Electric Messages: Then and Now 1

What will we do today? Send a message - using yesterday’s technology Send a message - using today’s technology

Why is this experiment useful to teachers and students? As a result of this activity, students should develop an understanding of electrical communications audio and visual applications of International Morse Code electrical wiring, simple switches teamwork 3

Activity Objectives Learn about electrical based communications. Learn about the Morse Code system. Learn about wiring, switches, and simple circuits. Learn about teamwork and problem solving. Learn about the history of communication and its impact on world events. 4

Align the project to the curriculum framework or standards This should be the first thing you do together with the educator Consult education standards and get help from education department to align activity with –Science standards –Math standards –Technology standards

History of Telegraphy Ancient: Optical: Smoke signals – 1800: Optical: Semaphore 1832: Signal over Electrical Wires 1837: Morse Code: Morse & Vale 1891: World-wide cables 1896: Radio telegraph: Marconi over 6 km Codes, modulation, multiplexing 1910: Printing telegraph 1920: Telex network 1970: Internet : World-wide web

The Titanic The “unsinkable” ship set sail in 1912 They received warning messages from the steamship Mesaba reporting a large number of icebergs The Titanic hit an iceberg and began to sink Initial signal distress signal code CQD “Send SOS, it’s the new call” Help was very near, but Call for help was not received by the Californian, only 10 km away

8/7/20158

Your Challenge Build a device to send a message - using yesterday’s technology Send a message - using today’s technology

Materials Aluminum Foil Battery Binder Clips Brass Brads/Fasteners Bulb Cardboard Wire (insulated) 10

The Task (1) 1. Build a device that uses Morse Code 1. Test the device by sending the message SOS – Save our Souls

The Task (2) 1. Participant A: -Think of an emergency situation, then send a message explaining the situation and ask for help. Keep it secret 2. Participant B: -Once B understands the message report group and time taken on the flip chart – time from A starting to transmit to B understanding the message RULE No speaking, but B may nod after each letter or word. Once B thinks he understands the message he must tell A what he understands

The Task (3) 1. Repeat the task reversing roles, but message must be different 2. Record time taken on Flip Chart

The Task (4) 1. Repeat the task using a mobile phone message can be the same 2. Record time taken on Flip Chart

Summarising 1. A sends message to B using Morse Code 2. B sends message to A using Morse Code 3. A sends message to B text on Mobile phone RULES No speaking, but B may nod after each letter or word. Once B thinks he understands the message he must tell A what he understands Record time from start of transmission to understanding the message

Messages Give examples of messages that are sent in everyday life today. Explain and discuss –Importance –Reasons for secrecy and security –How is security achieved? –Accuracy requirements. How do today’s messages differ from yesterday’s messages? –Technology used –Social requirements –Spam and advertising

Reflection Questions What was one thing you liked about this lesson plan? What is its main weakness if any? What should be included to bring in technology used in our modern society? How would you modify the instructions to improve the experience of participants? How would you use it in the classroom?