1st Grade Science : Communication with Light and Sound

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 1st Grade Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Communication With Light And Sound

Where does sound come from?

Possible Answers:

Only human-made sources

Only natural sources

Human-made and natural sources

Far away in our solar system

Correct answer:

Human-made and natural sources

Explanation:

Sound comes from human-made and natural sources. An example of a human-made source would be a radio. An example of a natural source of sound would be a waterfall. The sound travels to our ears the same if it is human-made or natural.

Example Question #1 : Design A Device Using Sound To Communicate Over A Distance

What makes sounds?

Possible Answers:

Magic

Light waves

Vibrations

Correct answer:

Vibrations

Explanation:

Vibrations create sounds. When something vibrates, like a rubber band, a sound is produced. The vibrations create sound waves that travel to our ears for processing.

Example Question #1 : Design A Device Using Sound To Communicate Over A Distance

What is an example of using sound to communicate and solve a problem?

Possible Answers:

Calling 911 when there is an emergency and talking to the operator

Banging on a desk when you are angry

Singing a song to a friend on her birthday

Correct answer:

Calling 911 when there is an emergency and talking to the operator

Explanation:

Of all of the examples calling 911 during an emergency and talking to an operator is a way of communicating using sounds and solving a problem. The other choices make a sound, but there is no problem being solved. Many times we need to communicate with people over a distance, so inventions like the telephone help solve this issue.

Example Question #1 : Communication With Light And Sound

Which device uses sound to communicate over a distance?

Possible Answers:

A secret blinking code - blink once for no, and twice for yes

A string attached to two paper cups on either end

A set of handwave signals

Correct answer:

A string attached to two paper cups on either end

Explanation:

One of the old-fashioned ways kids would communicate over a distance before there were cell phones and computers was to make their phones! You could attach two paper cups to either end of a string and use them to talk into and listen. The sound is transmitted, and friends could use them to speak across a yard or bedroom. The other options allowed people to communicate over a distance but were not using sound.

Example Question #1 : Communication With Light And Sound

Jean's teacher gives each group of students a drum and tells them they need to find a way to answer questions without speaking. They get ten minutes to plan. Their plans are listed below.

Group 1: They write a simple plan for ways to answer the question = 1 bang for "Yes," 2 bangs for "No," 3 bangs for "Repeat," and 4 bangs for "I don't know."

Group 2: They will nod or shake their heads to answer the questions and bang the drum to celebrate getting a question right

Which group's plan best follows the teacher's instructions?

Possible Answers:

Both groups

Group 1

Group 2

Neither group

Correct answer:

Group 1

Explanation:

The best plan based on the teacher's instructions would be Group 1's plan. They have replaced spoken language with a communication system based on sound. They have an idea of what each sound means and how it will be used. The other group is relying on head shakes and using the drum for celebrating, not communicating.

Example Question #1 : Design A Device Using Sound To Communicate Over A Distance

Sadie has to design a device that uses sound to communicate over a distance. She comes up with what she thinks is a great idea.

How could she test her design?

Possible Answers:

Sadie could ask a friend what they think and then design something new.

Sadie shouldn't build something new or test it because everything has already been invented.

Sadie could build the device and then use it to see if it works.

Correct answer:

Sadie could build the device and then use it to see if it works.

Explanation:

The best way for Sadie to test her design is to build it and use it. If she makes it and finds some things that need to be fixed or changed, she can work on her design. If she never actually builds it, she won't know if it works.

Example Question #4 : Communication With Light And Sound

Reina has to design a device that uses sound to communicate over a distance. Her teacher lets them start by picking one object. Which object would be the best for Reina to choose to communicate over a distance?

Possible Answers:

A squeaky dog toy

A computer mouse

A whistle

Correct answer:

A whistle

Explanation:

The object that would be most useful for communicating over a distance would be the whistle. The other objects make noise, but they are quiet and may not be heard depending on how far the teacher separates the students. Reina could make different sounds with the whistle to communicate, so it could be an excellent place to start her device.

Example Question #5 : Communication With Light And Sound

Asking questions, making observations, and gathering information can be helpful when thinking about designing a device.

Possible Answers:

False

True

Correct answer:

True

Explanation:

This statement is true. The best way to start the design process would be to ask questions about what you need to make, observe other devices already created or designed, and to gather information about needs and how things work.

Example Question #6 : Communication With Light And Sound

Police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances use sirens to communicate their location to other drivers. Which device below would let you communicate your location with other people using sound?

Possible Answers:

A handbell

A sign

A whisper

Correct answer:

A handbell

Explanation:

A handbell would be the best device to choose if you were trying to communicate with other people using sound. A whisper does make a sound, but it will not travel far because it is so soft and quiet. A sign is a great way to share your location, but it does not use sound. A handbell is loud and could easily be heard.

Example Question #1 : Communication With Light And Sound

If you were to design a device using sound to communicate over a distance, which would be MOST important to consider when building it?

Possible Answers:

How heavy it is

How pretty the sound is

How loud it is

Correct answer:

How loud it is

Explanation:

The most important aspect listed for a device trying to communicate sound across a distance would be how loud it is. If the sound is too soft or quiet, no one will hear the message being sent. The "prettiness" of the sound and how heavy it is are not the most important characteristics.

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