Script: Welcome back to the Acoustics Test Lab! You’ve been learning all about different ways animals and humans use sound waves to understand and learn about the world around them. There are so many different ways sound can improve our lives. One other way is through codes. Have you ever created a secret code or language with a friend? (Wait for student response) Cryptographers are the people who create and crack codes. Many codes use letters, numbers, or symbols, but there are also lots of codes that communicate without words or writing. Today, you’ll learn more about codes in general, and then you will be a cryptographer to create your own code using sounds.
Play a quick game of charades (or the charades tag variation) to introduce the concept of communicating without sound or words:
For a variation of this game using tag, check out the Playworks webpage here: https://www.playworks.org/game-library/charades-tag/
Discuss:
Script: Throughout history, people have created lots of different ways to communicate with and without sound and words. We’ll watch a few videos to learn about some of those:
10 min Watch: Play the following videos and discuss the communication processes with students. Consider selecting 2 out of 3 videos if time is tight.
5 min Discuss:
Introduce students to morse code by decoding some simple words together as a class.
Script: In the video, we learn that morse code uses dashes and dots on a page which correspond to short and long sounds. Historically, morse code has been sent via radio, but morse code can be used and decoded using anything that can make sound or even through the flashing of light in the same code pattern. Today, we’ll focus on creating a code that uses various sounds to send a secret message. Before you create your own, let’s decode some morse code messages together:
5 min Demonstrate an example using morse code. Show students the morse code key:
Use taps or knocks to spell out the word HELLO as students decode the message using the key.
Repeat the process using a variety of words and phrases:
For additional information about Morse Code, check out this resource: Morse Code - Non-Snap Circuits.docx
Students will use what they’ve learned about sound, echolocation, and sonar to consider other ways people can communicate with each other without using words.
5 min Script: We’ve learned about how animals communicate without words through echolocation. Today, you’re tasked with creating your own basic “language” using sounds, not words, to communicate a secret message. You will each generate your own language key and plan your message. Then, you’ll share your message with a partner who will use your key to decode the message. The language can use any sounds like taps, knocks, noises made with your voice or body, etc. One way to make your language decodable is to assign each letter a specific sound or combination of sounds. You could also consider having a word bank with associated sounds instead of using individual letters.
45 min Dismiss students to begin creating their sound-based language and key. Circulate to support students.Remind students that their sound-based language needs a key so that others can decipher and understand it. Have students write their key down on paper to share with their peers.
10 min Have students get together with a partner and try to decode each others’ messages.
5 min Discuss:
Homework [5 min]
Have students take their sound-based language home and teach it to a family member. Have students record responses to the following:
