The by-laws and constitution of the AARG state the purpose of the organization. In order to justify our 501(c)(3) status we need to serve the community via various conduits such as education/science of amateur radio, emergency communications during weather events etc. I would like to see some discussion on this thread of how the members feel we can accomplish that mission. What working groups are needed, supplies/equipment/funds/growth needed and how each member will help to support the organization. Thanks in advance for your input!
We need to get Nicholas, KQ4ZIM in here on this discussion! He is working on a relationship with his school for us to be able to work with the kids there and maybe have a permanent station setup there for them to use. I'll let him know to come here and chime in!
@km4yzz my ears were burning.......I spoke to a few administrators and the general consensus is that a Ham Radio group would be welcome at Alston Middle School. I am happy to head this up, but would really appreciate veteran Hams helping out as mentors since my radio expirience is in the early stages. Mentors check in at the front office scanning a State ID and no furhter vetting is required. I have confirmed my plans to stay at Alston for the next school year and the principal is supportive of having a Ham Club. We have a SC TV tower we can place an antenna on and Howard say that we have climbers that could help out with that. I have a FT - 710 rig that I would be willing to secure at school, but we might need to call on KM4SMA to give it the once over and make sure it is in good working order. We might have to dig up a suitable powere supply for this when the time comes. The students (my math intervention students) have expressed an interest and it appears that the idea or concept of a club is well recieved. That is about all I know right now, but it is probably a good idea to take a few days over the summer to set up an antenna so we can hit the ground running next year. Mapping and schedueling teacher in rooms is always a last minute thing every year, so I am not sure the room for the club will be assigned, but we can cross that bridge when we get there.
@KQR4ZIM A respectable tower, indeed ...
per Alston Middle School (AMS) radio club:
a grant opportunity may be availible. I have reached out to the head of the educational foundation since I am not sure if this is for classroom or can be used for an afterschool club. If his response is "A ham radio club is a great idea for the grant," then I will ask for help writing the 500 word application due May 8. I wish I could post photos, so click on the attached file to read about the opportunity.
not very many words so the letter needs to pack a punch ... fyi the air tower radio freq at Charleston is 126 Mhz, and could mention the space station, as well as emergency comms ... a worthy cause for gov't money, more so than free needles for drug addicts imho
Thanks' for picking this up Nicholas! I'm on board to help you with the group all the way! I think that I have a good power supply to donate. We do need to work with the school to make it a priority that the room dedicated to radio be located as closely as possible to the tower to cut down on feedline and routing costs; it would me a major undertaking, expense, and RF loss to be in the wrong part of the building. I also have a UHF repeater that we I'd be willing to locate there for the club use and emergency use.
a GMRS rptr would be excellent as well ... allowing a bigger number of folks to be radioactive quickly without having to get a license by testing first, a plus for emergencies ... of course, encourage to continue on to Technician for the other rptr on tower <grin>
@barf I notice a new anntenna up on the fines arts building. it is for the handhelds for staff so that they can now communicate between schools and I think that somewhere there must be a repeater involved. I am trying to find out more about that. Since they drilled holes in the school for that antenna, it should not be an issue drilling holes for the transmission line for our club antenna. I though that we were going to have to follow the old SC TV coax into the building and go from there, but I am finding out there are other options.
Excellent ground work Nicholas. I will add myself as a member of this working group. Let's call it Amateur Radio Introduction Public Schools (ARIPS) level 1 Middle School. The 500 word essay should include the term STEM as the students will learn about radio waves and their properties, electronic components, circuits and pratical uses in Amateur radio. This will include mathmatical calculations and critical thinking in antenna design.
We can all chip in on the development of the essay and that same text can be used for the ARRL grant submission.
@kq4zim I used AI to generate this but should provide some excellent ideas for the Essay to obtain the grant.
