The Badge Archive

Message Packages

Info Needed for the badge requirements: We know the internet is where computers anywhere in the world can connect with each other. We also know there are wireless devices, so things do not need to be wired together to connect. But can a computer in America connect to a computer in Asia wireless? Not quite. Your wireless device has to be in range of a wireless receiver. The wireless receiver is plugged in. The data goes from your device to the receiver wireless, and then travels by wire over to Asia. There are actually wires that cross the ocean, called “undersea cables”. Some think they are a myth, but that is how data travels across continents. In Asia the wires might connect to another wireless receiver, and it sends the data wirelessly to another device. That is how two wireless devices can connect across the world.

Items Needed

  • Index Cards (at least 2 per scout)
  • Pencils

Instructions

  1. Explain that messages sent on the internet are broken into smaller pieces called “packets” to help them travel from one computer to another.
  2. Have scouts pair up. Each scout thinks of a simple message, such as “I like being a scout.”
  3. Scouts copy their message onto two index cards, splitting the words between the cards (e.g., “I like being” on one card and “a scout” on the other). Each card represents a “packet.” Scouts hold onto their packets for now.
  4. Pair the scouts up.
  5. Scouts give their packets to their partner, who is the “receiver.” The receiver tries to read and understand the message.
  6. Discuss how the receiver understood the message. Did they have to figure out the correct order of the packets? How would adding numbers to the cards help? Explain that on the internet, packets are numbered so the receiving computer knows how to put the message back together in the right order.

See Internet and Networks for more information.

Variations:

  • Longer Messages: Scouts can break longer messages, like “I enjoy exploring new places and being part of the scout team,” into three or more cards. This helps emphasize how larger messages require more packets to travel.
  • Adding Numbers: Have scouts add numbers to the back of each card to show the order of the packets, making it easier for the receiver to assemble the message correctly.
  • Mixed-Up Packets: Instead of handing packets in order, scouts shuffle their cards before giving them to the receiver. The receiver has to use the numbers or context clues to arrange the packets correctly.
  • Group Messages: Divide the message among multiple scouts, where each scout represents one packet. They deliver their piece of the message to the receiver one at a time, demonstrating teamwork.
  • Hidden Packets: Hide the packets around the room. Scouts must find and collect all the packets before assembling the message. This adds a scavenger hunt element to the activity.
  • Different Types of Messages: Scouts use packets for different message types, such as a joke, a question, or a fun fact. This variation keeps the activity engaging and allows for creativity.
  • Team Relay: Teams compete to send their message packets across the room to their receiver. Each scout delivers one packet, and the receiver assembles the message at the end.
Tia Kennard