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About the Science of Radio

These modules will lead educators through key concepts in the science, engineering and social impacts of radio frequency technologies.

It explores the pervasiveness of radio and its role in modern communication, highlighting how engineers use electromagnetic waves to transmit information and the challenges of a limited radio spectrum. It also examines the societal impact and future potential of radio, emphasizing the need for equitable technology development through collaborative efforts.

What is radio?
Radio is everywhere. It is invisible energy carrying data between cell phones and information from Earth to orbiting satellites. Radio waves are also emitted by our planet, objects in outer space, and events like starting a car or turning on a light.

Radio is a field of scientific and technological research making significant changes in how we communicate, work and live. Wireless connectivity plays a starring role in history and our future, encompassing everyday communication, healthcare and remote monitoring systems.

When the first radio communication was used to send a message across great distances using wireless telegraphy in 1895, the airspace was changed forever. Today, radio waves are used by wireless laptops, remote-control car locks, AirPods and Internet-of-Things devices. Radio is employed for air traffic control, spacecraft communications and astronomical research.

Radio frequency technologies continue to be developed through innovations in science and engineering. Equally important for society are the policies governing radio usage by everyone.

Like many innovative technologies on the horizon, it is vital that everyone is informed about radio and has a voice in how it shapes our future. We each have a role to play. Our decisions about how to use and share the radio spectrum shape our individual lives, society and the world.
What does this guide cover?
This guide is divided into 5 sections to provide both scientific & engineering content connected to radio but also the impacts of this technology on our society.

Radio is everywhere. Electromagnetic radiation is around us at all times.

Radio waves carry information. Engineers create technologies to encode and decode information carried by electromagnetic waves.

Radio is a scarce resource. Uses for radio are expanding, but the radio spectrum is not.

Radio is changing us. Innovations in radio research may create surprising ways to communicate in the future.

Radio is part of our society and our future. Making radio technology equitable requires all of our voices.
Electromagnetic radiation is around us at all times
Radio is a form of electromagnetic (EM) radiation. Light and energy from the sun are also EM radiation, as are infrared light and microwaves.
Electromagnetic radiation in everyday life
Every electrical device
including the wires and appliances in your home, generates an electromagnetic field.
Our eyes
can perceive visible light, a type of electromagnetic (EM) radiation, but they are incapable of detecting other forms of the EM spectrum, including radio waves.
AM/FM Radios
are designed to receive specific frequencies of EM radiation and convert this energy into sound.
Microwave Ovens
use EM radiation to transfer energy directly to water molecules, thereby heating up food.
Sunglasses & Sunscreen
block or filter specific kinds of EM radiation, like ultraviolet (UV) light.
Computers and Cell Phones
transmit and receive information using technologies that function within the radio frequency spectrum.
X-Ray Machines
use high-energy "ionizing" EM radiation, which is different from the low-energy "non-ionizing" radiation found in radio waves and light.
Astronomical Telescopes
capture EM radiation emitted by interstellar objects, such as quasars and nebulas. Almost all astronomical events generate radio waves.
People use radio technology every day
Many of the devices we use every day send and receive electromagnetic waves. When we use the word “radio,” we are referring to many uses of EM waves, not only AM/FM radio. Cell phones, for instance, use EM waves at multiple frequencies within the radio spectrum. When connecting a cell phone to wireless earbuds, "Bluetooth" technology is used, which is a short-range wireless communication operating on a specific band of the radio spectrum. More examples appear below.
WiFi
(2.4 & 5GHz)
Smart appliances

Thermostats

Routers & personal computers
VHF
(.03-.3 GHz)
FM radio

Some TV signals

Emergency communicatio
Microwaves
(1-100 GHz)
GPS

Satellite communication

Some road toll systems
RFID
(.86-.96 GHz)
Credit cards

Library books

Key fobs
LTE
(1.9-2.1 GHz)
Wireless phone

Some mobile data
Bluetooth
(2.4 GHz)
Wireless health monitors

Cordless headphones & keyboards
Smartphones and Wi-Fi are just 2 examples of the everyday presence of radio
Additional information on Wi-Fi connectivity:

