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"Big Project"
by Marvin Johnston 14 Dec '02

14 Dec '02

*************** The ARRL Letter Vol. 21, No. 48 December 13, 2002 *************** ==>ROCK STAR GIVES MAJOR DONATION TO "THE BIG PROJECT" Hoping that his donation will spur others to contribute to "The Big Project," veteran rock star and well-known amateur Joe Walsh, WB6ACU, has given in a major way to ARRL's Education and Technology Fund. ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, says the "significant gift" through the Joseph F. Walsh Foundation will fund an additional eight pilot schools in the ARRL Education and Technology Program. ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, expressed his gratitude for Walsh's dedication and support to The Big Project's goals and aims. "I am particularly pleased with Joe's donation, as it emphasizes his belief in our school project and more importantly, investing in the future of Amateur Radio," Haynie said. "The additional schools that will be brought into the program as a result of this donation represent a big step in increasing the number of students participating in the ARRL Science and Technology program." Walsh, best-known as a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter with The Eagles and The James Gang, has been an active Amateur Radio operator for more than 37 years. He's also an avid collector of Collins Radio gear. The amount of his donation was not made public. The Big Project--as the program is popularly known--highlights Amateur Radio as a significant resource for teachers in classrooms as well as for enrichment and after-school programs. The 40 pilot schools now in the program receive a complete Amateur Radio station, technical library and a curriculum that makes technology fun and relevant for the participating students. Walsh's contribution was one of 3500 made by ARRL members, who--together--have raised more $225,000 to fund the Education & Technology Program in 2003. ==>CURRICULUM REVIEW IS NEXT ON "THE BIG PROJECT" AGENDA With the addition of 14 new schools--13 pilot schools and one progress grant school--in December, the ARRL Education and Technology Program--"The Big Project"--is up to a total of 41 participating schools. That's more than double the number of schools involved since the program's launch in February. Early in 2003, the 13 pilot schools will be receiving complete Amateur Radio station equipment, a curriculum and a technical library, said ARRL Education and Technology Program coordinator Jerry Hill, KH6HU. The 14th school, which already uses Amateur Radio in the classroom, will receive a $500 progress grant. More than new schools is being added to the Education and Technology Program. Hill said that as the program nears its first full year in existence, an evaluation of the curriculum is now under way. "We have a new draft of the curriculum, and we'll be testing it in all of the schools, asking them to add their lessons and activities and report back in June," Hill said. "Then we'll get a new one out for September and post it on the Web. The new curriculum will be out there for anyone to use." Hill says he does not expect Web posting until late next year, however. Hill said that The Big Project will update the curriculum yearly, so the program can offer teachers and students a continually improved program. One of the first major efforts will be to split the text of the curriculum into two parts--elementary and secondary. That way, Hill said, the program can offer developmentally appropriate levels of instruction while still teaching similar concepts to all participants. The program's first pilot school was DeGolyer Elementary School in Dallas, Texas. DeGolyer, which tested the program beginning in 2001, got major-market media exposure December 9 when its activities were featured in a Dallas Morning News article. Under the direction of teacher Sanlyn Kent, KD5LXO--who was not a ham when she began working with the youngsters at DeGolyer--the program has turned out 30 new young hams in fewer than two years.

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ARRL Article about "Big Project" in Michigan
by Marvin Johnston 11 Dec '02

11 Dec '02

The ARRL main web page has a link to a story about how the "Big Project" came to Michigan. The URL is: http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2002/12/11/1/?nc=1 There is another link to the Curriculum Review that is next on the agenda. That link is at: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2002/12/11/1/?nc=1

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Kids Grant Proposal Program
by Marvin Johnston 06 Dec '02

06 Dec '02

This is a Grant program that will give away $65,000 in cash and products/merchandise. The description and link to more information are below: Submit a Grant Proposal by explaining how you and your friends find new ways to be active. All applicants must be in grades 3 through 8 and enter on behalf of a classroom of no more than 35 students or on behalf of a qualified non-profit community based organization. So if you are too old... pass it on to your sister, brother, cousin or younger friend! http://www.seventeen.com/advertising/cdc/grant.html

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Nigerian Scam Web Site
by Marvin Johnston 03 Dec '02

03 Dec '02

I suspect anyone that has been on the web for any length of time has gotten the Nigerian Scam letter, or something similar. This is where $23 million dollars or so needs to be gotten out of the country due to political concerns/changes. The following site shows what one person has done ... and it is actually quite funny! http://www.quatloos.com/brad-c/directory01.htm

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ARDF Progress - IARU Region 1
by Marvin Johnston 03 Dec '02

03 Dec '02

Getting people involved in amateur radio is a world wide concern. Some progress is being made with ARDF as shown by this excerpt from the minutes of the IARU Region 1 ARDF Working Group: The 3rd European Youth ARDF Championship held in Nessebar/Bulgaria in which girls and boys up to the age of 15 competed against each other. There were 70 participants from 10 member societies of IARU Region 1. The 11th ARDF World Championships 2002 were held in Tatranske Matliare / Slovakia, with 309 competitors from 29 member societies. All three Regions of IARU were represented at this World Championship. The huge number of participants resulted in a new record for competitors and participating societies.

