Carolyn N. Kinder
The following lesson plans are used to enhance students understanding of standards taught. Lesson plans are framed around New Haven Public School Performance Standards: Science 5-8. The specific Standard addressed is Performance 5.1. Students will develop understanding of technological designs, which solve problems and improve the quality of life. These standards can be found in New Haven Curriculum Framework Document, which is located in classrooms and the media center in every school. In addition, these standards can be found on the New Haven Public School web page, webmasternhps.net.
Lesson Plan I
Communication has evolved over the years (i.e., smoke signals, telegraph, radio telephone and now cell phones to increase our ability and desire to communicate afar.
Objective:
Students will use a variety of strategies to demonstrate ways communication has evolved over the years.
Activity 1: Make a Phone Using Aluminum Cans and String
Make a phone using two aluminum cans (plastic cups also work) and some string, 10 to 25 feet long. Put a small hole in the bottom of each can or cup, and string the line from one cup to the other. Have students take turns holding the cups or cans. Try several different volumes, and pitches by adjusting the string. See if students can find an explanation for how the aluminum can phone work. Have each pair of students discuss responses with the rest of the class.
Activity 2: Demonstrating Frequencies of Sound Waves
Discuss with the class how your ears respond to sound through the rapid osculating changes in the pressure of the air. These changes are sound waves that have a single pitch (frequency and constant loudness (amplitude). The range of human hearing can perceive a sounds ranging in frequency from 20 to 20,000 Hz. Sound waves range from pure sine waves to complex combinations of waves of 1 cycle per second (1 Hertz or 1 Hz). Use a rope or a wave spring to demonstrate various waves. Let students try to form different wavelengths. Then have them pluck a rubber band to demonstrate different frequencies of sound waves.
Activity 3: The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Using
Appendix B,
have students discuss what they know about th
e
Electromagnetic Spectrum. Ask them where radio waves fall within the spectrum. And are these waves hazardous to your health. If not, why? if so, why?
Lesson Plan II: Using the International Morse Code
Objective: To discuss another way people communicated from long distances in the past.
Strategies: Using the book:
Science and Communication Circuits and Projects. Forrest M. Mines III,
P 102. Use the international Morse Code to discuss a different way of communicating.
Discussion: In 1836, Samuel E.B. Morse built the first working telegraph. He also devised a code that permitted telegraph operators to exchange information. His code is still used by telegraph, radio and signal light operators. Listed below is The International Morse Code.
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A .-
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B-…
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C-.-.
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D-..
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E.
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F..-.
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G--.
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H….
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I..
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J.---
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K-.-
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L.-..
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M--
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N-.
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O---
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P.--.
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Q--.-
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R.-.
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S…
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T-
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U..-
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V…-
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W.--
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X-..-
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1.----
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2..---
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3…--
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4…-
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5…..
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6-….
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7--…
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8---..
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9----.
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0----
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. .-.-.-
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? ..--..
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- ….-
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Think of the code as sound, not dots and dashes. Have students say "dit" for dot and "dash" for dash. Thus A is "ditdah" or "didah", B is Dahdididit, etc. Use the International Morse Code and have students create messages to send to each other.
Lesson Plan III
Objective
:
To have
students recognize that the cell phone is a device used to communicate in our everyday lives.
Strategies:
Divide students up into small groups of fours or fives. Have each group to brainstorm what they know about cell phones
Activity 1:
Each group will:
- Define what is a cell phone?
- How does a cell phone work?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a cell phone?
Activity 2
:
Whole Group Discussion
Each group will share their information gained in the small groups in the whole group. Then each person will be given a two-way radio to communicate. A two radio is the best way to demonstrate how cell phones work. Then, teacher will use the cell phone using the Website wwwhowstuffworks.com to explain how cell phones work and the parts of the cell phone.
Lesson Plan IV: Critical Thinking
Objective:
Students will do some critical thinking about how cell phones affect their lives and people around them.
Activity 1:
Writing Prompt:
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·
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What would you do if some in your class interrupt the class by taking out a cell phone and start talking to friend?
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Activity 2:
- Write an essay on how do you think messages are sent and received on a cell phone.
Activity 3:
- Write an essay on the following question. Do cell phones cause accidents and why?
Lesson Plan V: Explain How A Cell Phone Works
Objective:
To have students do a project that demonstrate how cell phones work.
Strategies
: Teacher will present a whole group discussion and use speakers to teach the concepts on cell phones. Next, small group discussions will be done by individual groups on the information presented. Then, students will do on-line research, use books, and other research tools to help them complete their projects. Finally, each student will make a presentation explaining how their project works.
Lesson Plan VI: How Much Would You Pay To Have A Cell Phone
Objective:
Students will choose the best payment plan for cell phones monthly rate.
Strategies: Have students use this chart and choose a payment plan to answer the two situations below.
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Plan
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Monthly Access Charge
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Peak Time
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Off Peak Time
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A
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$ 10.00
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$0.28
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$0.28
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B
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$ 20.00
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$0.28
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Free
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C
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$ 20.00
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125 min. included
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$0.28
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Which plan would you purchase based on your monthly airtime?
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Situation 1
: You spend 50 minutes on the phone during peak air time, 25 minutes during off peak time. What plan would be better? Show why.
- Situation 2: Most of your calls occur during off peak time. You spend 20 minutes a month during peak time and 100 minutes during off peak time. What plan should you purchase? Why?
Assessment:
All lesson plans will be assessed through portfolios, projects, class work, homework and journals.
