Physical Science: Analog vs. Digital

This lesson is an introduction to analog and digital signals, and is part of a five-lesson series on Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation (click for bundle). This lesson supports MS-PS4-3 (Waves and their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer) of the NGSS. The handout and included answer key work together with videos and links found at Analog vs Digital on the How About Science? website.

Here are some things you will like about “How About Science?” activities!

∙ NO PREP (other than making copies)

∙ STANDARDS-BASED

∙ EXCELLENT FOR REVIEW

∙ GREAT FOR VISUAL LEARNERS

∙ PERFECT FOR SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

∙ MAKEUP FRIENDLY (if absent students have access to an internet connection)

∙ LOADED WITH GOOD EXAMPLES OF DIFFICULT CONCEPTS

∙ QUIZZES THAT SUPPORT EACH LESSON (click the rocket)

Students may work independently if everyone has an internet connected device. If not, the videos can be projected and the handout filled out as a group. Once students complete the handout, discuss the answers and play the Kahout! (click the link on the home page to learn more about Kahouts!)

The video materials chosen are based on length, clarity, quality and how closely they align with the national standards. The lesson could be added as an introduction or as further exploration and could be completed as one activity or broken into smaller segments. "How About Science?" materials can be incorporated into your existing unit in various ways depending on the ability level of your students and the availability of technology.

Here are a few things to consider. If students are working individually it is helpful, but not required to have headphones or earbuds. If the sound is kept low even a large class of students can be successful without them. Also, because students find the directions very easy to follow, these are perfect for substitute teachers. And, because the videos are online, students with internet connections at home don't have to be at school to complete an assignment. My classes are typically action packed with labs and activities, but these video-based lessons require careful listening and focus. My classes are never quieter, which is kind of nice on occasion.

Note! I would suggest doing a trial run before purchasing if you plan to have a large class of students working at individual computers. Internet connection speeds vary which may cause videos to load slowly. You might have everyone log on and try my free resource on TpT (or just go to a lesson and choose something) just to be sure you aren't going to have connection issues. If you do, then you can always project the videos and complete the handouts as a group.

For more information about how to get the most out of "How About Science?," click the Teacher's Guide in the menu bar on the website.

*****************************************************************************

Customer Tips:

How to get TPT credit to use on future purchases:

• Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to login). Beside each purchase

you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page

where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each

time you give feedback, TPT gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases. I value your feedback greatly as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your classroom so I can create more for you.

Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies and product launches:

• Look for the green star next to my store logo and click it to become a follower. Voila! You will now receive email updates about this store. ☺

*****************************************************************************