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Local Wireless Communication

The students will learn about the fundamentals of the electromagnetic spectrum. Radio frequency will be emphasized, especially its usage in science, astronomy, wireless communication and modern applications. Finally, the RTL-SDR dongle will be presented to the students. This device will be used to identify local radio broadcasters.

NGSS Standards

HS-PS4-3   Electromagnetic radiation (e.g., radio, microwaves, light) can be modeled as a wave of changing electric and magnetic fields or as particles called photons. The wave model is useful for explaining many features of electromagnetic radiation, and the particle model explains other features.

HS-PS4-4 When light or longer wavelength electromagnetic radiation is absorbed in matter, it is generally converted into thermal energy (heat). Shorter wavelength electromagnetic radiation (ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays) can ionize atoms and cause damage to living cells.

HS-PS4-5 Multiple technologies based on the understanding of waves and their interactions with matter are part of everyday experiences in the modern world (e.g., medical imaging, communications, scanners) and in scientific research. They are essential tools for producing, transmitting, and capturing signals and for storing and interpreting the information contained in them. .

Materials 

student computers

RTL-SDR dongle

radio

Key Words

SDR

Radio Waves

wireless communication

Downloadable Materials

Teacher 

English

Spanish

Student 

English

Spanish

                              

 

Acknowledgments

The banner is courtesy of macrovector on FreePik

The photo is by Mikael Blomkvist: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-in-blue-shirt-using-a-walkie-talkie-while-standing-beside-the-woman-near-the-wooden-fence-8961131/ 

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