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e-Journal

How We Use Lasers (p. 662)


Step 1. Questions

Did you know that you use lasers each time you listen to a CD or watch a DVD? Lasers are very useful devices. They help doctors treat patients and help scientists search for life on Mars!

Write an expository essay about a way of using lasers. First, you will need to research what lasers are and how they are used. Here are some questions to guide your research:
  • How do lasers work?
  • In what ways do people use lasers?
  • Why are lasers useful?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above, and write down what you learn in the note-taking boxes.

With teacher supervision, you may use search engines to research other Web sites. You also can research lasers at the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your report.



Step 2. Research

Research answers to the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!


Toolbox Tip: Click here to learn how to move from one Web page to another.


What Is a Laser?
Learn all about lasers at the Space Place, a NASA Web site. This site has useful information about what lasers are and how they work. Be sure to read about how NASA's Tunable Space Spectrometer will be used on Mars.
Take Notes:



Laser Laboratory
At this ThinkQuest Web site, you can find out about different uses of lasers. Click APPLICATIONS to learn how lasers are used in different fields. Perhaps you would like to write about one of these uses.
Take Notes:



Lasers
This University of Colorado Web site describes how lasers differ from other sources of light. The site also mentions some of the many uses of lasers in devices. Think about why lasers are used for many different purposes.
Take Notes:



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