Waves and communication

Summary: Jon Chase demonstrates how electromagnetic waves are used in communication using an infra-red remote control and an outside TV broadcast. He discusses how television broadcast uses microwaves to communicate between Earth and satellites in space. Jon describes and performs a rap about the electromagnetic spectrum and the different types of waves. Teacher notes: The class could use the rap to create their own rhyme or mnemonic to remember the order of the different types of radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum. Diagrams could be produced to explain how we can watch live sport from the other side of the world. Students could calculate the time taken to reach Earth of a signal from an artificial satellite or from the moon or the delay in live broadcasts. Divide the class into groups, each of which researches the uses and or dangers of electromagnetic waves from specific parts of the spectrum.