Title of Lesson: Introduction to Circuits using Amateur Radio
Grade Level: 7th-8th grade
Duration: 2 class periods (approximately 90 minutes)
Core Components
Subject, Content Area or Topic:
Science/Physics
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): (Assign as needed based on your state standards)
MS-PS2-3: Ask questions about data to determine the factors that affect the strength of electric
and magnetic forces.
MS-PS3-5: Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic
energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object.
Common Core State Standards for English Language arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies,
Science, and Technical Subjects: (Assign as needed based on your state standards and grade level)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.3: Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out
experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.RP.A.2: Recognize and represent proportional relationships between
quantities.
Vocabulary: (Add as needed based on your learning requirements)
Learning Objectives: (What will the students learn and demonstrate?)
Students will…
1. Participate in class discussion.
2. Identify elements of a circuit and build their own circuit.
3. Note and share observations from the activity.
4. Draw connections between circuits and everyday electrical devices.
5. Design and construct their own circuit.
Materials/Resources,
Amateur radio equipment (transmitter, receiver, antenna)
Batteries and battery holders
Various resistors, capacitors, and diodes
Wires and breadboards
Multimeter
Paper and pencils
Safety (if applicable)
Preparation Before Class:
Set up the amateur radio equipment in the classroom or designated area.
Gather the required circuit components and ensure they are in working order.
Prepare handouts or worksheets for recording data and observations during the lesson.
Day 1: Introduction to Circuits
Engage (~15 minutes)
Begin the lesson by asking students to brainstorm examples of electrical circuits they
encounter in their daily lives (e.g., light bulbs, smartphones, computers).
Discuss the importance of circuits in our modern world and introduce the concept of
electrical energy transfer.
Explore (~30 minutes)
Introduce the basic components of a circuit, such as batteries, resistors, capacitors, and
diodes.
Demonstrate how to connect these components using wires and breadboards to create
simple circuits.
Explain the role of each component in the circuit and how they interact with each
other.
Explain (~15 minutes)
Provide a brief overview of amateur radio and its connection to circuits.
Explain the principles of transmitting and receiving radio waves using circuits.
Discuss the importance of antennas in transmitting and receiving signals.
Elaborate (~30 minutes)
Divide students into pairs or small groups and provide each group with a circuit-building
activity sheet.
Instruct students to follow the step-by-step instructions to construct a basic circuit using the
provided components.
Encourage students to make predictions and record observations as they complete the
activity.
Evaluate (~10 minutes)
Have a class discussion to review the circuit-building activity and share observations.
Ask students to reflect on how the components they used in the activity relate to the
components they see in everyday electrical devices.
Day 2: Amateur Radio and Circuit Analysis
Review (~15 minutes)
Begin the second day by reviewing the key concepts and components of circuits covered in
the previous lesson.
Ask students to recall the purpose and function of batteries, resistors, capacitors, and
diodes.
Explore (~30 minutes)
Introduce the amateur radio equipment set up in the classroom.
Demonstrate how to tune in to different radio frequencies and listen to various amateur
radio transmissions.
Explain the role of circuits in transmitting and receiving these radio signals.
Explain (~15 minutes)
Provide students with a handout explaining the function and structure of different types of
antennas used in amateur radio.
Discuss how antennas are designed to transmit and receive radio waves effectively.
Elaborate (~30 minutes)
Divide students into pairs or small groups and assign each group a specific amateur radio
frequency band to explore.
Instruct students to tune the amateur radio equipment to their assigned frequency band and
listen for signals.
Encourage students to record their observations and note any patterns or trends they
observe.
Evaluate (~10 minutes)
Have each group present their findings to the class, including the frequencies they explored
and any interesting signals they detected.
Facilitate a class discussion about the role of circuits and antennas in amateur radio and
their connection to the concepts learned throughout the lesson series.
Extension:
Students can research and present on the
communication and emergency services
Students can design their own circuits u
characteristics using a multimeter.
Assessment:
Participation in class discussions and act
Completion of circuit-building activity s
Presentation of findings from the amateu
Reflection on the connection between cir
Figure 3.3 — Part A shows three
light bulbs and a battery
connected in a series circuit. The
same current flows from the
battery through all three light
bulbs. Part B shows the same
bulbs and battery connected in a
parallel circuit. The same
voltage from the battery is
applied across each light bulb.
