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.britannica.com/technology/semaphore
Students stand at opposite sides of the playground or classroom. One student sends messages using visual symbols or hand signals, and another student decodes the message by watching the pattern.
Students design and test three different visual-pattern solutions:
Solution A: Two-position hand signals
Arms up = YES
Arms down = NO
Solution B: Symbol cards
Triangle = STOP
Circle = GO
Square = HELP
Solution C: Repeating pattern cards
AB = YES
AAB = NO
ABB = HELP
Students compare which visual pattern system transfers information most accurately and quickly from a distance.
Information can be transferred using visual patterns. Traffic signs, signal flags, and hand signals all use repeated shapes or positions to send messages that people can understand without words.
In this investigation, students send information using visual symbols and patterns. The sender shows a pattern, and the receiver must recognize it correctly. Each pattern system is a different solution for transferring information.
Some visual patterns are very simple, like arms raised or lowered. Other systems use symbols or repeating patterns. These systems may work differently depending on how far apart students are or how complex the pattern is.
Engineers and scientists test multiple solutions to find the most effective one. They measure how accurately the message is received and how long it takes to send the message. By comparing results, students can decide which visual pattern system works best.
This investigation shows that patterns can transfer information, and that testing and comparing multiple solutions helps identify the best design for communication.
Solution | Correct Messages (out of 10) | Average Time to Send Message (s) |
|---|---|---|
A - Hand Signals | 10 | 6 |
B - Symbol Cards | 8 | 12 |
C - Repeating Patterns | 7 | 15 |
Which visual pattern system resulted in the most correct messages?
Look at Table 1. How do the numbers of correct messages compare among the three visual pattern solutions?
Using Figure 1, describe the pattern you observe between pattern type and accuracy of message transfer.
Look at Figure 2. How does the time required to send a message differ among the three visual pattern systems?
Which piece of evidence best supports the idea that some visual patterns transfer information more efficiently than others?
Which visual pattern system best transfers information, and what evidence from the investigation supports your conclusion?
Claim: Which solution you think works best.
Evidence: Data from Table 1 or the graphs.
Reasoning: Why that data shows it is the best system.