Thursday, October 21, 2010

LCDs: Technology in Action

Did you know your computer monitor uses a large amount of technology? One example is the LCD screens that are now being used. LCD, or Liquid Crystal Displays are displays that use special quartz crystals that when electrified will allow only a certain amount of light through screen. This is why LCDs can be so thin. Unlike traditional televisions LCDs are also very lightweight. So the next time you see your computer screen remember you are seeing Technology in action!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

STEM and Chilean Miner Rescue

Did you know there is a great example of Engineering in STEM? During the past two months there have been 33 miners trapped in a Gold and Copper mine. New techniques in drilling and a new type of drill bit have helped these miners escape on October 13, 2010. This shows the potential and power of using Engineering to solve many of the world’s problems. Studying Engineering and Technology could put you in the position to help so many people, just like during the Chilean Mine Rescue.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

STEM and the LHC

Did you know there is a great example of S.T.E.M.? The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Geneva, Switzerland is a prime example of S.T.E.M. The LHC is the largest particle collider in the world, and is currently being used to answer some of the most fundamental questions in physics. This demonstrates the Science, but there is also some amazing Technology involved. The LHC uses superconductive magnets to accelerate particles. The size of the LHC has also created very big Engineering problems that had to be solved, such as how do we keep the magnets cool? Involved with all of these is Mathematics. Math has helped physicists and engineers create the LHC, and will help them solve those fundamental questions. For more information about the LHC check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Large_Hadron_Collider