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ARRL - "The Big Project" FAQ
by Marvin Johnston 03 Dec '02

03 Dec '02

More information about "The Big Project" is available on the ARRL Web site. A brief description of the program is located at: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/ The FAQ (copied below) is located at: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/faq.html The program brochure (PDF format) is located at: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/tbp/ed-tech-program.pdf ********** Amateur Radio Education & Technology Program Aka "The Big Project" FAQ's What is the Amateur Radio Education & Technology Program? The Amateur Radio Education & Technology Program is an educational program to enhance student learning through authentic application of mathematical and scientific concepts. The project emphasizes integration of math, science, writing and speaking, geography, technology, and social responsibility within a global society. To encourage teachers who may not be aware of the educational potential of Amateur Radio, the ARRL has developed the Amateur Radio Education & Technology Program, which will include the following: Classroom Bookshelf -- provides schools with publications related to the use of technology in wireless communications On-Line Sourcebook -- provides tips and ideas for teaching wireless technology to youth in schools, community groups and clubs Radio Lab Handbook -- handbook of lesson plans and projects to help teachers provide authentic, technological experiences for their students Stations in Schools -- provide Amateur Radio equipment to establish a school station, for qualifying schools. Progress Grants -- grant awards to teachers currently using amateur radio in their classrooms. What is the Classroom Bookshelf? The Classroom Bookshelf consists of a series of selected ARRL publications to serve as a reference library for the Pilot Schools. These publications include license manuals, handbooks and books on specific topics of interest to amateurs. As a gesture of commitment, a local Amateur Radio Club is asked to purchase the Classroom Bookshelf (at a significantly discounted price) for the Pilot School. What is the On-Line Sourcebook? The On-Line Sourcebook will be a Web site with a collection of teaching tips, demonstration, lesson plans, laboratory activities and helpful information for teachers. The Sourcebook is meant to be a living document for teachers, by teachers. Teachers will be encouraged to share their ideas and experiences with others by submitting lessons to the Sourcebook for other teachers to tryout with their students. What is the Radio Lab Handbook? The Radio Lab Handbook, currently under development, will include information, guidelines, and resource topics such as: How concepts addressed in Amateur Radio can be used to meet National Educational Standards Frequently asked questions on how to approach school officials to approve use of Amateur Radio / Short-wave listening in the classroom Frequently asked questions by parents about Amateur Radio Unit plans, lesson plans, and demonstrations, emphasizing authentic activities in wireless communications for students Bibliography and resources (ARRL support services; how to find local radio clubs and ARRL Field Organization volunteer assistance, books, Web sites, etc.) Sample layouts of classroom Amateur Radio stations and short-wave listening posts. Emphasis on educational usefulness and student safety Guidance on meeting the Federal Communications Commission's rules on exposure to radio frequency emissions Suggestions for accommodating special needs students. Information on becoming a licensed radio amateur for students who want to earn their own Amateur Radio licenses Radio Lab Handbook is being developed for specific age group levels, beginning with middle school. Critiques of the handbook will be regularly solicited from teachers, so that improvements and revisions can be made. What is meant by Stations In Schools? The Stations In Schools program will provide Amateur Radio / Short-wave listening equipment for teachers who can demonstrate plans to implement an effective educational program centered on wireless communications. Equipment provided may be: A compact short-wave receiver An Amateur Radio Station devoted to specific modes of operation (such as amateur satellites, digital modes, amateur television) A general purpose Amateur Radio Station, HF, VHF, UHF, or Multi-Mode/Multi Band. The equipment will be provided at no cost to the school or teacher. Assistance of volunteers from local Amateur Radio clubs or the ARRL's Field Organization may be called upon to provide technical assistance to the teacher for station installation. What Is A Progress Grant And How Do I Apply For One? Teachers in both public and private schools who enrich their classrooms through imaginative means such as Amateur Radio often must do so at their personal expense. The Amateur Radio Education & Technology Program provides modest Progress Grants to teachers who are currently using Amateur Radio in the classroom and who need financial assistance for specific purposes. This may include such things as station upkeep and maintenance (e.g., replacing a defective cable, equipment repair), upgrades (e.g., replacing an old satellite tracking computer program with a newer improved version), and various supplies and consumables. Progress Grants have a limit of $500, and will be awarded on a quarterly basis. The application will be held on file for one year, after which time the school will have to file a new application. How Do I Get Involved With "The Big Project?" Schools interested in using amateur radio in their curriculum, using it as an enrichment program, or as a club activity, are welcome to apply to become a Pilot School. Schools currently using amateur radio in the classroom are welcome to apply for a Progress Grant to assist them in maintaining their station or enhancing their program. Applications are available on the ARRL Web site. An Evolving Project: The ARRL Amateur Radio Education & Technology Program is being implemented in phases. Phase I, the application phase, is up and running. Phase II, curriculum development, is underway and involves a review of existing available materials and development of new curriculum including authentic activities for students. Phase III, the implementation and evaluation phase, will involve expanding the number of schools and evaluating and updating the curriculum. The Amateur Radio Education & Technology Program is a work in progress. We will continue to evaluate, update and review existing material. And we will continue to look for new, fresh material to introduce to schools. Join Us! ARRL is committed to education and the future of youth in wireless communications. The ARRL Amateur Radio "Education & Technology program is funded in large part by voluntary contributions. To find out how to support the program, please visit our donations page. that regard.

