Messages from Space

In this activity, learners will experiment with a remote key finder in a partial vacuum. A remote key finder uses radio waves to transmit a signal to the receiver, and sound waves to make a loud beep. After removing the air from a hand-pump vacuum chamber, participants will explore what happens to the waves with less air around the remote key finder receiver in the chamber. An optional extension to this activity includes instructions for participants to make-and-take their own sound detectors from cups, plastic wrap, a rubber band, and a pinch of sand.