Ultrasound scans
Classroom Activity
for 14-16
Ultrasound imaging systems uses piezoelectric transducers as source and detector. Piezoelectric crystals vibrate in response to an alternating voltage, and when placed against a patient’s skin and driven at high frequencies produce ultrasound pulses that travel through the body.
As they travel outwards and encounter different layers within the body the ultrasound waves are reflected back towards the source.
The returning signal drives the crystals in reverse and produces an electronic signal that is processed to construct the image. Compared to MRI, ultrasound has the advantages of low cost and portability.
It is also preferred over x-ray imaging for procedures in which ionising radiation poses a significant risk, such as checking foetal development during pre-natal care.
Resources
These teaching notes include lesson notes for each presentation slide and the mark scheme for the student worksheet.
Ultrasound scans teaching notes.pdfThe student worksheet can be adapted to the needs of your class.
Ultrasound scans worksheet.docThis ZIP contains teacher notes (pdf), videos (wmv), worksheet (doc) and presentation (ppt). Once downloaded please save all files in a single folder to ensure PowerPoint links work.
All resources for Ultrasound Scans.zip
