Testing Cell Signal at Altitude
A weather balloon carries sensors high into the atmosphere to measure changes in the strength of cellphone signals.Copyright Jennifer Wistisen, 2020, Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium
Students analyze cellphone signal data from a high-altitude balloon launch, testing how the strength of the cell signal changes with altitude. Students begin by looking at graphs and discussing the various components, as well as different types of graphs. Students then have the opportunity to practice collecting, plotting and analyzing data. Finally, students apply their graph interpretation skills to investigate actual data collected from a 2020 balloon launch to determine how the strength of the cell signal changes with altitude.
Engineers are constantly evaluating models and data to determine whether their design is performing its specified purpose. During the testing stage of the engineering design process, they must revisit data, repeat steps, and question the accuracy and purpose of their results and implications. By devoting constant attention to reevaluation and redesign, engineers move closer to a best final product.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Analyze data based on a given question.
- Graph collected data in an appropriate form.
- Question and test the accuracy of collected data.