Build a communication system for the moon

Learn about how electronic intercom circuits can help players communicate

In this activity students will gain an understanding of how soundwaves travel and are received to allow them to be heard in the ear. Building on students pre-existing knowledge of circuits this activity focusses on how football players on the Moon could communicate to each other using electronics. Students then apply their skill to build an intercom circuit.

This resource uses the theme of football on the Moon to allow learners to develop their knowledge and skills in design & technology, mathematics and science. In this activity learners will use the theme of football on the Moon to learn about how electronic intercom circuits can help players communicate.

The teacher will introduce the activity and explain how sound waves allow us to hear. The teacher will then discuss the problems communicating on the Moon and explain why an electronic circuit is necessary. Learners will then have the opportunity to manufacture and test their own intercom.

This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by placing components onto the PCB/stripboard prior to soldering and/or using helping hands to hold PCB/stripboard in place.

As an extension learners can research what methods could be used to make the intercom wireless.

This activity is designed to take between 40-60 minutes.

Tools/resources required
Paper cups and string
Sharp pencils and sticky tack
Electronic components (see PPt list on slide 7)
Soldering irons and stands
Helping hands
Wire strippers and cutters
Lead free solder
PCB making kit
Tracing paper to print PCB mask
Stripboard (see PPt slides 16-18)
Stripboard track cutters

The engineering context
Engineers create and develop communication systems for numerous activities that take place in very different environments. For example, deep sea divers need to communicate underwater and armed forces have to communicate in all weather conditions.

Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this free resource students will be able to understand how hearing works translating sound waves; understand how sound waves can travel through string by vibration and wire by electrical signal; and be able to build an intercom circuit.

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

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