MS - PS4.B (C) - Digital vs. Analog Signals - ASSIGNED (CLF)

DCI: PS4C Digitized signals (sent as wave pulses) are a more reliable way to encode and transmit information.

PE: MS-PS4-3 – Integrate qualitative scientific and technical information to support the claim that digitized signals are a more reliable way to encode and transmit information than analog signals.

[Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on a basic understanding that waves can be used for communication purposes. Examples could include using fiber optic cable to transmit light pulses, radio wave pulses in wifi devices, and conversion of stored binary patterns to make sound or text on a computer screen.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include binary counting. Assessment does not include the specific mechanism of any given device.]

The ideas here are: 

- digital signals are sent as wave pulses

- these signals are a more reliable way to encode and transmit information (more reliable than analog signals)

We will have to really focus in on the idea that electromagnetic radiation can be used to transmit information, and that digital signals are superior to analog signals for this purpose. 

Possible Question Starters:
- We can ask, very simplistically, how information is transmitted through waves

- We can provide information comparing digitized signals to analog signals and ask kids to come to a conclusion that would support that digital signals are better for relaying information. This will require some research to construct tables. 

NOTE: The Clarification statement specifies "qualitative" information but does not include a boundary statement saying that quantitative information is off limits. That being said, I don't know what numerical information would work.

This might be helpful.
http://www.diffen.com/difference/Analog_vs_Digital

The tough thing is that we are trying to compare two technologies and discuss them in questions formatted with four options. We can't really ever ask things like, "Which one deteriorates due to noise interference?" since we only have two choices.

We may be able to have data tables that compare the two technologies  on various aspects (well, four) and then ask questions like...

"Digital is superior to analog in which way?"

lower cost
*less interference
more portable
?