A Curriculum in Communications Technologies

Project ComTech, a collaborative effort among Harvard College Observatory, the Technology Education Association of Massachusetts, and Massachusetts Bay Community College, has developed an innovative, modular, discovery-based curriculum for grades 7–9 technology students.

In the pilot module, Communicating with Light: From Smoke Signals to Fiber Optics, students become familiar with the elements of communications systems as well as with basic electronics, coding schemes, and the properties of light. Students master a limited number of powerful technology and science concepts, sense the excitement and challenge of technology, and develop critical thinking and reasoning skills that can be transferred to all disciplines. The module is available for purchase from Kelvin Electronics, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

Grade Levels: 7-9

Project completed in 2000

For more information, please contact: Judith Peritz, jperitz@cfa (add .harvard.edu), (617) 496-4785