Communication: Energy Tranfer & Information Transmission

How are we able to send messages across long distances?

Course

Science+

Subjects

Science

Grade Levels

Duration (hours)

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Overview

Students will learn how long-distance messages were sent in the past and will use technology to understand how long-distance messages are sent currently and can be send it the future. Students will be block based coding with the BBC micro:bit throughout this module. Students will use a web based coding platform and can utilize a free online simulator when micro:bits are not available.

Standards

4-PS3-2

4-PS3-4

4-PS4-3

3-5 ETS

Cyber Connections

Coding/Programming

Cyber Career Awareness

Lessons

Focus Question: How are we able to send messages across long distances?

Guide students in developing a class focus question about the phenomenon. How are we able to send messages across long distances?

Discovery 1: How can we use sound to send messages?

Students will learn the history of how sound has been used to send long distance messages. Students will code their own message using sound encryption. The cyber career connection will be made to a cryptographer.

Discovery 2: How do we use electricity to send messages?

Students explore how electricity gets to their home. They learn how batteries work and the history of Morse Code. Students will then make and code their own Morse Code device using radio waves.

Discovery 3: How is heat created?

Students will research how friction affects the race car industry. They will then code their own temperature sensor to find out what items around their school produce the most heat.

Discovery 4: How do digital devices send and receive messages?

The way computers send and receive messages will be explored. Students will send their own binary message by lighting up an LED.

Discovery 5: What is the future of long-distance communication?

Students explore recent changes in communication. Students will analyze the pros and cons of sending information different ways.

Engineering Design Project: Technology Carrying Case

Using what they have learned from this module, students will design a secure carrying case for their micro:bit that will provide housing with ventilation in order to protect the components and prevent overheating