6th - 8th Grade Module 5 Concept 4

Cycle 1

How do people use waves to communicate? What are the benefits of using digital technology?
Cycle Summary

n the previous concepts, students discovered how sound and light waves interact with matter.

In this cycle students research how information can be sent using analog and digital signals to answer the guiding question, “How do people use waves to communicate? What are the benefits of using digital technology?” Students will be introduced to the difference between analog and digital signals. They will also learn the characteristics of analog and digital technologies. By the end, students will be introduced to analog and digital synthesizers used to produce music and must compare and contrast the reliability of these instruments.

Students will use the information researched in this concept to create a concert experience in the performance task.

Session 1
Elicit

Students discuss their initial ideas of the meaning of the term digital.

Engage

Students watch a video to determine the differences in sound produced by analog and digital technology.

Explore

Students complete a card sort to identify analog and digital technology, and view a demonstration of how to use an analog radio and tape recorder.

Session 2
Explain

Students use multiple sources to research various digital technologies to explain the design and reliability of these technologies. Students create a digital presentation about a particular type of technology.

Session 3
Explain

Students use multiple sources to research various digital technologies to explain the design and reliability of these technologies. Students create a digital presentation about a particular type of technology.

Session 4
Elaborate

Students engage in a debate on digital vs analog synthesizers.

Session 5
Elaborate

Students engage in a debate on digital vs analog synthesizers.

Session 6
Evaluate

Students complete a CER on the use of digital technology.

Extend
Elaborate

Students complete an Hour of Code coding module on Code.org.