📶 I9 Signals & Remote Control

Secret agents at Gizmo HQ need to send messages and drive machines without touching them or making a sound.

Inventors, Intermediate. Engineer Stamp: Signal Spy.

Lessons

1. The floor express: The remote sends invisible light. How does the train know what to do?
2. The semaphore signaller: Before phones, sailors sent messages with flags. Can a machine do it?
3. What blocks a signal?: Can infrared light pass through paper? Through your hand? Round a corner?
4. The RC tank: Two tracks, two motors, no steering wheel. How does a tank turn?
5. Design Day: Silent message relay: Gizmo HQ has lost its radio. Agents must get the password across the hall!
6. Showcase: Secret Signal Relay: The teacher whispers a secret word. Go! Fastest correct relay wins.

Design challenge

Get a 5-letter message from one side of the room to the other without talking, writing or walking.

Engineering ideas

• Remote Control
• Gears
• Tracks vs Wheels

Standards: 4-PS4-3, 3-5-ETS1-2