LASIK or cataract surgery.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA research summary explaining the role of mathematical analysis in enhancing the precision of eye surgeries.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Analyze how mathematical analysis can improve the precision and effectiveness of eye surgeries.Future of Optometry: Technological Advancements and Innovations
Students will investigate current technological advancements in optics and explore how these innovations may shape the future of optometry and eye care.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation or report on the future of optometry, highlighting technological advancements and their potential impact.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Investigate technological advancements in optics that contribute to advancements in optometry and eye care.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioMath in Medicine: Optics and Optometry Portfolio Rubric
Understanding Optical Principles
Demonstrates comprehension of fundamental optical concepts and their application to the workings of the human eye.Accuracy of Eye Model/Diagram
The extent to which the student's diagram or model accurately represents the anatomy of the eye and the path of light.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe diagram/model is exceptionally accurate, detailed, and clearly illustrates the function of each part of the eye and the precise path of light. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of optical principles.
Proficient
3 PointsThe diagram/model is accurate and clearly illustrates the function of each part of the eye and the path of light. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of optical principles.
Developing
2 PointsThe diagram/model has some inaccuracies or omissions, but generally represents the major parts of the eye and the path of light. Demonstrates a basic understanding of optical principles.
Beginning
1 PointsThe diagram/model is incomplete or contains significant inaccuracies, demonstrating a limited understanding of the eye's anatomy and optical principles.
Clarity of Presentation
How clearly the student explains the optical principles at work in the eye.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation is exceptionally clear, concise, and engaging, using precise language and effective visuals to explain complex optical concepts. Demonstrates mastery of the subject matter.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation is clear and explains the optical principles effectively, using appropriate language and visuals.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation is understandable but lacks clarity in some areas. Optical principles are explained with some inaccuracies or omissions.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation is difficult to understand and demonstrates a poor grasp of optical principles.
Mathematical Modeling of Vision Defects
Ability to create and explain mathematical models that describe common vision defects.Accuracy of Mathematical Models
The correctness and precision of the mathematical models used to describe vision defects.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe mathematical models are exceptionally accurate, precisely calculated, and comprehensively explain the refractive errors and lens power needed for correction. Demonstrates sophisticated application of mathematical principles.
Proficient
3 PointsThe mathematical models are accurate and explain the refractive errors and lens power needed for correction. Demonstrates thorough application of mathematical principles.
Developing
2 PointsThe mathematical models contain some inaccuracies or omissions but generally describe the vision defects. Demonstrates basic application of mathematical principles.
Beginning
1 PointsThe mathematical models are significantly inaccurate or incomplete, demonstrating a limited understanding of the mathematical principles involved.
Explanation of Model Significance
How well the student explains the significance of the models in diagnosing vision defects.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe report provides an exceptionally clear and insightful explanation of the significance of the models, demonstrating a deep understanding of their diagnostic applications and limitations.
Proficient
3 PointsThe report clearly explains the significance of the models and their diagnostic applications.
Developing
2 PointsThe report provides a basic explanation of the significance of the models, but may lack depth or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsThe report fails to adequately explain the significance of the models in diagnosing vision defects.
Analysis of Optical Instruments
Evaluation of the function, limitations, and optical principles behind various instruments used in optometry.Completeness of Instrument Analysis
The extent to which the student's analysis covers the function, limitations, and optical principles of the chosen instruments.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe analysis is exceptionally thorough, covering all aspects of the instruments with insightful observations about their strengths and weaknesses. Demonstrates sophisticated understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsThe analysis is thorough and covers the function, limitations, and optical principles of the instruments effectively.
Developing
2 PointsThe analysis is partially complete, with some aspects of the instruments not fully explored or explained.
Beginning
1 PointsThe analysis is incomplete and lacks a clear understanding of the function, limitations, and optical principles of the instruments.
Organization and Clarity
How well the student presents their findings in a structured and understandable format.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe findings are presented in an exceptionally well-organized and clear format, making it easy to understand the complex workings of the instruments. Demonstrates mastery of presentation skills.
Proficient
3 PointsThe findings are presented in a well-organized and clear format.
Developing
2 PointsThe findings are presented in a somewhat disorganized or unclear format, making it difficult to follow the analysis.
Beginning
1 PointsThe findings are presented in a disorganized and unclear format, demonstrating a lack of structure and coherence.
Understanding Surgical Applications
Exploration of how mathematical analysis contributes to the precision and effectiveness of eye surgeries.Depth of Research
The extent to which the student's research delves into specific mathematical techniques used in surgical planning and execution.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe research is exceptionally deep and comprehensive, providing detailed examples of mathematical techniques and their impact on surgical outcomes. Demonstrates sophisticated research skills.
Proficient
3 PointsThe research is thorough and provides clear examples of mathematical techniques used in surgical planning and execution.
Developing
2 PointsThe research is somewhat limited and provides basic examples of mathematical techniques.
Beginning
1 PointsThe research is minimal and lacks a clear understanding of the mathematical techniques used in eye surgeries.
Clarity of Explanation
How clearly the student explains the contribution of mathematical analysis to improved surgical outcomes.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe explanation is exceptionally clear and insightful, demonstrating a deep understanding of the link between mathematical analysis and surgical precision. Demonstrates excellent communication skills.
Proficient
3 PointsThe explanation is clear and demonstrates a good understanding of the link between mathematical analysis and surgical precision.
Developing
2 PointsThe explanation is somewhat unclear or incomplete, lacking a strong connection between mathematical analysis and surgical outcomes.
Beginning
1 PointsThe explanation is unclear and fails to demonstrate an understanding of the role of mathematical analysis in surgical outcomes.
Exploration of Technological Advancements
Investigation of current technological advancements in optics and their potential impact on optometry and eye care.Scope of Technological Advancements
The breadth of technological advancements explored by the student.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation/report covers a wide range of technological advancements with insightful analysis of their potential impact and ethical considerations. Demonstrates exceptional breadth of knowledge.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation/report covers a good range of technological advancements and their potential impact on eye care.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation/report covers a limited number of technological advancements with a superficial analysis of their impact.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation/report fails to adequately explore technological advancements in optics and their impact on optometry.
Discussion of Ethical Considerations
The depth and thoughtfulness of the student's discussion of ethical considerations related to new technologies.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe discussion of ethical considerations is exceptionally thorough and insightful, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the complexities involved. Demonstrates ethical awareness.
Proficient
3 PointsThe discussion of ethical considerations is thoughtful and addresses the key issues related to the new technologies.
Developing
2 PointsThe discussion of ethical considerations is superficial or incomplete, lacking depth and critical analysis.
Beginning
1 PointsThe discussion of ethical considerations is minimal or absent, failing to address the ethical implications of the new technologies.