Igniting Curiosity: The Power of Amateur Radio in Middle School STEM Education
The middle school years represent a critical juncture in a student's academic journey, a time when nascent interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) can be nurtured and solidified. In this landscape of exploration and discovery, the introduction of amateur radio offers a unique and engaging pathway to foster these crucial skills. Far from being a relic of the past, ham radio provides a dynamic, hands-on platform that can ignite curiosity, develop technical proficiency, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of STEM principles. Integrating amateur radio into the middle school curriculum presents a wealth of benefits for students, empowering them with practical knowledge and inspiring a lifelong passion for these vital fields.
One of the most significant advantages of amateur radio is its ability to demystify complex scientific and technological concepts. The very act of setting up an antenna, understanding radio waves, and establishing communication across distances transforms abstract theories into tangible realities. Students learn firsthand about electromagnetic radiation, frequency bands, and the principles of signal propagation. Building simple circuits for transmitting and receiving introduces them to basic electronics and the fundamentals of engineering design. This practical application of theoretical knowledge moves beyond rote memorization, fostering a deeper and more intuitive understanding of scientific principles. Imagine the excitement of a student successfully contacting another operator miles away, realizing the power of the invisible waves they are manipulating – this experiential learning is far more impactful than simply reading about it in a textbook.
Furthermore, amateur radio inherently promotes problem-solving and critical thinking skills, cornerstones of STEM success. Troubleshooting a faulty connection, optimizing antenna placement for better signal strength, or deciphering a weak transmission requires analytical reasoning and systematic experimentation. Students learn to identify problems, formulate hypotheses, test solutions, and evaluate their results – the very essence of the scientific method and the engineering design process. The challenges encountered in amateur radio are often open-ended, encouraging creative solutions and fostering resilience in the face of setbacks. This hands-on approach cultivates a "tinkerer's mindset," empowering students to approach problems with confidence and a desire to find innovative solutions.
The engineering aspect of amateur radio is also profoundly beneficial. Building antennas, constructing simple transceivers, and experimenting with different modulation techniques provide students with practical engineering experience. They learn about materials science, circuit design, and the importance of precision and attention to detail. This hands-on involvement can spark an interest in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and even computer engineering as they explore digital modes of communication. The ability to design, build, and test their own equipment instills a sense of ownership and accomplishment, further reinforcing their engagement with STEM concepts.
Moreover, amateur radio naturally integrates mathematical concepts into its operation. Understanding frequency calculations, wavelength relationships, and signal strength measurements requires the application of mathematical principles. Students learn to work with units, perform conversions, and interpret data, making abstract mathematical concepts more relevant and understandable. For instance, calculating the length of a resonant antenna based on frequency reinforces their understanding of algebraic formulas and their practical application in a real-world scenario. This contextualized learning can make mathematics less daunting and more engaging for middle school students.
Beyond the technical aspects, amateur radio also fosters valuable communication and collaboration skills. Operating a radio requires clear and concise communication, active listening, and the ability to follow established protocols. Participating in on-air nets or contacting other amateur radio operators around the world exposes students to diverse perspectives and cultures, promoting global awareness and fostering a sense of community. Furthermore, working together on a school radio club project encourages teamwork, shared responsibility, and the development of interpersonal skills essential for success in any STEM field.
In conclusion, the introduction of amateur radio at the middle school level offers a powerful and multifaceted approach to STEM education. By providing a hands-on, engaging platform for exploring scientific principles, developing technical skills, fostering problem-solving abilities, integrating mathematical concepts, and promoting communication and collaboration, amateur radio can ignite a passion for STEM in young minds. In a world increasingly reliant on technological innovation, equipping students with these foundational skills and cultivating their curiosity is paramount. Embracing amateur radio in middle school is not just about learning a new hobby; it's about investing in the future generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators, empowering them to explore the world around them with a critical and creative lens. The airwaves are waiting, ready to spark the next generation's STEM journey.
@Howard ... that is AI generated? wow ... see if there is a grant available to get a Boston Dynamics robot (grin)
