The World Communicates

The World Communicates

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The story of communications and optics from the time of the ancients, now and into the future.

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Lesson 9 - Reflection

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Objective		Student Notes
In this, and the following 2 lesson, the focus is on see the reflection and refraction of light on the context of they're being waves. The lesson will be introduced with reference to how reflection has been used since ancient times as a means of communication.
Prescribed Focus Area	Skills Development	Content
P1 A student outlines the historical development of major principles, concepts and ideas in physics. P2 … applies the processes that are used to test and validate models, theories and laws of science with particular emphasis on first-hand investigations in physics P4. … describes applications of physics which affect society or the environment	P12.1 Students perform first-hand investigations P12.2 … gather first-hand information P12.4 … process information P14 … draw valid conclusions from gathered data and information	D4.1 Students describe and apply the law of reflection and explain the effect of reflection from a plane surface on waves D4.2 … describe ways in which applications of reflection of light, radio waves and microwaves have assisted in information transfer D4.3 … describe one application of reflection for plane surfaces, concave surfaces, convex surfaces and radio waves being reflected by the ionosphere
Activity	Resources	Homework
A4.1 Perform first-hand investigations and gather information to observe the path of light rays and construct diagrams indicating both the direction of travel of the light rays and a wave front A4.2 present information using ray diagrams to show the path of waves reflected from: – plane surfaces – concave surfaces – convex surface	Laser or other suitable light source Mirrors Protractors Graph paper	A4.2 present information using ray diagrams to show the path of waves reflected from: – plane surfaces – concave surfaces – convex surface – the ionosphere and an example of how it might be used for communication.
Management issues		Nominal duration
		2 hours

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