Secret Messages
Youth explore how different colored filters work to hide or highlight other colors.
Youth Will Know
- They can combine technologies, like optical filters, with remote sensing devices to reveal information.
- Manipulating colors can help them make sense of complex visual data.
Activity Downloads
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A2_Secret_Messages_Educator_Guide
Secret Messages Educator Guide
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A2_Secret_Messages_Engineering_Notebook
Secret Messages Engineering Notebook (English)
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A2_Secret_Messages_Engineering_Notebook_Spanish
Secret Messages Engineering Notebook (Spanish)
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Setup
The Educator Guide has a script, materials list, and prep directions. Be sure to have it open and ready to help guide you through every activity.
- Post the Engineering Design Process poster.
- Draw the Optical Filter Investigations chart, Educator Guide p. 36, on chart paper and post it near the EDP poster.
- Create a Materials Table with the materials listed on Educator Guide p. 25.
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Guiding Question
How can we gather remote sensing data to help scientists find out about minerals from a distance?
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Youth Will Do
- Manipulate light and color to reveal visual information.
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Did You Know?
- Since Mars is very red, planetary scientists use optical filters to highlight colors they wouldn't see or notice otherwise.
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Quick Tips
- It is very difficult to make indiscernible messages. Focus youth on the difference rather than trying to achieve a truly hidden message.
- If groups finish early, have them use extra folders and tape to combine their optical filters with familiar technologies, like glasses.
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Glossary
Optical Filter: a technology that manipulates light and color to help reveal visual information
Activity Timing
5 min
Introduction
25 min
Investigating Optical Filters
20 min
Hidden Messages
5 min
Reflect
55 min
Total