Directions: Use the information provided and your knowledge of Physical Science to answer the following questions. Show all work where necessary.
Directions: Use the information provided and your knowledge of Physical Science to answer the following questions. Show all work where necessary.
Source:
https://www.kiwico.com/diy/play-learn/sound-music/paper-cup-telephone
Students connect two cups with a long piece of string to make a cup-and-string telephone. One student sends messages by tapping patterns on the cup, and another student listens and decodes the pattern at the other end.
Students design and compare three different solutions for sending information through vibrations:
Solution A: Simple tap counts
1 tap = YES
2 taps = NO
3 taps = REPEAT
Solution B: Letter-count system
A = 1 tap
B = 2 taps
C = 3 taps
Solution C: Rhythm patterns
fast-fast-slow
slow-slow-fast
fast-slow-fast
Students test which vibration pattern system transfers information most accurately.
Information can be transferred in many ways, including through vibrations. When the string in a cup-and-string telephone is pulled tight, vibrations can travel from one cup to the other. These vibrations can form patterns that carry information.
In this investigation, students send messages using tapping patterns. Each tap creates a vibration that travels along the string. The listener must recognize the pattern to understand the message.
Different pattern systems can be used to send the same information. Some systems use counting taps, while others use rhythms. Each system is a possible solution for transferring information. Some patterns may be easier to hear or remember than others.
Engineers often test multiple solutions to find the most effective one. They collect data on how accurately the message is received and how long it takes to send the message. By comparing results, students can decide which vibration pattern works best.
This investigation shows that patterns of vibrations can transfer information, and that comparing different solutions helps identify the most effective design.
Solution | Correct Messages (out of 10) | Average Time to Send Message (s) |
|---|---|---|
A – Simple Tap Counts | 9 | 10 |
B – Letter-Count System | 5 | 18 |
C – Rhythm Patterns | 8 | 14 |
Look at Table 1. How do the number of correct messages compare among the three vibration pattern solutions?
Which vibration pattern system resulted in the highest accuracy?
Using Figure 2, describe the pattern between pattern type and accuracy of message transfer.
Look at Figure 1. How does the time required to send a message differ among the three solutions?
Which piece of evidence best supports the idea that some vibration patterns transfer information more efficiently than others?
Which vibration pattern system best transfers information using the cup-and-string telephone, and what evidence supports your conclusion?
Claim:
Evidence:
Reasoning: