Teacher of the Lesson: Kelly Pelak
Grade Level: 5
Estimated Time: 40 minutes

OBJECTIVES:

• Students will be able to build a simple circuit which transmits Morse code using a battery, bulb, wire, switch, and tape.
• Students will develop a deeper understanding of the problems that can occur when using Morse code.

MATERIALS:

• For each pair, the teacher will need
• D cell batteries
• miniature Christmas light or bulb and holder
• 10-15 cm wires
• switch
• tape
• task sheet, "Put Your Name in Lights"
• list of discussion questions

PROCEDURES:

Introduction

1. Begin the lesson by reviewing the contributions and accomplishments of Samuel Morse and the impact of his discovery. Divide the class into pairs, and explain that today they will be building their own device which transmits Morse code. (This lesson in designed to follow instruction on simple circuits and switches.) Given the materials, students will have roughly 20-25 minutes to design a way to transmit Morse code to their partners.
2. Review expectations for group work and prepare an alternative assignment for students who fail to follow directions and work cooperatively with their partners.
3. Hand out a Zip-lock bag of materials to each group. Each bag should contain everything they need to build a simple circuit: D cell battery, light bulb and holder, 10-15 cm wire, switch (or paper clip), and tape. Set guidelines for the amount of time each group should take to design their device. Release the groups and let them start working.

Sequence of Instruction

1. Walk around the room and observe each group, but do not give assistance. First, let the students struggle and think of a solution on their own. If after about ten minutes, groups have not figured it out, provide clues to help.
2. Have students raise their hands when they have designed a circuit, and check to see that it works properly. After observing their work, given them a task sheet labeled, "Put Your Name in Lights." In addition, have the students answer questions on a separate sheet of paper. These questions include: How does your telegraph work? How is the telegraph you built different from real telegraphs? Why aren't they used widely today? What problems did you have while you were trying to send a message to your partner? What invention replaced the telegraph for communicating over long distances?

Closure

1. After about 40 minutes, call time and have the students return their materials and go back to their desks. Collect the papers and discuss the answers that they came up with for the discussion questions.

EVIDENCE OF STUDENTS ACHIEVING OBJECTIVES:

1. Were students able to use what they had previously learned about circuits and switches to complete this task? Did their circuits work? How much assistance did they need?
2. Were students able to reflect on their experiences with Morse code and draw conclusions about its use in the past? Did they demonstrate an understanding of the disadvantages of using Morse code in the answers to their discussion questions?

ADAPTATIONS:

1. Have students research and design a circuit which uses a buzzer rather than a light bulb to send Morse code.

REFLECTION:

1. How did the lesson go?
2. Did the children enjoy the task?
3. Was a good review for the concepts of circuits and switches?
4. Was the classroom under control?