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

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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.