English National Curriculum - Science

Communications

Mission Objectives

Identify and describe different types of waves in the EM spectrum used in communication

Describe the uses of radio waves, microwaves and visible light

Explain how we communicate using radio waves, microwaves and visible light

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Rocket Words Quiz

Rocket Words Quiz

See if you know all the meanings of the rocket words

Assessment Quiz

Assessment Quiz

Test your knowledge of this lesson

Word Search Game

Word Search Game

Find all the rocket words in the grid

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Lesson Plan

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

microwaves

used in mobile networks, WIFI and satellite communications; they can penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere and enable long-distance communication

optical fibres

thin strands that carry information using light or infrared radiation through total internal reflection (TIR)

visible light

part of the EM spectrum that we can detect with our eyes, essential in technologies such as cameras and fibre optics

radio waves

carry information over long distances, with longer wavelengths being useful for national broadcasts and shorter wavelengths for local broadcasts

wavelength

the distance between two identical points on a wave, which helps determine the frequency

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This lesson has been written by

Samantha Batch

Samantha is an accomplished science educator with over 15 years of leadership experience and a strong background in scientific analysis. She has a proven record of leading departments effectively, improving practice, and working collaboratively with stakeholders.

In her current work, Samantha embeds evidence-informed pedagogical principles such as retrieval practice, clear modelling, and effective sequencing to support high-quality curriculum design and professional development. She draws on assessment insight and common misconceptions to help teachers secure strong student understanding.

She is a former Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor at Ilkley Grammar School, with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 experience, and an AQA examiner, giving her valuable insight into assessment standards and exam requirements.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket. 

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