Cisco. (2019, February). Cisco Visual Networking Index: Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update 2017–2022. Retrieved from: http://media.mediapost.com/uploads/CiscoForecast.pdf

Additional information on IoTs:

Howarth, J. (2023, November 3). 80+ Amazing IoT Statistics (2024-2030). Exploding Topics. https://explodingtopics.com/blog/iot-stats
IoT devices are expected to triple by 2030, far outnumbering people
Top IoT devices at home in the US (source: statista)
1
Smart TVs:
Widely used in homes, they offer internet connectivity and support various streaming services.
2
Smart speakers:
These devices can control other smart devices and assist with various tasks using voice commands.
3
Streaming devices:
Used for media consumption from various online platforms.
4
Smart bulbs:
Allow remote control and customization of lighting in homes.
5
Security cameras:
Provide home security solutions with remote monitoring capabilities.
6
Connected thermostats:
These devices learn your preferences and optimize energy use.
Related educational materials

Radio Explorers: Radio Silence (lesson)

5G Covet - SNR House (app)

What is Radio? (video)

Radio Waves on the Electromagnetic Spectrum, English & Spanish (activity component)
Radio waves are different lengths
Waves carry other waves
Radio communication relies on systems made up of many technologies
Each band of the radio spectrum has advantages and limitations
Buildings, weather and natural landscapes can interfere with EM communication
Radio waves are different lengths
Waves in different bands of the EM spectrum interact with materials differently. For example, visible light can pass through your sunglasses, yet many lenses are capable of blocking 100% of ultraviolet light, protecting your eyes from damage while allowing you to see. Similarly, radio waves can easily pass through air, glass, and wood, but they are absorbed by water and reflected by metals.
Sections, or "bands," of the spectrum are defined by their range of wavelengths. Another common method to describe radio wave lengths is through their frequency—the number of waves that form in one second. Frequency can be measured in hertz (Hz), megahertz (MHz) and gigahertz (GHz). One Hz equals one cycle per second, while one GHz equals one billion cycles per second.
The radio band, characterized by its long wavelengths, is highlighted within the full EM spectrum. The portion depicted as a rainbow represents the band of visible light that is detectable by our eyes."
AM Radio
The EM wave transmitted by AM Radio stations can be as long as a city block (580 ft to 1,820 ft).
Wi-Fi
A 5GHz WiFi router transmits EM waves about as long as the bee hummingbird, the world's smallest bird (6cm).
5G
Millimeter waves, found within the bands used for 5G communications, can have wavelengths about as long as a grain of rice, roughly 7.7mm.
Waves carry other waves
Waves in different bands of the EM spectrum interact with materials differently. For example, visible light can pass through your sunglasses, yet many lenses are capable of blocking 100% of ultraviolet light, protecting your eyes from damage while allowing you to see. Similarly, radio waves can easily pass through air, glass, and wood, but they are absorbed by water and reflected by metals.
Digital modulation
Today, most radio communications transmit digital information. This digital data consists of a series of bits (top row). Through a special circuit with an antenna, these data bits are encoded onto a radio wave using a technique called modulation. The carrier wave (middle row) has a known frequency. To convey data, either the frequency (or wavelength) or amplitude (height) of these waves is altered, allowing a receiving device to interpret the data based on these changes in the carrier waves (bottom row). Here, periods of high and low amplitude represent binary digits (1s or 0s), each being a "bit." In some applications, such as Bluetooth, the phase, or timing, of the waves is also adjusted to encode information.
Analog data doesn't resemble a sequence of 1s and 0s but instead exhibits a pattern that varies constantly along a continuum. Similar to digital data transmission, analog data is sent by modifying the frequency, amplitude or phase of a carrier wave. In the case of old television signals, the amplitude, frequency and phase of radio waves were manipulated to control the brightness, sound and color of the display.
Processes of encryption are often used to make sure that information can travel securely from place to place. Signals are mixed up or “shredded” so that only a device with the matching key can interpret them correctly.
Radio communication relies on systems made up of many technologies
How did the data center find James?