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Key Klix Deadline
by Mack Stanton 01 Dec '02

01 Dec '02

Just a reminder that the deadline for the December Key-Klix is this Monday, December 2, and I'm assembling this issue. Submissions can be e-mailed to me or to keyklix(a)sbarc.org, faxed to the number below, or dropped off at my house by prearrangement. Thanks, Mack Stanton, KD6NBZ 230 Bonnie Lane Santa Barbara, CA 93108 Ph: 695-8828 FAX: 969-7592

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Free to Good Home
by Marvin Johnston 27 Nov '02

27 Nov '02

I have a number of untested CD-Rom drives (both IDE and SCSI), untested (but probably okay) IDE hard drives ranging from about 120 MB to 500 MB or so, and a selection of ISA and local bus video and IDE/floppy/IO cards available. There are also a couple of working Pentium 75 or so computers. If anyone needs any of these things, let me know.

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Update on Coming Southwestern Division Events
by Marvin Johnston 27 Nov '02

27 Nov '02

Here's an update on major events taking place in the ARRL Southwestern Division... Right Now: The 2003 ARRL Southwestern Division Convention website is "on the air". Check it out and download a registration form at: www.hamcon.org See you in Long Beach in September 2003! Right Now: The long-awaited Amateur Radio Public Information Handbook is available on-line. Get your copy at: www.arrl.org/pio/handbook Right Now: The Desert Waves ARC, Blythe, CA, just affiliated with the ARRL - welcome aboard! Dec 7: The Superstition ARC Hamfest will be held at Mesa Community College, Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ. For more info, visit www.qsl.net/wb7tjd/hamfest2002.html or call 480-218-9109. Dec 7: The next ARDF meet will be held at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, CA. The hunt begins at 1 PM, with a practice session at Noon. For more info, e-mail KD6I at ddods(a)iolwest.com Remember, you don't have to be licensed to hunt for the hidden transmitters. Dec 14: TASMA Annual Meeting will be held at AT&T Digital Media Center, 12312 W. Olymic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. TASMA is your 2-Meter frequency coordinator for Southern California - please take interest and show support for this organization! Sign-in begins at 9:30AM, meeting at 10:30AM. More info at: www.tasma.org Jan 11, 2003: The Thunderbird ARC Westfest will be held at the Glendale Community College in Phoenix, AZ. Points of contact are Steve, W1ADW, 623-521-1036 or Bruce, WB7SRC,623-486-8735. These folks run a clean show, no firearms, alcohol or drugs permitted. Jan 12, 2003: The Los Angeles Orinteering Club (LAOC) is sponsoring an ARDF meet at Vermont Canyon (Griffith Park area). Besides the ARDF meet, several beginners courses are planned. Contact Marvin Johnston, KE6HTS, for more info: marvin(a)rain.org Check out the LAOC website at: www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/6320/ Feb 3, 2003: Registration opens for the first running of ARRL's latest On-Line Course: RFI Get more info at: www2.arrl.org/news/stories/2002/11/26/2/?nc=1 Thanks to those who responded to the ARRL web poll on future on-line course offerings. The courses of most interest include: Antennas 101; Radio Propagation; VHF/UHF Beyond the Repeater; and Troubleshooting. Thanks also to those who perticipated in ARRL's VHF/UHF Contesting and Awards Survey. About 200 surveys were received by US Mail, FAX and e-mail. Now comes the easy part: reading, understanding, digesting, and creating changes to these ARRL activities that will please everyone! That's it for this edition folks. Here's wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a fine holiday season. 73, Art, W6XD Tuck, NZ6T Director Vice Director w6xd(a)arrl.org nz6t(a)arrl.org -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARRL Southwestern Division Director: Arthur Goddard, W6XD w6xd(a)arrl.org --------------------------------------------------------------------

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ARDF Article
by Marvin Johnston 27 Nov '02

27 Nov '02

This is an article about the 2002 US ARDF Championships that were hosted by the Georgia Orienteering Club. It appeared in ONA published by the United States Orienteering Federation. http://www.gaorienteering.org/Radio-o/ONA.htm

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