Audacity-based Fourier analysis activity for teaching signal processing in an authentic context¶

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Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

A classroom activity in which students used Audacity, an open-source audio editing program, to generate tone and noise spectra, combine them, and perform a Fourier transform. Students saw that "a visual inspection of the time-domain data does not allow them to separate the signal from the noise," yet the Fourier transform revealed a strong spike at the 100 Hz input tone. Students then examined a simulated LIGO noise spectrum and the frequency-domain representation of a binary-inspiral gravitational wave, and listened to audio representations of both.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Computers running Audacity; simulated LIGO noise spectrum and gravitational-wave model spectrum for the extension activity

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• high school physics or astronomy students, including those interested in music and music editing

Target Learning Goals¶

• Fourier analysis, signal processing, detecting low-amplitude coherent signals buried in noise

Claims¶

Related Elements¶

Examples¶

• Use freely available gravitational-wave education tools and resources, including Black Hole Hunter and Einstein's Messengers

Key Sources¶

• Farr, Schelbert, & Trouille. (2012). Gravitational-wave science in the high school classroom. https://arxiv.org/abs/1109.3720. doi:10.48550/arxiv.1109.3720