Our cell phones continuously send brief messages to nearby towers, and one antenna in your phone is dedicated solely to this task. Both your phone and SIM card have unique identification numbers, as does each tower. When a tower picks up a location signal—a "ping"—from your phone, it relays a message to the data center. Consequently, the data center is always aware of the last tower that received a signal from your phone.
As soon as a tower receives information that a message is incoming for your phone, it coordinates with your device to select a specific frequency for use—like a dedicated radio or television channel. Additionally, a specific time slot is reserved for this communication. During this allocated time, no other phone connected to the tower will use that same frequency, ensuring a clear and uninterrupted connection for your message.
The path differs for each kind of device
The communication pathway varies depending on the type of device. Radio signals are just one of the numerous links in the communication chain. For instance, when using Wi-Fi, radio waves transport information to a router in your house, and from there, the data travels through copper or fiber optic cables. In contrast, some devices, like walkie-talkies and certain Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, may communicate directly with each other via radio. Additionally, satellites are increasingly becoming an integral part of this communication chain.
Each band of the radio spectrum has advantages and limitations
Each band of the radio spectrum has distinct characteristics, such as the amount of energy needed to use them, the distance they can carry information and their interaction with molecules in air, water and various materials. These unique features of each radio spectrum band make them useful for different purposes. Generally, longer radio waves travel farther.
Wider is faster
In advertisements, we often hear about new technologies with higher speed data transmission, or “throughput.” Many of these, like 5G systems, utilize higher frequency (shorter wavelength) radio waves.
However, what is most critical is the amount of the radio spectrum these technologies use – the "bandwidth" they require to send and receive data. Bandwidth can be compared to the width road, and data is similar to cars trying to pass through. Just like traveling home in the middle of the day is far easier than making the same journey during rush hour – a narrow bandwidth can become a bottleneck during high data traffic periods.
The capabilities of communications systems are changing as protocols, algorithms and hardware advance. New technologies not only use existing bandwidth more efficiently but also access greater bandwidth for data transmission by operating at higher frequencies, which typically face fewer usage conflicts. Though a technology may be able to operate across a wide range of frequencies, the bandwidth a device uses at any given moment is much narrower. For example, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi operates within a frequency range of 2.4-2.5 GHz (a 100 MHz band), but each individual Wi-Fi channel only use 10-20 MHz of that bandwidth at a time.
Buildings, weather and natural landscapes can interfere with EM communication
Waves in different bands of the EM spectrum interact with materials differently. For example, visible light can pass through your sunglasses, yet many lenses are capable of blocking 100% of ultraviolet light, protecting your eyes from damage while allowing you to see. Similarly, radio waves can easily pass through air, glass, and wood, but they are absorbed by water and reflected by metals.
Where in your house are Wi-Fi or phone signals unreliable?
It can be challenging for radio waves to travel through walls and objects, especially materials like metal beams and rebar in concrete. Different wavelengths interact with materials in distinct ways. For example, FM waves can easily pass through concrete, but 5G millimeter waves face more difficulties. Although FM signals have a longer wavelength than 5G, they are shorter than AM radio waves. When your car enters a tunnel, you may notice that an AM signal drops out before an FM signal does. This is because the longer AM signals are more likely to be blocked or absorbed as they pass into the confined space of the tunnel.
Water absorbs EM energy. Consequently, in rural areas that rely on wireless broadband, the internet connection can become unstable during rainstorms. Natural features like mountains, trees and canyons can also affect signal strength and reliability.
Related educational materials

Radio Explorers: Wi-Fi Detective (lesson plan)

5G Covet - SNR House (app)

Coding with Micro:bit: Radio and If Statements (lesson plan)

Radio Futures: I Spy Radio (activity)

Let's Send a Selfie in Wavetown, English & Spanish (activity component)

WiFi Detector (app)

