82TheWorldCommunicates

= 8.2 The World Communicates =

//Contextual Outline//
Humans are social animals and have successfully communicated through the spoken word, and then, as the use of written codes developed, through increasingly sophisticated graphic symbols. The use of a hard copy medium to transfer information in coded form meant that communication was able to cross greater distances with improved accuracy of information transfer. A messenger was required to carry the information in hard copy form and this carrier could have been a vehicle or person. There was, however, still a time limit and several days were needed to get hard copy information from one side of the world to the other. The discovery of electricity and then the electromagnetic spectrum has led to the rapid increase in the number of communication devices throughout the twentieth century. The carrier of the information is no longer a vehicle or person — rather, an increasing range of energy waves is used to transfer the message. The delay in relaying signals around the world is determined only by the speed of the wave, and the speed and efficiency of the coding and decoding devices at the departure and arrival points of the message. The time between sending and receiving messages through telecommunications networks is measured in fractions of a second allowing almost instantaneous delivery of messages, in spoken and coded forms, around the world. This module increases students’ understanding of the nature, practice, application and uses of physics and current issues, research and developments in physics.

//Assumed Knowledge//
Domain: knowledge and understanding: Refer to the Science Stages 4–5 Syllabus for the following: 5.6.1a identify waves as carriers of energy 5.6.1b qualitatively describe features of waves including frequency, wavelength and speed 5.6.1c give examples of different types of radiation that make up the electromagnetic spectrum and identify some of their uses 5.6.4a distinguish between the absorption, reflection, refraction and scattering of light and identify everyday situations where each occurs 5.9.1b identify that some types of electromagnetic radiation are used to provide information about the universe 5.12c describe some everyday uses and effects of electromagnetic radiation, including applications in communication technology. 

//Skills//
 During this module teaching/learning activities should allow time to reflect on the relationships between the processes involved in the evolution of the Universe, the formation of stars and solar systems and the effects of solar and terrestrial processes on the Earth. Emphasis must be placed on the evidence for the processes and the effects that such processes have on the Earth's atmosphere. Skill development relies on teacher input to model skills that students may need further assistance in refining. The skill development in this program focuses on:  ·  Accessing information from a range of resources, including popular scientific journals, digital technologies and the Internet;  ·  Developing skills in selection of appropriate media to present information;  ·  Identify examples of the interconnectedness of ideas or scientific principles;  ·  Using models, including mathematical ones, to explain phenomena and/or make predictions;  ·  Analysing information to identify examples of interconnected ideas or scientific principles;  ·  Summarising and collating information from a range of sources;  ·  Assess the reliability of first-hand and secondary information and data by considering information from various sources, and <span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> ·  <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">Assess the accuracy of scientific information presented in mass media by comparison with similar information presented in scientific journals. <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">

//Values and Attitudes//
<span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">This module aims to assist students to develop positive attitudes about themselves and positive values about learning and towards the environment. In addition the module will help students to value ethical behaviour in the assessment of ideas and the views of others. In particular this module aims to develop in students: <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> ·  <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">a desire for critical evaluation of the consequences of the application of physics; <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> ·  <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">curiosity and critical thinking towards some of the //big questions// in science; <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> ·  <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">a tolerance of uncertainty and an acceptance of the provisional and evolving status of scientific knowledge; <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> ·  <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">be prepared to make informed judgements; <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> ·  <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">to value and appreciate physics in becoming scientifically literate persons; and <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"> ·  <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">an ability to show flexibility and responsiveness to ideas and evidence as it arises.

Please ensure that the permission of the author(s) have been obtained. If you find a newer version of the software, please edit this page. Run the exe file || AUS$95 for single user licences and AUS$250 for site licences. || Unzip the files into a new directory then run Raytrace.exe. IME Software P.O Box 1153 Toowong QLD 4066 AUSTRALIA Fax/Ph: +617 3870 2317 ||
 * Resources for **
 * ** FileName  ** || **  Description  ** || **  Notes  ** ||
 * [[file:82phyprg.doc]] || Teaching program || ||
 * [[file:82phynot.doc]] || Student Module Notes || ||
 * Computer Programs (Windows) for **
 * ** FileName ** || ** Description ** || ** Status ** || ** Notes / Instructions / Website ** ||
 * [[file:crotutor.zip]] || A CRO Tutor || Freeware || Unzip the files into a new directory ||
 * [[file:croctech.exe]] || Crocodile Technology Demo || Freeware || [|Crocodile Clips Website]
 * [[file:imconlns.exe]] || Show real and virtual images for lenses || Freeware || Run the exe file directly  ||
 * [[file:Raytr207.zip]] || Ray-tracing breadboard || Shareware
 * [[file:_dispersion.exe]] || Shows how waves disperse || || Requires LabView Run-Time Engine 5.1 (see Utilities). Run the file directly ||
 * [[file:_reflectance.exe]] || Shows how waves reflect || || Requires LabView Run-Time Engine 5.1 (see Utilities). Run the file directly ||
 * [[file:_snells_law.exe]] || Snell's Law simulator || || Requires LabView Run-Time Engine 5.1 (see Utilities). Run the file directly ||
 * [[file:_waveatten.exe]] || Shows how a wave dies down || || Requires LabView Run-Time Engine 5.1 (see Utilities). Run the file directly ||

Please check for broken links and edit accordingly.
 * Useful Websites for **
 * ** Website  ** || **  Description  ** || **  Notes  ** ||