The Angular Vision is a hands-on experiment that helps participants understand and explore the concept of angular vision, also known as peripheral vision. Angular vision refers to our ability to see objects and movement outside the direct line of sight, in the area surrounding the central focus of our eyes. This activity involves simple demonstrations to help participants experience and learn about their peripheral vision.
Materials Needed:
- Ruler or tape measure
- Masking tape or chalk
- Various objects or pictures (optional)
Instructions:
- Introduction: Begin by explaining the concept of angular vision or peripheral vision. Discuss how our eyes have a central focal point for detailed vision, but we can also perceive objects and movement in our peripheral or side vision.
- Measure and Mark: Choose a location, such as a wall or a large open space outdoors. Use masking tape or chalk to create a straight line on the floor or wall, perpendicular to the participants’ line of sight.
- Stand and Stare: Have participants stand on the marked line, facing forward. Instruct them to focus their eyes straight ahead without moving their heads.
- Objects in the Periphery: Place various objects or pictures at different distances and angles from the participants’ line of sight. These objects should be visible in the peripheral vision when participants keep their eyes focused on the line.
- Experiment with Peripheral Vision:
-
- Have participants focus on the marked line while trying to identify the objects in their peripheral vision without looking directly at them.
- Move some objects closer or farther away from the line and observe how their visibility in the peripheral vision changes.
- Ask participants to identify the objects or pictures without turning their heads or moving their eyes away from the marked line.
-
- Peripheral Vision Awareness: Lead a discussion about participants’ experiences with their peripheral vision. Discuss how peripheral vision helps us become aware of our surroundings, detect motion, and provide a wide field of view.
- Peripheral Vision Challenges (Optional): For a more advanced activity, create challenges using the peripheral vision. For example, show participants objects for a brief moment and then ask them to recall what they saw using their peripheral vision.
- Practical Applications: Discuss practical applications of peripheral vision, such as its importance in sports, driving, and situational awareness.
This activity allows participants to explore and experience their peripheral vision, promoting an understanding of its role in everyday life. It encourages observation, awareness, and critical thinking while providing a fun and engaging STEM learning experience.
| STEM Concept | Explanation and Application |
| Science Concepts | |
| Angular Vision | Understanding how the eyes perceive objects and movement in the peripheral or side vision. |
| Optics | Exploring the behavior of light and how it enters the eyes to form images, including peripheral vision. |
| Human Physiology | Understanding the structure and function of the human eye and its ability to detect objects in the periphery. |
| Technology Concepts | |
| Measurement | Using rulers or tape measures to mark distances for the activity and to determine the objects’ locations. |
| Visual Perception | Exploring how technology tools can be used to demonstrate and measure angular vision, such as charts or displays. |
| Peripheral Vision Challenges | Using technology to create challenges that test participants’ awareness and perception using peripheral vision. |
| Engineering Concepts | |
| Human-Machine Interaction | Understanding how the human eyes interact with the environment and how engineers design displays and interfaces. |
| Design Considerations | Applying engineering principles to design challenges that involve angular vision, such as obstacle detection. |
| Spatial Awareness | Considering the spatial relationships between objects and participants during the activity. |
| Mathematics Concepts | |
| Geometry | Understanding the angles and directions of objects in the periphery and their relationship to the central focus. |
| Data Analysis | Analyzing the results of the activity, such as the objects participants were able to perceive in their periphery. |
| Measurements | Using measurements to calculate distances and angles between the central line of sight and peripheral objects. |
| Probability | Exploring the probability of detecting objects in the peripheral vision based on their positions and sizes. |
Angular Vision. Each concept can be further explored and expanded based on the age, understanding, and interests of the participants. The activity provides an interdisciplinary learning experience that integrates scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical concepts while fostering observation, critical thinking, and awareness of human vision capabilities.