Tool for Success—Development of The Infrared Remote Control
Step 1. The Relationship between Science and Technology
Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for designing or creating something to fit a specific need. For example, discoveries about the behaviour of light, how to make plastic, the development of solid state circuitry, and the invention of the helium-neon laser made the infrared remote control for your television become a reality.
Step 2. Your Remote Control
| 1. |
Pick up your television remote control and turn on the TV. Where did you point the remote when you clicked the on button? Now turn off the TV. |
| 2. |
Point the remote control slightly to one side of the television. Can you still turn on the TV? |
| 3. |
Keep moving the front of the remote control further and further to the side of the television. At some point, it won’t turn the TV on or off. Why? |
| 4. |
Hold a flat surface (e.g., mirror, piece of wood, dinner plate) at arms length in the direction of the TV where the remote would no longer turn it on. With your other hand, point the remote control at the flat surface and click the on button. Did your television turn on? If not, vary the tilt (angle) of the flat surface until the remote works. What is the nature of light that enabled you to turn the TV on while pointing it at a flat surface? |
