Investigating Spectrum Users

During this lesson, students will see the radio waves passing through their areas visualized on the screen in the classroom. Next, students will work in small groups to identify the broadcasters of these waves. Lastly, students will work independently to write a persuasive essay about how the spectrum should be shared among users.

NGSS Standards

HS-PS4.C Information Technologies and Instrumentation. Multiple technologies based on the understanding of waves and their interactions with matter are part of everyday experiences in the modern world and scientific research. There are essential tools for producing, transmitting, and capturing signals and storing and interpreting information.

HS-PS4-5 Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation. Students who demonstrate understanding can communicate technical information about how some technological devices use the principles of wave behavior and wave interactions with matter to transmit and capture information and energy.

Materials

student computers

RTL-SDR dongle