The Cold War presented some communication challenges to the US military. Because the conflict was before the launch of satellites, scientists focused on the earth's natural satellite, the moon, the bounce radio signals. A video lesson from a solar system playlist considers the benefits and challenges of using the moon to send radio signals to the other side of the world.

Concepts

radio waves, communication, communication technology, the solar system, the earth

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Create a Venn diagram to keep track of strengths and weaknesses of the communication model
• Have pupils draw an example of a moon bounce signal, including measurements of length and angles

Classroom Considerations

• Expects a basic understanding of the behavior of radio waves

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Uses animations as demonstrations
• Presenter shows excitement about the concepts—very engaging!

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.6.2 SL.7.2 SL.8.2 SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.6-8.7 RST.9-10.7 RST.11-12.7