"Let's create!" activity List


Live workshops

Live workshops

How to become a Ham?

How to Become a Ham - Beginner Workshop

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Workshop Structure:

  1. Lectures (1.5 hours per session):

    • Cover the following topics over the course of several weeks:
      • Basics of Amateur Radio: What it is, the different modes (voice, CW, digital), and the purpose of getting licensed.
      • Operating a Radio: How to handle radio equipment safely and efficiently.
      • Call Signs & Procedures: How to identify yourself and communicate properly on the air.
      • Radio Etiquette: Common dos and don'ts during QSOs.
      • The Phonetic Alphabet: Learn and practice using it in mock QSOs.
      • Basic Regulations and Frequencies: An overview of important laws and frequency bands for amateur radio operators.
  2. Practical Sessions (1.5 hours per session):

    • Simulated QSOs: Each participant practices making a basic QSO with their peers under instructor supervision.
      • Focus on proper use of call signs, signal reports, and correct radio procedures.
    • Introduction to CW (Morse Code): Try basic CW operations using a Morse key or software.
      • Start with simple letters and numbers, progressing to simple words.
    • Digital Modes (optional): A brief introduction to FT8, PSK31, or another digital mode.
      • Demonstrate how to set up a computer-radio interface and make digital contacts.
  3. Weekly Focus:

    • Week 1: Introduction & Radio Basics
      • Learn what amateur radio is, basic concepts, and hands-on radio operation.
    • Week 2: Call Signs, QSO Procedures, and Phonetic Alphabet
      • Focus on how to make QSOs and communicate on the radio effectively.
    • Week 3: CW & Digital Modes Introduction
      • Introduce participants to CW and some basic digital modes, allowing them to practice both.
    • Week 4: Practice QSOs, Mock Radio Exams, & Review
      • Give participants time to practice their skills and prepare for their amateur radio license exams with mock scenarios and exam questions.

Learning Objectives:

Role of the Referee:

Live workshops

Exploring the World of Amateur Radio

Waves of Connection: Exploring the World of Ham Radio - Workshop

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Welcome and Icebreaker:

  1. Introduction:

    • Welcome participants and introduce the event organizers.
    • Share the day's schedule, goals, and what participants can expect to learn.
  2. Icebreaker Activity:

    • Fun, engaging activity to get participants comfortable with each other and set a positive tone for the day.

Introduction to Ham Radio:

  1. What is Ham Radio?:

    • Explain the basics of ham radio and its importance in global communication.
    • Highlight stories of how ham radio has contributed to emergency situations and public service.
  2. Ham Radio's Role in the Modern World:

    • Discuss how ham radio is used for international communication, emergency coordination, and space communication (satellites).

Basics of Radio Waves:

  1. Interactive Session:
    • Explain radio wave properties in a simple, easy-to-understand way (e.g., frequency, wavelength, propagation).
    • Demonstrate how different frequencies work and the possibilities (e.g., bouncing signals off the ionosphere, satellite communication).

Communication Techniques:

  1. Ham Radio Protocols:

    • Introduce basic ham radio communication protocols (e.g., calling CQ, using call signs, signal reports).
  2. Hands-on Practice:

    • Let participants practice using portable ham radios, under supervision, to simulate real QSOs (radio contacts).
    • Provide simple scripts or prompts to guide beginners through their first radio exchanges.

Short Morse Code Exploration:

  1. Introduction to Morse Code:

    • Teach participants the basics of Morse code and its history in ham radio.
    • Demonstrate simple Morse code patterns for letters and numbers (e.g., SOS, common letters like E and T).
  2. Morse Code Practice:

    • Participants try sending and receiving basic Morse code using practice oscillators or straight keys.

Outdoor Picnic Lunch:

  1. Picnic Lunch:
    • Enjoy a relaxed, picnic-style lunch where participants can socialize and discuss their morning activities.
    • A good time to chat about personal experiences or any early impressions of ham radio.

Expert Talk (Guest Speaker):

  1. Guest Speaker:
    • Invite a seasoned ham radio operator to talk about their experiences in the hobby.
    • The speaker can share stories of long-distance contacts (DX), public service, or unique aspects of ham radio (e.g., satellite communication, contests, etc.).

