Modules
Wireless Transmission: Your TV Remote
This TechXcite: Discover Engineering! module introduces kids to the fascinating technology of signal transmission that they use every day in their TV remote controls. The ultimate goal of the module is to build a simple electronic system that transmits music from a portable music player (e.g. MP3 player, CD player, radio), through a wireless channel using light. In the process, kids will learn about light, electronic devices, and how signals like voice and music can modulate light to carry information. In one activity, a light transmitter and a light detector are built in order to transmit signals using light. In the last activity, a portable music player is connected to the transmitter and an audio loudspeaker is connected to the receiver and the kids see and hear music transmitted using light! Students will be encouraged to bring their own portable music player so they can listen to their favorite music.
If you're using this curriculum and not a part of the TechXcite grant, please click here and fill out a brief survey to let us know where you're using it and with how many students. Click the links below to access PDF files of the module:
If you are a 4-H agent or other staff using this TechXcite curriculum module and materials kit as part of the research grant, please complete the following brief survey which asks questions about how you were trained. Please complete the survey even if your only form of training on the module is to watch the pre-recorded videos below. It is not necessary to complete the paper based training survey included with your materials kit if you complete this online survey. » Click Here to Take the Survey
Video Training
Ordering Materials
Additional Resources
Wireless Transmission
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless
This site provides an overview and introduction of wireless communications fundamentals. It gives a history of the development of wireless communications and describes common uses and types. Additional information is provided about the radio frequency which is used by many devices.
http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/wireless
This site provides an overview of the current state of wireless communications. It gives many examples of devices that rely on wireless communications. Also, the site includes descriptions of current cellular wireless communication types and has links to more detailed information on specific types of wireless communications (i.e. IR, GSM, WLAN).
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wirelessinternet/a/internetservice.htm
This site contains information about wireless communications to provide internet access. Satellite, Public Wi-Fi, and Mobile Broadband, are all described.
http://www.wireless-nets.com/resources/downloads/wireless_industry_report_2007.pdf
This site includes in depth report covering current wireless platforms, their attributes, current state, and technological issues. It includes information on Bluetooth, Zibee, WiFi and WiMax.
Amplifiers / Amplifying Sound
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amplifier
This Wikipedia site has a general overview of amplifiers and types. It provides key characteristics of amplifiers including description and definition. And it covers both electronic and other types of amplifiers (mechanical, optical, Johnsen-Rahbek effect, etc.).
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/amplifier.htm
This provides background and common uses of amplifiers. It provides a description of how they work and information on the electrical components at work.
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/speaker.htm
How Stuff Works also provides information on speakers and how they work that may be useful to your students.
Electronics
http://www.electronickitsbychaneyelectronics.com/44-IN-1-COMMUNICATIONS-LAB-KIT/productinfo/C6763/
The activities in this TechXcite module were adapted from hands-on activities in the Chaney, 44 in 1 Communications kit. Components were changed to simplify the circuits and new instructions were created for this particular informal science audience. If you’re interested in additional activities like these, try looking at Chaney Electronics.
This curriculum is currently being piloted and has not been approved by National 4-H Council. If you have suggestions or would like more information, please contact us at techxcite@duke.edu.