Learners are given both people and technology cards. Each technology card is marked with a symbol to indicate whether the featured radio technology represents near future possibility, far future possibility, or an idea way beyond current science. Cards are intended to inspire curiosity about the science of radio, increase thoughtfulness around the role of radio in our everyday lives, and spur imagination.

Learners draw how a cell phone message is sent to make their initial ideas visible about how radio communications work.

Learners explore the concepts of coding and decoding messages by creating and decoding digital images using a binary code.

Make a papercraft lighthouse like the historic Titanic lighthouse using a cardstock template, copper tape, an LED, and battery. Use lighthouse’s paper switch to send Morse Code messages to each other.

Learners explore the concepts of coding and decoding as they create ciphers to share messages and work in teams to decipher them

Coding a BBC micro:bit, students craft a paper myTalkie from precut templates and a paper potentiometer to program custom messages that are sent by the micro:bit’s Bluetooth radio. Together, students design a tabletop model of a system of radio communications to meet a community problem.

This exploration activity uses Wi-Fi Detector app to measure the Wi-Fi signal strength emitted from a router transmitting radio waves. Learners use different materials to explore wave interference placed in between the Wi-Fi router and the smartphone running the Wi-Fi Detector app.

Sound Detector is a mobile application that captures and displays the loudness of sound recorded by a device.

Learners watch a video about Hurricane Maria’s impact on Puerto Rico and create models to explain why communication was easier before the storm and more difficult after. As a group, they build a class consensus model that captures and connects their ideas, questions, and gaps in understanding about how radio communication works.

Go on a storybook adventure in Puerto Rico with Gabby and Raul as they solve challenges and prepare their community’s radio communications for a hurricane.

How can our wireless devices allow us to communicate with people far away? Learners explore the relationship between radio signals and distance using micro:bit.

Learners use MakeCode radio blocks to send messages between micro:bits and explore how channels help keep communication clear and private.

Learners work together to build a reliable communication network using paper cups and string. Whisper secret messages to each other to test what affects the quality of communication.

Get ready to build your own light radio communication system using off-the-shelf parts.

A radio wave carrying the digital information of an emoji is coming your way.
Now YOU are the computer and must decode the digitally modulated carrier signal correctly. See how you perform as a computer!

Learners use three micro:bits to explore how interference and signal jamming affect radio communication, and test ways to improve connections using channels and positioning.

Learn how to make a simple sensor switch using metal foil, paper, glue, and two alligator clips to trigger actions in a BBC micro:bit or other electronic device.

Make a DIY paper potentiometer connected to a micro:bit to send different messages from rotating a pointer.

How does the radio signal sent from a station’s transmitter miles away get to your device? Which materials work best at blocking the radio waves? Learners explore interference and how radio waves can be blocked using different containers and wrapping materials.

Learners jot down something they have heard about radio, then share it with others to elicit initial ideas for later discussion.

WiFi Detector is a mobile application that reads and displays the signal strength of a WiFi connection. WiFi Detector is used in conjunction with hands-on activities that explore the radio science behind WiFi signals.

Make a sketch a future radio-enabled technology in Wavetown, then build a model using available materials. Learners explore future scenarios and possibilities for radio-enabled communications.

Make an NFC-enabled business card using a mobile phone, NFC tags, and a print template. Use your phone to trigger the NFC tag to display a custom web address.

You are the computer and must check for errors in the incoming radio transmissions. Race against time to see how many correct messages you can detect.

Learners watch a video about the Radio Act of 1912, record problems with Titatnic's communication system, then brainstorm possible solutions that could prevent future miscommunications.

Learners explore the differences between radio and sound waves by comparing the sound of a key remote and cell phone sounds inside a closed container with air and under a vacuum.

Create your own interstellar message using a grid of blocks, then turn this message into a sound that is sent off into space.

Young learners use challenge cards to find examples of radio technologies in Wavetown, colorful large print illustration of radio devices present in our everyday lives. Numbers and a legend on the illustration provide facilitation support.

Learn about radio concept and communications using this collection of activities designed using the Teknikio Bluebird

Explore a PhET simulation to see the effects when you adjust the frequency and amplitude of a radio wave.

Learners will use BBC micro:bits, crafting, coding, and guided discussions to explore how radio signals transmit messages, while investigating how radio technologies can help mitigate the impacts of natural disasters in their community.

Learners unpack how a message is transmitted from one person to another, then build a model of a communication system for sound and for radio using cardboard cutouts to represent components like transmitter, receiver, radio wave, message, vocal cords, speaker and listener.

Explore how micro:bit sensors, such as light, temperature, sound, and touch, collect environmental data. Use the micro:bit’s radio feature to wirelessly transmit this data to another device, demonstrating how radio technology enhances real-world sensor applications.