Connections to the High School AP Physics C Curriculum Role of Computer Vision The role of computer vision is to extract data from an image. Current research focuses on image processing with emphasis on biomedical and clinical imaging applications. Medical image segmentation, registration, and object tracking Pattern analysis in MRI, PET, and CT images Surgical planning Computer aided diagnosis Teaching About Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the AP Physics Classroom RET (Research Experience for Teachers) - Summer 2016 Steven DeSanto, Lake Mary High School Supervising Faculty Faculty Mentor Niels da Vitoria Lobo, Ph.D. Ulas Bagci, Ph.D. Physics Participants Program Evaluator Steven DeSanto, Lake Mary HS Bonnie Swan, Ph.D. Amber Morgan, Seminole HS Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is based on the principle of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), first discovered in 1938. This has been developed into a clinical and research tool that has been used on humans since the 1980s. The MRI technique has advantages over other imaging modes in its lack of ionizing radiation and capability of producing 3d models with good resolution. The technology allows for a variety of contrast mechanisms, creating a wide range of clinical applications. In addition to traditional MRI imaging, newer modes used with this device include Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) (1985), Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) (1991), and Functional MRI (fMRI) (1992). Diagnostic applications of these techniques are still being discovered. Connections to the High School AP Physics C Curriculum Classroom Goals At the end of the first semester, students will learn: Precession and Angular Momentum – why protons precess around an external magnetic field Resonance – why the Larmor frequency applies to NMR At the end of the second semester, students will learn: Why the net magnetic moment of the protons changes direction in the presence of an external magnetic field The origin of the signal received from the precessing magnetic moment How that signal is used to generate an image How an image can be viewed in a program such as 3D Slicer In addition to the aforementioned physics and computer vision connections, in the classroom lessons we will discuss: How contrast is created due to T1 and T2 relaxation How contrast can be created due to diffusion to create DWI and DTI images How DTI images are used in tractography to create 3d models of brain anatomy. Possible clinical applications of DTI tractography in stroke, TBI, Alzheimer’s Disease, and epilepsy. 1st Semester The precession of hydrogen protons that is the basis of NMR is a topic that connects to conservation of angular momentum. This is part of the Rotation unit in AP Physics C. Deflection of the magnetic moment of a proton away from the direction of Bo is due to an applied torque. Torque is also part of the Rotation unit. Slice selection using a linear gradient magnetic field to alter the Larmor frequency of the precessing protons and therefore their response to RF pulses is an application of resonance, which is part of the Oscillations unit in AP Physics C. 2nd Semester Magnetic moment is taught in the Magnetism chapter. The moment of a rotating proton is an advanced topic not normally included in the AP Physics C curriculum. The signal detected from the protons is due to the rotating net magnetic moment interacting with the receiver by inducing a voltage according to Faraday’s Law. This is also part of the Magnetism unit. While not specifically part of the AP Physics C curriculum, as an extension topic the subject of Fourier Transform in image analysis is relevant, particularly for the students that have some prior background in computers or electronics. Program Goals The goal of the summer RET was to gain insight into the type and scope of current research topics at the UCF CRCV in order to bring this knowledge back to high school STEM students. Physics participants worked independently to study and investigate the topic of magnetic resonance imaging techniques in order to better understand the corresponding applications of computer vision in that field. As an end product, the participants constructed lesson plans for both the first and second semester of an AP Physics course in order to connect high school physics topics to magnetic resonance imaging and computer vision applications. Timeline May – two Saturdays learning the basics of Python programing June (weeks 1 and 2) – self-paced study of MRI fundamentals and the corresponding physics background, including basic MRI techniques as well as DWI and DTI June (weeks 3 and 4) – further study of MRI fundamentals and relationships to computer vision. Work with 3D Slicer to become familiar with DTI tractography techniques July (weeks 5 and 6) – construction of lesson plans designed to deliver this information to AP Physics students Anticipated Outcomes: This program will bring a myriad of benefits to high school STEM students Increased connections between abstract physics concepts and real-world applications Exposure to advanced topics outside of the normal scope of a high school STEM course Broader perspective of possible STEM career paths in the fields of physics, engineering, medical science, and computer vision Increase awareness of computer science as a potential field of study and computer vision as a specialty within that field