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Grade 1 · lesson 3 of 4

Find a communication failure

Find a communication failure using supplied evidence and a solved model.

About 12 minutes, plus any extended practice

Download the grade pack

Supplied materials

  • For younger learners, an adult may read each direction aloud; pointing, drawing and spoken explanations count as responses.
  • Paper, drawing space or a browser document.
  • Reference card A: reader does not know the symbols. Reference card B: reader cannot see the card.
  • Assessment case 1: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Reader asks what the star means.
  • Assessment case 2: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Card is behind a large box.
  • Assessment case 3: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Square means both go and stop.
  • Assessment case 4: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Reader cannot use the visual format.
  • Assessment case 5: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Reader has not learned the code.
  • Assessment case 6: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Two actions share one confusing symbol.

Learn the idea

A test can reveal why a message fails. Distinguish missing code knowledge, hidden symbols, competing meanings and missing access. Repair the actual problem shown.

Teach code means reader does not know the symbols. Uncover means reader cannot see the card. Use one meaning means one symbol has two meanings. Add another format means reader needs a different access method.

For teach code, look for the clue “reader does not know the symbols.” For uncover, look for “reader cannot see the card.” More than one process can happen in a real situation. Answer about the one described in this question.

  1. Read or listen to the four science words and what each means. Say how the first two differ.
  2. Choose two of the short cases. Point to the clue that helps you choose a science word for each one. You may draw or say your answer.
  3. Answer each practice question. Say which clue helped you, then check the explanation.
  4. Use the extra task to make two examples that show different science words. Draw or say what makes each one fit.
Worked example

See the method in action

Worked reference-card problem: a card states “reader does not know the symbols”; a second states “reader cannot see the card.” The first fits teach code and the second fits uncover. The reason is the described function or change, not the order of the cards or a favorite name. If their descriptions exchange places, their category labels exchange too. Keep the supplied descriptions attached to the correct case.

Your turn

Check your reasoning

Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.

Helpful tips
  • Use the feature “reader does not know the symbols” to justify teach code; do not sort by the name alone.
  • Distinguish uncover (reader cannot see the card) from a different process occurring in the same situation.
Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Reader asks what the star means.

Feedback appears here after you check. This is practice, not a graded school assessment.

See the answer and explanation

teach code

The answer is teach code. In the notes, it means “reader does not know the symbols.” A test can reveal why a message fails. Distinguish missing code knowledge, hidden symbols, competing meanings and missing access. Repair the actual problem shown.

Take it further

Create one new case showing teach code and one showing uncover. Expected: the first explicitly shows “reader does not know the symbols”; the second explicitly shows “reader cannot see the card.” Explain the distinction by drawing, speaking or writing. A label without a matching feature is incomplete.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.

More practice: try new cases

Choose an answer for each problem. Explain your method on paper, then use the feedback to decide what to revisit.

More practice: try new cases
1. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Card is behind a large box.
Need a hint?
  • Look for the described feature: reader cannot see the card.
  • Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.
2. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Square means both go and stop.
Need a hint?
  • Look for the described feature: one symbol has two meanings.
  • Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.
3. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Reader cannot use the visual format.
Need a hint?
  • Look for the described feature: reader needs a different access method.
  • Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.

Your choices are temporary. Feedback appears after you check all the answers.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. Keep your own notes or download them before leaving. The score describes these questions; it does not certify subject mastery.

Check the subject sources

These LifeStarter passages, scenarios and exercises are authored for this Academy with AI assistance and review. External resources keep their publishers’ terms. A grade label suggests a starting level; it does not establish alignment with your school’s complete requirements.