EXAMPLE MISSION

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Retrieve the Stolen Jewels

"The agency has been asked to discretely retrieve some stolen jewels.  Our intelligence has determined where the jewels are located.  However, we have also learned that they are protected by an infrared beam security system.  The system is similar to the one we have set up here in the lab.  Your mission is to figure out how to get into the room, retrieve the jewels, and get back out without setting off the alarm.  If you attempt the mission and set off the alarm, you will need to escape back to the lab undetected and try again after reviewing what went wrong.  Before making an attempt you may experiment with the lab setup. The mission director will brief you on the details and answer any questions."

In the context of problem solving how to get around the beam system, the participants learn about the electromagnetic spectrum, light beams, photo sensors, and electronic circuits.






The participants work in groups of three or four to design a way to circumvent the alarm.  For example some groups might decide to try to locate the beams and avoid them.  Other groups might seek a way to disable the alarm.  After any unsuccessful attempts, the groups are encouraged to consult with successful teams to troubleshoot the problems they experienced.

PROGRAMS


After school

​Spy Girls will be piloted in fall of 2014 as a 12 week after-school program.  Each week will consist of a different mission.


Summer Camp

One- or two-week spy girls day camps will be offered in the summer of 2015.  Missions will supplemented with field trips to see the science and technology in action in laboratories and businesses.  Students will have a chance to interact with role models who have chosen a career in a STEM field.


Birthday Parties

Individual missions can be conducted for spy-themed birthday parties starting in January of 2015.

  • What is infrared light?
  • Why can't we see the beam?  Could we see it if it was visible light?
  • How does blocking the beam trigger the alarm?​