What is happening when waves are blocked or weakened?
Radio waves can be absorbed, reflected, or scattered by objects. When a device receives only part of a radio signal, its response depends on various factors. In some devices, a weak signal may lead to lower volume or "static" – a type of chaotic noise. For others, if the signal is weak or interrupted, the information being transmitted may need to be resent, making the connection feel slower. Many digital devices require a complete "packet" of information to function correctly.
Humans can also block and redirect EM
Human bodies absorb EM radiation and can even act as antennas. Communication devices typically use "non-ionizing" wavelengths, meaning they don't damage cell structures or DNA. However, EM radiation from phones and other devices can sometimes cause localized warming of body tissues – similar to how microwave ovens work. Scientists continue to research the potential effects of various types and amounts of EM radiation on humans.
The EM spectrum is crowded and in high demand
Radio waves can interfere with each other
Expanding coverage and users means expanding infrastructure
The EM spectrum is crowded and in high demand
To send and receive data both reliably and securely, each device requires a unique frequency that no other nearby device is using simultaneously. However, the radio spectrum offers a limited number of frequencies suitable for communication, and most of these are already allocated for specific purposes. The usage of each band within the radio spectrum is regulated by governments, guided by both national and international agreements.
This section below highlights frequency bands used by common communication technologies. Newer technology systems, such as 5G, can operate over a wide range of frequencies, partly because higher frequency bands have fewer historical uses. Also, since higher frequency waves don't travel as far, there's less likelihood of interference between devices.
The table above shows the radio spectrum from 0-300 GHz, highlighting the diverse uses assigned to each frequency band, each denoted by a different color. The spectrum is particularly crowded with various applications at the lower frequencies, which have historically been easier for technologies to use reliably. Additionally, many bands are reserved for military and government purposes, including air traffic control, emergency services and research.
Radio waves can interfere with each other
Transferring large amounts of data across many devices is tricky, especially when these devices are near each other. Just like trying to hear your friend in a crowded room full of people talking, if many people are sending messages using radio waves, it can make it more difficult for receivers to identify a signal. When waves of similar wavelengths are transmitted in the same area, distinguishing and correctly processing radio signals can be challenging. Therefore, it's essential to coordinate all these information streams to make sure they reach the right person at the right time and place.
When many people try to use their mobile devices at the same time, transmission towers can run out of available channels. This situation often arises during public events, such as concerts or sports events, and also in emergencies when a large number of people are trying to make calls, as was the case during Hurricane Harvey. With potentially millions or even billions of devices needing connectivity, the demand may soon exceed the available spectrum capacity.
Additional information on radio communications and Hurricane Harvey:

Jones, D. (2017). Digital impact of Hurricane Harvey. LinkedIn. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/digital-impact-hurricane-harvey-david-jones/
The C Band
Radio waves can interfere with devices operating on nearby frequency bands if those devices are not designed to filter out waves outside their assigned band. For example, phone companies were recently allowed to purchase rights to a new section of the spectrum known as the “C Band,” which is used for 5G operations. People are unsure if new, powerful C Band technologies will disrupt equipment on some older airplanes that use frequencies close to this band to measure altitude.
Radio interference and the sinking of the Titanic
Cruising altitude
To calculate a plane's altitude, radio altimeters measure the time it takes for a radio wave to bounce from the ground back to the plane. These devices are effective because radio waves travel much faster than the plane and can be absorbed, reflected and detected. Interfering with these waves would deprive pilots of crucial information while flying.
Interference from amateur radio broadcasters made it difficult for the R.M.S. Titanic’s distress signals to reach nearby radio operators, possibly delaying the arrival of help. As a result, laws were passed to regulate who could use specific bands of the radio spectrum.
Expanding coverage and users means expanding infrastructure
From 200-foot tall towers to rooftop network nodes, and from satellite links to indoor routers, the infrastructure supporting radio communication is extensive. It includes data centers, power plants and even copper mines, all of which occupy space and consume resources. Several examples below illustrate the complexity when considering expanding radio infrastructure.
Dead Zones
EXAMPLE 1
Radio communications depend on infrastructure that can be both costly and unsightly, particularly in locations where providing service is challenging like in rural areas or inside large buildings. A "dead zone" often refers to an area that does not receive the necessary radio signals for a cell phone. This lack of reception can be due to the area being too distant from the nearest cell tower, environmental factors like a mountain range or a concrete wall with steel reinforcements. Overcoming these challenges is not always easy.
Ownership
example 2
Cell phones require nearby towers to function effectively. Building these towers requires significant investment and also local permission to occupy space on either public or private land. Tower owners can control which companies and services they allow to access their towers. Those decisions are often market-driven and may not be the best choices for nearby residents.
Space Junk
example 3
Satellites support radio communications, from mundane social media posts here on Earth to life saving updates between NASA and astronauts in space. However, space is becoming more crowded-with major consequences for satellites. Low-Earth orbits are becoming cluttered with both active and decommissioned satellites, as well as other forms of space junk. This accumulation leads to increased signal interference and a heightened risk of collision.
Related educational materials

