SC15.8.19

Science (2015) Grade(s): 8

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Structure and Function

Students know:

Electromagnetic waves are a form of energy waves that have both an electric and magnetic field. Electromagnetic waves are different from mechanical waves in that they can transmit energy and travel through a vacuum.
The different types of electromagnetic waves have different uses and functions in our everyday lives.
Electromagnetic waves differ from each other in wavelength, frequency, and energy, and are classified accordingly. Wavelength is the distance between one wave crest to the next.
Frequency refers to how often the particles of the medium vibrate when a wave passes through the medium
The amount of energy carried by a wave is related to the amplitude of the wave. A high energy wave is characterized by a high amplitude; a low energy wave is characterized by a low amplitude. The amplitude of a wave refers to the maximum amount of displacement of a particle on the medium from its rest position.
Electromagnetic waves can be used to encode information.
Electromagnetic waves can be used to transmit information.
Examples of common communication devices may include cellular telephones, radios, remote controls, Wi-Fi components, global positioning systems (GPS), and wireless technology components.

Students are able to:

Gather evidence sufficient to explain a phenomenon that includes the idea that using waves to carry digital signals is a more reliable way to encode and transmit information than using waves to carry analog signals.
Combine the relevant information (from multiple sources) to articulate the explanation.

Students understand that:

Common communication devices use electromagnetic waves to encode and transmit information.

Qualitative
Information
Communication devices (e.g., cellular phone, Global Positioning System (GPS), remote control, Wi-Fi, etc.)
Electromagnetic waves
Energy
Energy wave
Electric field
Magnet
Magnetic field
Mechanical wave
Vacuum
Frequency
Wavelength
Crest
Medium
Amplitude
Displacement
Rest position
Encode
Transmit