Teaching Fundamentals in Lasers and Light Technology to Advanced Applied Optics in Biology and Biomedical Research: Analyzing the Team-teaching Influence on High School Students’ Perception of and Confidence in STEM

Laser and light technology has the potential to be the science milestone of the century. The essential use of light and laser technology in designing revolutionary devices such as quantum computers, optogenetic tools, and biomimicking light-actuator microrobots represent the inspiration behind this vision. Therefore, running classroom activities followed by advanced lectures around multidisciplinary research and innovation in optics could serve as an excellent contextual vehicle for increasing K-12 student perception of and confidence in some areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). In this work, we present a project facilitated in a high school biology classroom during the academic year by a team of ExPERTS (Experiential Practices in Education Research and Teaching in STEM) composed of an engineering Ph.D. student, a biology undergraduate student, and a high school Biology teacher. The team introduces laser and light technology topics related to biological and biomedical applications to high school students through inquiry-based Modules (including associated introductions, activities and assessments) with the goal of increasing student confidence in and understanding of the use of optics in STEM applications. Results and connections of preand post-surveys for each module implemented will be presented.