Radio Explorers: Wi-Fi Detective (lesson plan)

Radio Explorers: Radio Silence (lesson plan)

Percentages Using Signal Strength and Distance (lesson plan)

United States Spectrum Allocation Chart (activity component)
Negative impacts of radio are not likely to be equally distributed
Radio will impact our lives with costs, risks and benefits we cannot always predict
Radio technologies are changing how we behave
Negative impacts are not likely to be equally distributed
Laws governing aspects of radio technology, including broadband access, potential interference, privacy and data protection, have the potential to either increase opportunity and enhance the quality of life for everyone or perpetuate historical patterns of inequality.
From the expansion of widespread cell phone networks to the application of drones in surveillance and package delivery, and from RFID tags used in credit cards, library books and packages to remote sensor systems and virtual surgery, radio technologies are profoundly influencing economic and social life. While the benefits of these technological advancements may be readily apparent, their negative impacts are often less obvious.
Additional information on radio communications and Hurricane Harvey:

Jones, D. (2017). Digital impact of Hurricane Harvey. LinkedIn. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/digital-impact-hurricane-harvey-david-jones/
Digital redlining
Radio waves can interfere with devices operating on nearby frequency bands if those devices are not designed to filter out waves outside their assigned band. For example, phone companies were recently allowed to purchase rights to a new section of the spectrum known as the “C Band,” which is used for 5G operations. People are unsure if new, powerful C Band technologies will disrupt equipment on some older airplanes that use frequencies close to this band to measure altitude.
Image courtesy of National Digital Inclusion Alliance
This 2016 map of Detroit illustrates areas with high poverty rates (over 35%) in red, and areas with high-speed internet access (over 18Mbps) in green. The development of broadband infrastructure has primarily focused on wealthier areas outside the city center, resulting in limited investment in the predominantly Black and lower-income downtown areas.
The pattern demonstrates how access to mobile and home broadband infrastructure can reinforce the legacy of racial and economic housing segregation. Historically, “redlining” was a practice of financing investment in largely White neighborhoods, but not in majority Black or immigrant neighborhoods. Today, “digital redlining” makes it more difficult to participate in our increasingly connected society. It is one example of how the development, distribution and regulation of radio-related technology can impact communities.
The pattern observed in Detroit demonstrates how access to both mobile and home broadband infrastructure can perpetuate the legacy of racial and economic housing segregation. Historically, "redlining" referred to the practice of prioritizing financial investment in predominantly White neighborhoods, while neglecting majority Black or immigrant communities. Today, a similar result is hindering participation in our increasingly connected society. This is one example of how the development, distribution and regulation of radio technologies and systems can have profound impacts on communities.
Related educational materials

Radio Futures: You Decide (lesson plan)

Changing Our Relationship With Science (video)

Nanotechnology and Society Guide (professional development)

