Inquiry Unit
Information Theory
One of the traits that makes humans unique from other animals is our consciousness, the fact that we can remember concrete ideas, both actual memories and abstract thoughts. These brain activities are…
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The Antikythera Mechanism
Information Theory Inquiry Unit
An Ancient Greek bronze hand-powered mechanical device that calculated astronomical positions, is described as the oldest known example of an analogue computer. In 1900, off the coast of Antiky…
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Cave Paintings
Information Theory Inquiry Unit
A form of rock art found in caves typically of prehistoric origin and are representative of a means to convey information. The France Ministry of Culture (Ministere de la Culture) and the N…
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Phoenician Alphabet
Information Theory Inquiry Unit
Sometime around 2,800 years ago, the Phoenicians made a major invention—the vowel! That is, they realized that instead of each symbol representing a syllable (ba, be, bi, bo, bu, ca, ce, ci, co, cu,…
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Semaphore Telegraph
Information Theory Inquiry Unit
An optical telegraph with a line of stations, typically towers, that was used to convey textual information by means of visual signals. It was comprised of pole on top of a tower, and a pivoting cross…
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Hands-on Activity
Make a Hand Drum
This hands-on activity shows how to make a hand drum that creates percussion sounds. Materials Mini Glue Gun and Glue Stick Hole Punch Drawing Compass Thread or Yarn (Waxed thread wor…
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Edwin H. Armstrong, of Paris, France Method of Receiving High-Frequency Oscillations Patent # 1,342,885 Application filed Feb. 8, 1919 – Patented June 8, 1920
Radio Inquiry Unit While serving in the U.S. Army during World War I, Armstrong synthesized three ideas to create his superheterodyne circuit for selectively amplifying a very high fr…
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Laboratory notebook, recording Edwin H. Armstrong’s discovery of superheterodyne reception
Radio Inquiry Unit From the Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University Visit Source Download PDF …
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Inquiry Unit
Electronic Music
Chances are good that you and your friends don’t get your music in the same way that your parents did. Their generation was much more likely to hear a new song on the radio and go out to Sam Goody's…
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The Art of Noises
The Art of Noises - Futurist Manifesto “L'arte dei rumori (The art of noises) takes the form of a letter from artist and instrument builder Luigi Russolo to the musician Francesco Balilla Pratell…
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