top of page

WAVES UNIT:
Cell Technology

 “How are you hearing me?” asks a cell phone caller.

 

Over the course of the unit, you will discover the patterns with waves.  Then, you will use that understanding to explain ultrasound medical imaging technology and ultimately how cell phones work.  Cell phone communication is operationalized by the engineering challenge of communicating a three letter signal by first coding a spreadsheet to digitize the signal in binary (ASCII), then transmit the digital signal using light and sound (AM and FM), then receive and decode the signal to complete the communication. This project models the sending and receiving of a text message.

Unit PowerPoint

Click the button on the right to view the PowerPoint presentation and notes for the Waves Unit.  

To access a specific topic, click on the appropriate video link below.

Note Topics:

 

Open Note Outline
Unit Booklet

Lose your booklet?  Click the button on the right to view or download the unit booklet with learning targets, notes, lab pages, and review sheets.  

 

Unit 5 Learning Targets:

  • I can compare and contrast the general parts and properties of mechanical and electromagnetic waves.

  • I can collect data on wave speed, frequency, and wavelength and use it to build an understanding for how waves behave.

  • I can read and use informational texts about waves to answer relevant questions.  

  • I can describe how instruments transmit and detect waves (i.e. cell phone and sonar).

View Booklet
See Vocab List
Online Activities and Resources

Our class incorporates several online activities.  To view these in HTML, visit the links below.  

 

The Patterns Approach Physics resources were created through collaboration with industry members, higher education representatives, high school science teachers, and middle school science teachers.  The resources include labs and activities that cover the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for high school earth, life, and physical science AND incorporate engineering practices.  The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Science and Technical Subjects have also been incorporated.

Video Resources

Do you need a little help understanding the vocabulary and content of this chapter?  Use the links below to view clips that will help you better visualize and make connections between the concepts.  You can always google other videos too!

 

Need More Help...

If you ever get to a point that you are confused and stuck, please email me and I will help you figure it out.

I don't get it icon.png

Study Resources:

bottom of page