Radio will impact our lives with costs, risks and benefits we cannot always predict
While the explosion of global networks has the potential to bring people together, the impact of constant connectivity on mental health is also a subject of concern. Wireless technology makes it possible for many people to connect and create communities in ways they could not before, but it also introduces issues such as cyberbullying and overconsumption that society must learn to address. Here are some aspects to reflect on.
The relationship between health and radio is still being explored.
Scientific debate and ongoing research continue to explore the effects of exposure to certain kinds of radio frequencies, such as those emitted by cell phones and towers.
Radio is impacting the environment in unknown ways.
Like other technologies, radio will have environmental impacts stemming from energy consumption, manufacturing processes and e-waste, as well as potential effects on wildlife sensitive to EM fields.
Security and privacy are critically important with radio device design.
As our use of communications, media and data expand, keeping networks secure and confidential becomes a bigger challenge. Many businesses and agencies are responding at the level of radio device to keep bad actors out of our everyday workflows.
Unequal access to radio technologies will affect economic participation.
From community organizers to open-source technology designers, grassroots groups are actively engaged in safeguarding access to radio technologies while monitoring their impact.
Additional information on the effects of constant connectivity:
Kushlev, K., Dwyer, R., & Dunn, E. W. (2019). The social price of constant connectivity: Smartphones impose subtle costs on well-being. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 28(4), 347-352.

Baricevic, Mia, "The Impact of Constant Connectivity: Examining the Relationships Between Social Media, Loneliness, Anxiety and Avoidant Behaviors" (2021). Scripps Senior Theses. 1761. https://scholarship.claremont.edu/scripps_theses/1761
Radio technologies are changing how we behave
New technology of the past have had a profound impact on our society – often in unexpected ways. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century revolutionized the spread of knowledge, helping spark the Renaissance, but it also inadvertently set the stage for the spread of propaganda. Similarly, the beginnings of the automobile in the late 19th century transformed personal mobility, but also contributed to unforeseen consequences such as suburban sprawl, traffic congestion and environmental pollution.
Each of these technologies brought about significant societal changes that were not fully anticipated at their inception. Radio technologies are no different, changing how we live, work and play in unknown ways.
We develop and learn new ways of interacting
EXAMPLE 1
"Can you hear me now?" From "following" to "AirDropping," radio technologies have introduced new actions, expressions and routines into our daily lives. Our everyday language has evolved due to the widespread influence of these technologies.
We adopt new kinds of communication and develop relationships in new ways
example 2
Check-ins, pin drops and video calls – we have more ways to create and sustain relationships with partners, grandparents and friends thousands of miles away.
We work with people, environments and data in new ways
example 3
Engineered into ever smaller devices, wireless systems are doing work for us, from monitoring forest fires to controlling greenhouses. Live data sharing and virtual collaboration are changings industries, from agriculture and healthcare, to banking and policing.
Radio has become a commons – shared and integral to us all
National and international cooperation is needed to govern radio
Equity, access and the unknown
Everyone can impact the future of radio frequency technologies
Radio has become a commons – shared and integral to us all
Being connected is now incredibly important for full participation in economic systems, political processes, community life and social relationships. Radio has emerged not only as a technological tool but as a shared space crucial for societal cohesion, promising the potential for more inclusive access to information for all segments of society. Internet access has even been declared a human right in some countries—including Finland and Estonia— yet relies on infrastructure that is often privately owned and on spectrum bands that are regulated. Radio communication is often the last link between people and the vast infrastructure of the internet, so it is vital that we protect the right to use radio technologies safely, regardless of economic status, political beliefs, location or background.
National and international cooperation is needed to govern radio
In each country, governments regulate the assignment of specific bands of the radio spectrum, deciding their purposes and determining who is allowed to use particular radio frequencies. To ensure global harmony in radio airspace usage, countries enter into joint agreements. This cooperation makes it possible for navigation systems on planes and ships to work worldwide, and for phones and other devices to connect seamlessly to systems across borders.
Managing a limited radio spectrum to keep many devices working
Regulation of the radio spectrum prevents devices from interfering with each other and reserves certain bands for special purposes, such as air traffic control or military use. Internationally, there are three regions that assist regulators in assigning frequencies. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees the radio spectrum. The FCC auctions off rights to frequency bands for commercial or industrial use and coordinates with other agencies like the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and the NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration). Some of the non-federal functions of the spectrum overseen by the FCC include entertainment, like FM and AM radio broadcasting, and private use, such as amateur (ham) radio operation.
Equity, access and the unknown
Even with cooperation, some countries and people will still be left out. Wireless technologies create new ways of gathering and sharing information, thereby raising new and important questions about privacy, surveillance, data ownership and access to technology.
New technologies raise new questions. Due to their tremendous ability to connect people and objects both near and far – ranging from inside our bodies to the vastness of outer space – wireless technologies possess a unique potential to transform our lives and society. This transformative power extends to various aspects of daily life, including communication, healthcare, education and environmental monitoring. Whether these changes are for better or for worse may depend on who you are, where you are, and what you value.
It is important to consider “why” when deciding “what” technologies to imagine, design and build. How do we decide what is safe, and for whom?
Everyone can impact the future of radio frequency technologies
There are many opportunities to play an active role in decision-making about radio technologies in our lives, neighborhoods and larger world.
Educator
Helping others learn about radio.
Artist
Inspiring new technology applications through creative and interactive projects.
Consumer
Giving feedback that drives market demand and shapes usability.
Technician
Innovating technologies with efficient and versatile designs.
Engineer
Imagining, creating and figuring out new ways to use radio.
Designer
Maintaining and enhancing radio networks and infrastructure, ensuring their reliability.
Organizer or Advocate
Bringing people together to debate, learn and act.
Policymakers
Guiding how technologies are developed and where they can be used.
Learner
Asking questions and joining others to engage with radio technologies and issues.
Related educational materials

