Unit Plan 14 (Grade 4 Science): Information Transfer Basics

Focus: Explore patterns used to send information using light and sound coding.

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: Science (Physical Science • Engineering Connections)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students explore how patterns can be used to send and receive information with light (flashlights, covered/uncovered) and sound (claps, taps, beeps). They test simple “codes” such as sequences of flashes or beats, and practice encoding and decoding short messages. By the end of the unit, students can describe how different signal systems work, compare how well they perform, and explain how noise or interference can affect communication.

Essential Questions

• How can we use patterns of light or sound to send information from one place to another?
• What makes some codes or signal systems easier to read, send, and understand than others?
• How does noise or interference affect information transfer, and how can we improve our designs?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Describe how patterns (on/off, long/short, loud/soft) can represent letters, numbers, or signals.
2. Use light (flashlight, covered/uncovered) or sound (claps, taps, beeps) to encode and send simple messages.
3. Decode messages sent with a partner group’s pattern-based system and record accuracy.
4. Compare at least two different information-transfer designs, explaining which is more reliable and why.
5. Create and test a pattern-based communication system, then suggest improvements based on test results.

Standards Alignment — Grade 4 (NGSS-Aligned)

• 4-PS4-3 — Generate and compare multiple solutions that use patterns to transfer information.
  • Example: Design two different flashlight codes and decide which sends messages more clearly and quickly.

Success Criteria — Student-Friendly Language

• I can explain how patterns can stand for messages (like codes or signals).
• I can send and receive simple messages using light or sound patterns.
• I can tell which communication system works better and give a reason using evidence.
• I can describe how noise or confusion can interfere with signals and how to fix or reduce those problems.