Children's Literature

Read about the "pet translator" on pages 30 and 31 of Cool Stuff and How It Work, by Chris Woodford and others. The translator consists of a collar that captures the noises made by a dog or cat, digitalizes the sounds and beams them through the air via radio waves to a handset. Basic noises are translated to reveal moods, changes in behavior, and early signs of illness. If the translator could give students any information they would like, what would they like to know from or about their pets? Have students make a list of the top 10 uses they would have for a pet translator.

Technology

Wireless systems don't use cables or cords to connect devices. Modern wireless information systems are comprised of connections known as cellular networks and wireless broadband Internet. This innovation uses low-power radio frequencies to transmit information from one appliance to another. The cellular phone is a great example of a wireless system. Copper cables do not connect these phones; yet users are able to communicate by way of cell sites that work in the same way as an Internet server. Computer networks are often linked by wireless systems. Many cities are building wireless projects into infrastructure so that communication among citizens and businesses will be easier and cheaper. Wireless systems can also use infrared waves to communicate between technologies. Infrared devices use infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to emit infrared radiation through a small lens into a narrow beam. PDAs and other personal communications devices often use this technology to pass information from one device to another. Infrared is commonly found on remote control devices, like the TV remote.

There are many advantages and disadvantages to using wireless systems. Since the cell phone is so commonplace, have students research the claims of cell phone providers. During this activity, you will have students locate information about cell phone offers and have them compare these offers and claims. Student should be encouraged to use advertisements found in newspapers, magazines, radio and television ads, and Web sites. Students will then compare and discuss the differences between the competing offers.

The second part of this activity requires students to find and compare three wirelesses Internet plans by researching various Internet service providers (ISP). Which system provides the most access and bandwidth? What safety and security systems are in place?