Lesson 1: Airport Screener

Airport screeners have a very important task. Their goal is to inspect luggage so that no weapons will be carried onto planes. Will you take on the responsibility to protect the skies?

Doing the science

1. Select the Simulation tab to open the Airport Screener simulation.
2. Read the instructions provided.
3. In Table 1, create a list of prohibited items that would have to be alerted if found. Create a list of permitted items that people can bring on an airplane.
4. Click on the timer to set a time (3 minutes, 6 minutes, or 9 minutes).
5. Click on the right green arrow to start the conveyor belt.
6. Clicking on the arrows will increase or decrease the speed of the conveyor belt.
7. Suitcases will go through the X-ray machine. You can pause the conveyor belt by clicking on the yellow pause button. Clicking on the "Magnify" button will enlarge the image of the object. If you clicked on the pause or magnify button, you have to click on the left or right green arrow to start the conveyor belt again.
8. If you identify a dangerous object in a suitcase, click on the "Alert" button.
9. When time runs out, a report will tell you how well you did.