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How Can We Send a Message Using Sound?

How Can We Send a Message Using Sound?

How Can We Send a Message Using Sound? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of grade 1 engineering and physical science standards. In this module, students:

  • Ask questions and use a modeling activity to better understand a problem.
  • Use prior experiences and a reading to research ways that people communicate over different distances.
  • Conduct investigations to test their ideas about how they can make sound.
  • Use evidence from investigations and research to explain what causes sound.
  • Design, build, and test sound-making devices to solve two problems.

Below are digital resources that support teaching of this module.

 

MODULE BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Music and the Smithsonian Institution
music.si.edu/explore
This link gives examples of music-related resources at the Smithsonian Institution.

Lesson 1: Time to Go!

Family Letter
Before starting How Can We Send a Message Using Sound? share the Family Letter with students’ caregivers. Indicate how they should submit responses to the letter.
Download the Family Letter PDF

Field Trip Model
This file provides guidance for setting up the field trip modeling activity.
Download the Field Trip Model PDF

Ada Asks Introduction (1:41)
Ada introduces students to a problem that occurred during a school field trip. Closed captioning is available in the YouTube version by clicking the “CC” icon.

Suggested pause: (01:04) But there was a problem. Can you guess what it was?

Watch Ada Asks Introduction on YouTube

or Download the Ada Asks Indroduction Video

 

Lesson 2: Sending the Message

Communication Through History
Students explore this timeline in an Extension.
Download the Communication Through History PDF

Timeline of Human Communication
A StoryMap with information about the communication methods and devices humans have used throughout history.
https://arcg.is/1OSyCz

Lesson 4: Sound Test

Sound Stop
This sample notebook sheet is used as the investigation plan is discussed.
Download the Sound Stop PDF

Lesson 5: Vibration and Sound

Plucked String (00:10)

Struck Metal (00:12)

Vibrating Metal (00:07)

"The Fox"
https://carolinascienceonline.com Audio files are used to introduce students to the sounds of different instruments.

Model Instruments
This table shows which audio files represent which sound investigations.
Download the Model Instruments PDF

Lesson 6: Drum Vibrations

“When the Saints Go Marching In”
This audio file is used to introduce students to the sounds of different instruments.
https://carolinascienceonline.com

Model Drum
This file is used during student discussions.
Download the Model Drum PDF

Salt Jump (00:35)
This video provides teacher guidance for a classroom demonstration.
Download the Salt Jump Video

Lesson 8: Sounding Off

Device Testing
This sample activity sheet is used as the device testing plan is discussed.
Download the Device Testing PDF

Lesson 9: River Crossing-Part 1

Ada Asks Design Challenge (2:08)
Ada introduces students to the design challenge. Closed captioning is available in the YouTube version by clicking the “CC” icon.

Suggested pause: (00:19) What part of your design do you think worked best?

Watch on Ada Asks Design Challenge on YouTube

or Download the Ada Asks Design Challenge Video

River Game
This file is used during student discussions.
Download the River Game PDF

Lesson 10: River Crossing-Part 2

River Cleanup
This file is used during student discussions.
Download the River Cleanup PDF

Zookeeper Game Board
In an Extension, students use this game board in a new communications game.
Download the Zookeeper Game Board PDF

Zoo Animals
In an Extension, students use these game pieces in a new communications game.
Download the Zoo Animals PDF