NEW AQA Physics (2016) - Communications

This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Physics GCSE, particularly the ‘The Electromagnetic Spectrum’ SoW.

For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience

The lesson starts with an introduction to carrier waves, and a description of the different types of radio waves which are used in communication. These include short wave and long wave signals, how they are used to carry information and what specific uses they are both needed for. A diagram of how these waves travel is provided also. After the introduction to radio waves, there is a recap on microwaves and students are told the uses of these types of wave and how they travel. Students will now complete a short summary worksheet, to assess their understanding of what they have been taught so far. This can be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided.

The next part of the lesson is a short discussion about the links between mobile phone usage and exposure to radiation. Then, students will be presented with a comprehension task, whereby they will read a text on carrier waves & will need to answer a set of questions related to this topic. Once compete, students can either self-assess or peer-assess their work using the answers provided.

The last part of the lesson is on optical fibre communications, students will be shown a video which outlines how optical fibres are used to transmit signals, and how this transmission compares to microwaves or radio waves.

The last activity requires students to complete a set of exam-style questions in their books, the mark scheme is included for students to assess their work.

The plenary is an anagram challenge for students to decipher the key words from the lesson!

All resources are included. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated.