How is a Norwich, CT school using Amateur Radio to Promote Math and Engineering?

In an article HERE, we learn of a high school amateur radio club encouraging students to pursue engineering vocations by participating in some high level hands-on projects dealing with weather balloons, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

From the Article:


"During the past three years, the small group has enjoyed a resurgence on campus, bringing back a tradition that began in the mid-1940s as a way to give students interested in engineering, computer science and other high-tech fields a way to pursue their interests outside the classroom.

Anthony Girasoli, NFA’s director of information technology and club adviser, said taking on intensive activities such as the weather balloon and robot not only provide students with valuable learning opportunities, but is a good recruiting tool.
“The challenge is, how do you make ham radio interesting to this age group?” Girasoli said."


Here's a video demonstrating one of their projects:

I think this school is on to something.  Why does most high school learning in these subjects  have to be tedious, and without recognizable purpose?  I believe this type learning is the best form of learning.  What are your thoughts?


READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

Amateur Radio's Vicious Cycle?

When it comes to the Amateur Radio hobby, I have known contentment.  Yes, I have found myself completely satisfied with the contents of my ham shack (like I am right now) many, many times. Each time, however, the resulting euphoric feeling have been short lived.


To begin with, I desired an Amateur Radio license which I obtained.  Though pleased, I wasn’t completely happy.   I had to have a radio.  


My very first rig ran on 10 meters only, and believe me, once it was up and running, I was completely content.  That is, right up until I met some folks running some of the UHF/VHF bands.  


Suddenly, I wasn’t content anymore.  Suddenly I needed a 2 meter 
and a 70 cm rig and matching antennas!  I could feel my psyche, my self esteem being damaged as I sank into the murky depths of  depression over my new-found operational deficits.


Eventually, I managed to obtain a couple radios, antennas and I was content again; feeling the euphoric sensation of ham radio bliss.  That is, until I found out my friends were running digital modes.


This cycle, this vicious cycle has a way of continually repeating its self, and I sometimes feel powerless to stop it.


Is this process of discovery, desire, depression, acquisition, contentment, and euphoria really a vicious cycle?  


No way!  It isn’t even close to vicious!  It’s fun!


I have actually over-dramatized a wonderful aspect of our great hobby.  We are truly  blessed with a hobby that offers almost limitless possibilities.  


I know first hand that each time I tap into one possibility, I find I desire to participate in another.  This means Amateur Radio will never grow old or outdated.  


How do you feel about this?

The Amateur Radio Stuff-Realm: What’s in Yours?

It’s a funny thing how people can become attached to their stuff. What’s even funnier is how some of us react when we are suddenly separated from whatever it is we cherish.


For example, around the middle of November, I lost my IMAX-2000 antenna. It fell to the ground in the wind with a broken mast, and I haven’t been able, as yet, to put it back up.


I didn’t think this would bother me much. I mean I still have a wire on 20 meters and an 80/40 Dual Band Butternut that work fine. So what if I can’t work 10 or 15 meters, right?


At least, that's what my attitude would be if those bands weren’t as wide open as they’ve been in 10 years!


Let me tell you, since that antenna has been down, I thought about getting my xyl out there holding up an IMAX mast pole while I got my DX fix…. But alas, I knew she wouldn’t ever go for that.


Yes, I was attached to that IMAX-2000. It worked great on 10, 12, 15 and 17 meter bands. The wire I have works better on 20 than the IMAX does. Still, I miss not having the ability to use those other bands.


In this case, I think those bands fall within my stuff realm as much as the antenna.


A local ham friend of mine, KA5JNL, loaned me his ICOM-2100 2 meter radio when I first became a ham. He let me know how special that radio is to him by telling me about the ham (a silent key now) who originally had it.


I suppose the reasons why hams choose to become attached to certain things are as wide ranging as the things themselves. That said, I would never put my stuff ahead of people.


Many area hams (in and around Ouachita parish) have taught me that generosity creates ‘stuff’ of a different sort… in this sense, I’d say friendship falls within the stuff-realm as well.

Meet My Dog Holly

She keeps me company in the ham shack from time to time. In this video, Holly is showing off her smarts, and her new pink sweater.