Q&A and Sharing Session:

  1. Discussion:

    • Open the floor for participants to share their thoughts, questions, or concerns about ham radio.
    • Encourage them to discuss what they've learned and any lingering questions.
  2. Next Steps:

    • Provide information on how participants can continue learning about ham radio and how to get their license.
    • Offer resources such as websites, books, or local clubs they can join to further explore the hobby.

Closing Remarks:

  1. Recap:

    • Summarize the key takeaways from the workshop.
    • Reinforce the excitement and possibilities of ham radio as a hobby.
  2. Thank You:

    • Thank participants, guest speakers, and any contributors.
    • Encourage participants to stay in touch and consider pursuing their ham radio license.

Learning Objectives:

Live workshops

Live & Listening

Live and Listening - Ham Radio Workshop for Kids

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Workshop Content:

1. Introduction (15 mins):

2. ICAO Phonetic Alphabet (20 mins):

3. How to Say Your Name & Callsign in ICAO (20 mins):

4. Prepare QSL Cards (30 mins):

5. Interview with Club Members (30 mins):

6. Hands-On Communication with HTs (25 mins):

7. Introduction to CW (Morse Code) (25 mins):

8. Picnic Break (30 mins):

9. Exchange QSL Cards (15 mins):

10. Wrap-Up & Follow-Up Event Planning (15 mins):

Learning Objectives:

Live workshops

Completing a QSO in every mode on 5 bands

Completing a QSO in Every Mode on 5 Bands - Workshop for Beginners

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Workshop Content:

1. Introduction to QSOs Across Multiple Modes and Bands (15 mins):

2. Hands-on Activity: Completing a QSO in Every Mode (60-75 mins):

3. Timed QSO Challenge (Optional - 10-15 mins):

4. Recap and Q&A (10-15 mins):

5. Conclusion and Next Steps:

Learning Objectives:

Field Days

Field Days

FFF / POTA Week-end

Flora Fauna Weekend with Youngsters

Event Details

Location and Facilities

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Finances

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Participant Checklist

Event Structure

Field Days

Hamping - Beginner Ham Radio Field Day

Hamping

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Event Structure and Schedule:

Time Day 0: Arrival Day Day 1: Satellites Day 2: SSTV Day 3: Final Day
09:00-10:00 - Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast
10:00-12:00 - Build a Satellite Antenna Lab How SSTV Works Class Goodbyes
12:00-13:00 - Lunch Lunch -
13:00-15:00 - Station Setup Class & How to QSO SSTV Funniest Meme Competition -
15:00-17:00 - Off the Air / In the Water: CQ Contest in a Pool Tour of Host Town -
17:00-18:00 Dinner Dinner Dinner / Bring your favorite snack -
18:00-20:00 Opening & Introductions (ice breakers) Working Satellites at Night HF Radio Station Time (slots per team) -

Detailed Event Breakdown:

Day 0: Arrival Day

Day 1: Satellite Operations

Day 2: SSTV (Slow Scan TV) and Exploring the Town

Day 3: Departure Day

Learning Objectives:

Field Days

SOTA Youth Field Day

SOTA Youth Field Day - Summit on the Air Activation

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Pre-Event Preparation:

Day 1 (Morning - Arrival and Setup):

  1. Early Morning:
    • Meet at an agreed location.
    • Pack all supplies and equipment into a transport vehicle and head to the summit.
  2. Arrival at the Summit:
    • Teach participants the basics of setting up a campsite:
      • Setting up the tents (radio tent and sleeping tent).
      • Ensuring proper positioning of the tents to protect from wind or adverse weather.
    • Activity: Team-building exercise to establish the camp quickly and efficiently.

Day 1 (Afternoon - Radio Setup and Activation):

  1. Lunch Break:

    • Enjoy a simple meal to refuel before starting the radio activities.
  2. Radio Station Setup:

    • Show the participants how to set up the radio equipment:
      • Set up antennas and teach about orientation for optimal signal.
      • Connect radios, batteries, and logging equipment.
      • Basic tips for antenna placement and adjusting for various bands.
    • Activity: Each participant assists in different parts of the station setup.
  3. SOTA Activation (Afternoon - Early Evening):

