A CAROLINA ESSENTIALS INVESTIGATION

Advantages of Digital Communication Transmission

Total Time

Physical Science

Grade Level

9-12 High School

Overview

This introductory activity provides students with an organizational tool to classify benefits and drawbacks of analog and digital information transmission after researching both types of transmission. Next, they will construct an argument for the transmission and storage selection method selected and present a written argument to a hypothetical business. Upon completing their comparison and argument, students will simulate digital transmission by translating their name and a simple sentence into binary code.

Phenomenon

What makes these phones different from each other?

old analog phone, flip phone and a current smart phone

Essential Question

What are the advantages of using digital information transmission?

Activity Objectives

Prepare a graphic organizer detailing the benefits and drawbacks of analog and digital information transmission and storage.
Construct an argument for the use of one method of transmission and storage of information.
Simulate digital information transmission by translating information into binary code.

Next Generation Science Standards* (NGSS)

PE HS-PS4-2. Evaluate questions about the advantages of using a digital transmission and storage of information.

SCIENCE & ENGINEERING PRACTICES

Asking Questions and Defining Problems

DISCIPLINARY CORE IDEA

PS4.A: Wave Properties

CROSSCUTTING CONCEPTS

Stability and Change

Materials Needed

Safety Procedures and Precautions

No PPE is required for the activity.

Teacher Prep and Disposal

Copy or upload student activity handouts. There is no disposal of materials. You may wish to copy and laminate the binary alphabet for other activities.

Student Procedures

Complete your assigned research.
Share research and fill in the graphic organizer completely.
Use the information you found to prepare a written argument convincing a large business which data storage and transmission method is best for the company.
Use the binary alphabet to translate your name and a short sentence.

Teacher Preparation and Tips

Divide students into groups of 4 and assign the research component of the activity.
Instruct students to share research and fill in the graphic organizer completely.
Give students samples of short, 4-5 words, sentences for translation into binary code.

Data and Observations

Examples of Student Responses

examples of student responses

binary code alphabet chart

Analysis and Discussion

1. 1. Construct an argument, citing evidence, that a large corporation should use either analog or digital information storage and transmission.
  Student answers will vary. See a possible rubric below.
  
  2. Look at the uppercase binary alphabet. What patterns can you identify?
  All letters start with 010 and are 8 characters long. The last 5 digits change by one in each place as each letter changes.
  3. Look at the lowercase binary alphabet. What patterns can you identify?
  All letters start with 011 and are 8 characters long. The last 5 digits change by one in each place as each letter changes.
  4. Write your name in binary code.
  Amy = 010000010110110101111001
  5. Write a short sentence in binary code and give it to a classmate for translation. Check it for correctness.
  Student answers will vary. You may wish to put restrictions on sentence length if time is a concern.
  6. Look at the phones in the phenomenon again. Based on what you learned, determine the information transmission and storage method for each phone. Include your reasoning.
  Tan phone is analog transmission and no storage. There is a cord attached to the phone that must go to a wall jack and the receiver is attached by a cord to the phone base. The flip phone and flat cell phone are digital transmission and storage. There are no cords and pictures, voice, video, and text information can be stored on the phone.

Buy the Kit

Over the course of 6 days, students investigate stadium waves, sound waves, light waves, and seismic waves and are assessed on their ability to answer the driving question, “What are some different types of waves, and what do they have in common?”

Reference Kits

Helpful Links

*Next Generation Science Standards® is a registered trademark of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.