Ham radio club teaches math and science

Thanks to a few dedicated volunteers and enthusiasts, students in Socorro, New Mexico are learning about a kind of social networking that has nothing to do with Facebook and MySpace. It's called ham radio, and it's been connecting people all around the world for more than 100 years.

The Socorro Amateur Radio Association sponsors a ham radio club for kids, which meets once a week in the classroom of Cottonwood Valley Charter School teacher Kim Berlat. The club currently has four members, all charter school students, and Berlat would really like to see it grow.

"It's a great application of math and science," Berlat said. "They use a lot of upper division science, including physics. The building part is very hands on, and they end up with an operator's license. It's just great."

Berlat might see ham radio as wonderful food for the brain, but the kids seem to think it's a different kind of treat.

"It's really cool talking to people all over the world," said Casper Huang.

Benjamin Bohling agreed.

"It's really fun — after you get your license, it's the best part," he said. "My mom told me about ham radio. When I learned about it from Mr. (Jon) Spargo, my interest grew."

Both Huang and Bohling have been in the club since it began last year, and have passed the entry level Technician Class exam, which allows them to operate a ham radio on the 2-meter band.

Gemma Bejarano and Allison Backstrom are just getting their first taste of ham.

"Last year my friend told me it was fun, but I didn't want to be the only girl, so I asked Allison to join with me," Bejarano said. "I liked it when we listened to people chatting."

None of the members have a ham radio of their own, but SARA has donated a 2-meter ham radio station and antenna for the club to use, and has provided textbooks for all the students for the appropriate class license. SARA member Spargo provides guidance and instruction, helping the students get through the material they need to understand to be able to pass the test.

Read the full El Defensor Chieftain item by Suzanne Barteau at: http://www.dchieftain.com/dc/index.php/news/
2258-ham-radio-club-teaches-math-science.html

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