Analog and Digital Signals Article, Worksheet, and Graphing

Designed with middle school students in mind, this activity simplifies NGSS MS-PS4-3 (waves and their applications in technologies) to essential understandings. After this lesson, students will be able to:

• differentiate between the basics of analog and digital signals
• compare the advantages and disadvantages (including reliability) of each

First, students READ the 2-page article. The reading is clear, straightforward, and written for a middle school audience. Topics include:

• Basics of analog and digital signals
• Devices that use each type of signal
• Advantages and disadvantages of each

Second, students ANSWER text-dependent and analysis questions based on the text.

Third, students GRAPH data points for an analog wave and data points for a digital wave. (The Google version of the activity does NOT include this graphing piece. this is only in the print version.) The graphing is very simple, designed not to be a challenging graphing activity but rather to highlight how the two signals graphs are different. A few analysis questions follow the graphs to bring students’ attention to the major characteristics of each wave type.

Check out our related waves resources:

• Analog & Digital Waves Assessment
• Use Analog Waves to “Send” Messages
• Waves Assessment Bundle
• Waves Worksheet

Teacher Notes:

• Please note: This resource is NOT editable.
• Answer key included.
• Check out more resources in the waves, sound, and light section of our shop!