| Physics |
Lesson
17: Waves of war (follows study
of the electromagnetic spectrum) |
| Curriculum
Key: |
AQA
Core 13.5 |
|
OCRB
P2 |
(and
Additional Science specifications) |
Objective(s)
1.
Understand how the wavelength
of radio/microwaves affects their
characteristics and uses.
2. Know how real scientists make
decisions and about the impact
of these decisions.
3. Understand how radar has developed
from a basic system to have more
specialised uses.
|
Resources
needed
Two
sets of Wave War worksheets (each
set for half the class)
Blindfold. Coin. |
Starter:
10
minutes
How
big is a radio wave? Remind the
class of the wavelength of typical
radio waves. (i.e. Radio 4 Long
wave is 1500m long) Microwaves
can go easily into the centimetre
range.
Take the Princess and the pea
challenge! (see Teacher notes). |
Teacher
input/assessment
Lead
through questioning. |
Main
Activity 1: 5
minutes
Watch
the PowerPoint presentation about
radar. This shows the early use
of the science breakthrough in
the second world war and up to
date use in speed cameras. |
Teacher
input / assessment
Discuss. |
Main
Activity 2: 25
minutes
Split
class into two groups (ideally
move one group into a separate
area). Each group needs to pick
a chairperson and a scribe to
record decisions. Very large classes
might need to be split into 4
teams with two pairs competing
against each other. Use the two
sets of worksheets to structure
the discussions. Feel free to
offer spy information to each
group as you move between groups!
You can even tell them the truth
if you like! |
Teacher
input / assessment
Observer
and spy Look to see how each group
functions. Assess students understanding
based on their responses. |
Plenary:
20
minutes
Evaluation
of student teams’ responses. Use
the evaluation sheets to calculate
a score for each team and indicate
what effect that has on the war.
Allow students to discuss the
impact of radar technology on
warfare.
|
Teacher
input / assessment
Explain
that the scenario is based on
the real situation between Britain
and Nazi Germany in the early
days of the second world war.
Ask students how they arrived
at their decisions. |
Learning
Outcomes:
All
students must: Participate
in the group discussion.
Most
students should: Be
able to explain why smaller wavelength
waves show more detail in a radar
system.
Some
students could: Suggest
new developments for radar research
that the 1930-40’s scientists
could have pursued. |
Key
Skills: Team
work
Key
words: Radar,
Radio wave, Microwave, Wavelength
Homework:
Research
and report on “Stealth technology”
as used in the US Stealth bomber
and similar projects. Explain
how to make a radar-proof aircraft
(include pictures or diagrams).
Internet highly recommended. |
Differentiation:
More
able: Express
a viewpoint confidently and back
it up with scientific fact.
Less
able: Respond
to teacher prompts in order to
arrive at a solution. |
