The Big Project
(Taken from the ARRL web site)
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Amateur Radio is best known to the general public for its role in
emergency communications during disasters. Despite many advances in
communications technology, emergency management agencies and relief
organizations continue to call upon Amateur Radio for assistance and to
respect the contribution made by radio amateurs during times of crisis.
For its licensees, Amateur Radio is not only an opportunity to serve the
community during emergencies but also a source of friendship,
recreation, and personal growth. In addition, many people began their
path towards careers in electronics and wireless communications with
experiences in Amateur Radio as children and teenagers.
Amateur Radio is a significant resource for the classroom teacher in the
education of America's youth for life and work in a global,
technological society. Applications of Amateur Radio in the classroom
help students become employable, informed, conscientious citizens. ARRL,
the National Association for Amateur Radio, has developed an education
project to introduce teachers to this resource and enable them to make
the most effective use of it in their classrooms.
Why should teachers consider using Amateur Radio in their classrooms?
Amateur Radio is an ongoing activity on the International Space Station.
A new Amateur Radio satellite AO -- 40 has just been launched opening up
more possibilities for students to study the role of satellites in
wireless communications. The Federal Communications Commission has
modernized Amateur Radio licensing requirements making it less
complicated for teachers to earn a class of license that allows them to
supervise a full range of Amateur Radioactivities. Employers need
workers who are familiar not only with computers but also with wireless
communications concepts. Amateur Radio emphasizes self-challenge, the
value of life-long learning, and the importance of participation in
public service.
To encourage teachers who may not be aware of the educational potential
of Amateur Radio, the ARRL has developed the Amateur Radio Education
Project that will include the following: Classroom Bookshelf -- provides
schools with publications related to the use of technology in wireless
communications. On-Line Sourcebook -- provides tips and ideas for
teaching wireless technology to youth in schools, community groups and
clubs. Radio Lab Handbook -- handbook of lesson plans and projects to
help teachers provide authentic, hands-on technological experiences for
their students. Stations in Schools -- provides Amateur Radio equipment
to establish a school station, for qualifying schools. Progress Grants
-- grants awards to teachers currently using Amateur Radio in their
classrooms.
The goal of the Amateur Radio Education Project is to improve the
quality of education by providing an educationally sound curriculum
focused on wireless communications. The project emphasizes integration
of technology, math, science, geography, writing, and speaking and
social responsibility within a global society.
School teachers interested in incorporating Amateur Radio into their
curriculum, using it as an enrichment program or as a club activity are
welcome to apply to become a Pilot School. Teachers currently using
Amateur Radio in the classroom are welcome to apply for a Progress Grant
to assist them in maintaining their station or enhancing their program.
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