Detecting Radio Waves: A Citizen Science Project
They are all around us. You can't see the waves, but they move around you, carrying messages from point a to point b. Various devices use radio frequencies to communicate, including cell phones, portable radios, ham radios, wireless routers, garage door openers, dongles for your car, and satellites. This project will allow the participants to intercept the radio waves traveling through your area. You can figure out who is transmitting on these frequencies and why.
This is a brand-new citizen science project, so we are looking for some people who are willing to implement at least one of the lessons in an informal education setting.
You will receive the following free of charge:
· An RTL-SDR dongle
· A technical guide
· An activity guide
· The assistance (through zoom) of the curriculum specialist
All you have to do is complete at least one activity and fill out a simple form. The activity could take as little as 30 minutes, and you can complete the form in very little time. After you have finished, the equipment is yours to keep! In addition, you may be selected for an interview, after which you will be compensated for your time.
The guide provides instructions for the following activities:
· Detect and play the signals from local broadcasters
· Detect the signal from airplanes flying in your area
· Detecting the signal from satellites*
· Creating a weather map*
· Intercepting transmissions from ham radio operators*
* These activities require a few additional supplies
If you are interested in piloting this project, please fill out the following Google Form by 5 pm (Eastern time) on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. Due to stipulations in the grant, this program is currently limited to those organizations in Virginia, West Virginia, or New Mexico.
https://forms.gle/8csEaE2Bar4yNBsk6
If you have questions, please contact Valarie Bogan at [email protected].
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