Using a Radio to Understand Electromagnetic Waves

This article provides a way to understand one small part of the electromagnetic spectrum to a real-life experience of listening to a radio. Students observe and record natural phenomenon co... See More

This article provides a way to understand one small part of the electromagnetic spectrum to a real-life experience of listening to a radio. Students observe and record natural phenomenon collect by from AM/FM radios and by using instruments (radio collectors) found on the Internet. This activity is described in full. Students are able to observe and collect real time data using new technology. My only concern is that availability of an AM/FM radio since digital music is now so common.

Radios-Radio Waves-Web Controlled Receivers

The questions posed to students in this article about the nature of radio waves and their transmission and reception in radios are excellent probes to lead students through content on electr... See More

The questions posed to students in this article about the nature of radio waves and their transmission and reception in radios are excellent probes to lead students through content on electromagnetic waves and to question students about their understanding (and prior conceptions) of radio waves and band widths. The investigation is unique since it uses high-quality web-controlled receivers in the final learning stage (following the learning cycle of explore/invent or discover/ apply); however, the use of the web-controlled receivers may not be accessible all of the time. The web site and others similar to the one referenced in the article is handled by a generous ham radio operator. Thus the availability of the site is dependent upon factors out of the hands of the teacher. If you are intrigued by this great engineering application, you will delight in the learning strategies presented in the article and be aware that you should explore all of the web-based sites for their applicabi