Overview
Students will research how a radio sends and receives AM and FM signals. Students will then design and construct a crystal radio. Finally, students will demonstrate their knowledge of how a radio works using electromagnetic radiation by creating a presentation, flier, or poster to showcase their expertise.
NGSS Standards
HS-PS3-3 Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.
HS-PS4-3 Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning behind the idea that electromagnetic radiation can be described either by a wave model or a particle model, and that for some situations one model is more useful than the other.
HS-PS4-5 Communicate technical information about how some technological devices use the principles of wave behavior and wave interactions with matter to transmit and capture information and energy.
Materials
- Aluminum foil
- Markers
- Tape
- Scissors
- Wire cutters
- Germanium diodes
- Hook-up wires
- 28-gauge magnet wire
- Alligator clips
- Small speakers
- Brass fasteners
- Rulers
- Graph paper
- Student computers
- Empty paper towel rolls or sturdy water bottles
Keywords
- Radio frequencies
- Crystal radio
- Electronics