Radio Futures: You Decide (lesson plan)

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) Booklet (professional development)
This professional development module is adapted from: Engaging the Public in Radio: Key Concepts in the Science, Engineering, and Social Impacts of Radio Frequency Technologies (2022). By Colin Dixon, Sherry Hsi, and Seth Van Doren from the BSCS Science Learning.
This material and many of its referenced resources is based upon work supported by National Science Foundation, through grant #2053160. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

All images from the module are in the public domain or creative commons licensed with the exception of those listed below. These images cannot be reused without permission from the author and respective sources.

Section 2:

IoT and Wi-Fi usage chart, courtesy of BSCS

Section 3

EM waveform, courtesy of BSCS

Digital modulation diagram, courtesy of BSCS

Let's send a selfie, original art adapted from the NISE Network

Highway analogy for bandwidth, courtesy of BSCS

Section 4:

US Frequency charts, courtesy of US Dept of Commerce

Section 5

Digital Redlining, courtesy of National Digital Inclusion Alliance

Section 6

World map, courtesy of BSCS

LEARN

About the Science of Radio

What is radio?

What does this guide cover?

Electromagnetic radiation is around us at all times

Electromagnetic radiation in everyday life

People use radio technology every day

WiFi (2.4 & 5GHz)

VHF (.03-.3 GHz)

Microwaves (1-100 GHz)

RFID (.86-.96 GHz)

LTE (1.9-2.1 GHz)

Bluetooth (2.4 GHz)

Smartphones and Wi-Fi are just 2 examples of the everyday presence of radio

IoT devices are expected to triple by 2030, far outnumbering people

1

Smart TVs:

2

Smart speakers:

3

Streaming devices:

4

Smart bulbs:

5

Security cameras:

6

Connected thermostats:

Related educational materials

Radio waves are different lengths

The EM spectrum is crowded and in high demand

Negative impacts are not likely to be equally distributed

Digital redlining

Related educational materials

Radio has become a commons – shared and integral to us all

WiFi
(2.4 & 5GHz)

VHF
(.03-.3 GHz)

Microwaves
(1-100 GHz)

RFID
(.86-.96 GHz)

LTE
(1.9-2.1 GHz)

Bluetooth
(2.4 GHz)