Exploring the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Exploring the Electromagnetic (EM) Spectrum is an innovative project designed to teach learners about the electromagnetic spectrum through the engaging hobby of amateur (ham) radio. Initially, this program offered two instructor-led virtual courses to encourage more BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals to participate in amateur radio activities. To reach a larger audience, the curriculum has been adapted into two self-paced online courses available for free on SuperKnova. Each course includes recorded lectures, reading assignments, reflective activities, and hands-on projects. The Technician class introduces the basics of the EM spectrum and amateur radio, preparing students for the Technician License Exam. The General class provides more advanced instruction on the EM spectrum and amateur radio, preparing students for the General License Exam. At the end of each course a participant will receive a digital badge and a certificate.
Figure 1: Everyone is welcome in ham radio. Image created with CoPilot.
Project Components
To learn more about these components please click on the title.
Technician License and EMS Course - This eleven-lesson course introduces students to the electromagnetic spectrum and amateur (ham) radio. It starts with the basics of radio waves and simple radio equipment, then progresses to topics like frequency, propagation, antennas, and general circuitry.
General License and EMS Course - This twelve-lesson course offers more detailed instruction on the electromagnetic spectrum and amateur radio. It begins with an introduction to electrical principles like reactance, impedance, resistors, capacitors, and inductors. The course then delves deeper into these subjects with lessons on filter types, oscillators, the structure of the ionosphere, and FCC rules.
Ham Radio Club Pilot – A new course has been developed that helps STEM clubs lead their participants through the process of getting a Technician License. The participants will then join their local volunteer emergency response team.
This project was made possible by a generous grant from the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC). Learn more about this organization here. Additional support for the hybrid portion of the project came from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), which donated license manuals and other learning materials. You can learn more about this organization here. Administrative and technical support was also provided by the Tucson Amateur Packet Radio and the Young Amateurs Radio Club. You may learn more about these organizations here and here respectively.
If you have any questions or need more information about this program, please click the button below.