Sound Representation / Modems Unplugged

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

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.

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.

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.

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.

CR Resource Type

Learning Activity

Resource Provider

Other

License Type

BY-NC-SA

Resource Provider other

CS Unplugged
https://classic.csunplugged.org/modems-unplugged-2/

Approved Date

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