Communication - Vibration, Electronic Signals, and Electromagnetic Radiation
by
Regan Lum
An Introduction...
The main methods of communication are speaking and listening.
One of the limitations of communication through speech is that the listener
must be within shouting distance. Through the miracle of science, we can
speak to a friend that is far away by sending our voice through the air, wire, or glass fiber in the form of electromagnetic radiation or electronic signals.
We can even speak to machines and tell them what to do.
Concept:
We can change our voice into an electronic signal and send it
through a wire (speaker or telephone). We can convert that electronic signal
into electromagnetic radiation (radiowaves or light in our case) and send it
through the air or fiber optics. We can even save our voice (or music) on a
magnetic tape and play it back. Modern technology even allows us to
control machines that are miles away.
Theme:
Science, Technology, and Society from the Science Framework (pages 158 - 160)
Objectives:
The students will be able to:
-
Explain what sound is and how it is produced.
- Explain how our voices can be converted into an electronic signal
(via microphones) and sent through a wire or saved on magnetic tape.
- Explain how that signal on magnetic tape can be converted back into
sound using a speaker.
- Explain how the electronic signals can be converted to electromagnetic
radiation (light and radiowaves) and sent through the air or fiber optics.
- Explain how we can talk to (via binary code) and control machines miles
away.
- Explain how we can enhance our senses by using machines to collect
information (data).
- Describe how products of science and technology change society.
Grade Level:
9th - 12th grade
Prerequisites:
Topics already covered:
- Sound
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Electromagnetic Radiation
For more information about this lesson plan:
Lesson Plan
References
For more information, email your comments to
outreach@cea.berkeley.edu
or contact Regan Lum.
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