Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Sound Representation / Modems Unplugged

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Grade(s)

6, 8

Overview

This activity involves listening to songs and finding hidden messages based on the same principle as a modem.

The binary number activity briefly mentions how text could be coded using sound — high and low beeps represent binary digits, which in turn can be decoded to numbers that represent the letters of the alphabet.

All data on computers is stored and transmitted using the binary number system.  When the binary digits need to be sent over phone lines which used to be standard in home internet connections, the digits are converted to sound and decoded at the other end, using a modem. This activity uses an audio coding similar to that used by a modem, but the sounds are recorded as songs, which students can decode.

    Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 6

    DLCS18.6.20

    Identify data transferring protocols, visualization, and the purpose of data and methods of storage.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:DLCS18.6.20

    Vocabulary

    • transfer protocols
    • visualization

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • different transferring protocols are used for specific purposes depending on the data and storage methods.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • differentiate basic data transferring protocols from another and various methods of storing data.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • data is compressed and stored in various transferring protocols depending on the purpose.
    Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 6

    DLCS18.6.21

    Identify varying data structures/systems and methods of classification, including decimal and binary.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:DLCS18.6.21

    Vocabulary

    • data structures
    • decimal
    • binary

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • how to recognize a binary number system including bits and bytes.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • identify how binary can be used for bit representation in pixels.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • there are several data structures and methods for classification.
    Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 8

    DLCS18.8.22

    Encrypt and decrypt various data.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:DLCS18.8.22

    Vocabulary

    • encrypt
    • decrypt

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • cyphers can be used to encrypt and then decrypt a message.
    • that computers use complicated cyphers to keep data safe when being transmitted electronically.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • either physically or digitally encrypt and decrypt data.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • some data needs to be protected as it is transmitted digitally.
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Learning Activity

    Resource Provider

    Other

    Resource Provider other

    CS Unplugged
    Accessibility
    License

    License Type

    BY-NC-SA
    ALSDE LOGO