    • Objective: Help participants complete contacts on various bands and modes.
    • Start with Search & Pounce (S&P) mode, where participants listen for signals and make contact.
      • Beginners will start with easier contacts, gaining confidence in operating the station.
    • Once participants are comfortable, they can begin Calling CQ for SOTA activation.
      • Guide them through handling a pile-up, as it’s almost guaranteed on a summit.
    • Backup Activities:
      • For those waiting to operate the HF station, provide other activities like:
        • Hiking or exploring the summit.
        • Geocaching if the area supports it.
        • Animal watching or nature exploration.
        • Stargazing after dark (depending on weather).
    • Satellite Operations (Optional):
      • Teach participants how to work SOTA via satellite, explaining how to track satellite passes and make contacts.
  4. Dinner and Evening Activities:

    • Dinner: Cook a simple meal together as a group.
    • After dinner, relax and socialize around the campsite.
    • Night Activity: Continue operating the HF station or satellite, giving participants the opportunity to make night-time contacts.

Day 2 (Morning - Pack Up and Departure):

  1. Morning Activity:

    • Clean up and pack away all radio equipment and antennas.
    • Ensure all logging is completed and saved.
    • Review the basics of how the station was disassembled for future reference.
  2. Camp Pack-Up:

    • Pack up tents, clean the site, and ensure no trash is left behind.
    • Make sure the camp area is left better than it was found.
  3. Departure from Summit:

    • Travel back down the summit together, reflecting on the weekend’s achievements.

Learning Objectives:

Field Days

Forest Field Day

Forest Field Day - Beginner Ham Radio Workshop

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Time Activity Description
9:00-9:30 Welcome & Introduction Participants arrive and settle in. Brief introduction to the day's schedule, safety guidelines, and objectives.
9:30-10:30 Antenna Building Workshop Hands-on session where participants learn to build a simple antenna using the provided materials.
10:30-11:00 Movie Clips & Discussion Watch short educational clips on ham radio, its history, and its modern-day uses (emergency communication, space).
11:00-1:00 Phonetic Code Battleship Game A fun, interactive game where participants practice the phonetic alphabet using a "battleship"-style format.
1:00-2:00 BBQ Lunch Break Participants enjoy a BBQ lunch, socialize, and discuss ham radio topics with coordinators.
2:00-4:00 Fox Hunting (ARDF) Introduction to ARDF (Amateur Radio Direction Finding). Participants form teams and hunt for hidden transmitters using ARDF receivers.
4:00 PM Closing & Departure Recap of the day, certificate or small gift for participants, and goodbyes.

Detailed Event Breakdown:

1. Welcome & Introduction (9:00-9:30 AM):

2. Antenna Building Workshop (9:30-10:30 AM):

3. Movie Clips & Discussion (10:30-11:00 AM):

4. Phonetic Code Battleship Game (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM):

5. BBQ Lunch Break (1:00-2:00 PM):

6. Fox Hunting (ARDF) (2:00-4:00 PM):

7. Closing & Departure (4:00 PM):

Learning Objectives:

Games

Games

HOOOLA

HOOOLA - Phonetic Alphabet Learning Event

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Game Explanation and Rules:

How the Game Works:

  1. Team Setup:

    • Experienced operators are seated next to inexperienced operators.
    • The inexperienced operator starts by logging QSOs (radio contacts), while the experienced operator handles the radio operations.
  2. Switching Roles:

    • Once the inexperienced operator feels confident, they switch places with the experienced operator and begin making QSOs themselves.
  3. Independence:

    • After some practice, the inexperienced operators will be left to handle QSOs on their own, allowing them to build confidence in using the phonetic alphabet during radio communication.
  4. Goal:

    • The main objective is to help inexperienced operators become comfortable with radio communication, especially in using the phonetic alphabet.
Games

Morse Code Learning - CW Scribble

CW Scribble & Hangman - Morse Code Learning Event

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Game Explanation and Rules:

Game Format: CW Scribble (with Hangman bonus rounds)

  1. Objective: Help participants learn and practice Morse code (CW) by guessing and spelling random words using CW. Up to 10 letters and numbers will be used during the game.

  2. How it Works:

    • Each round, a player selects a random word from a pre-determined list (offering 3 choices).
    • The player transmits the word in Morse code, and the other participants have to guess the word and spell it back using CW.
    • Correct answers earn points, and the player who accumulates the most points by the end of the game wins.
  3. Bonus Round (Hangman Variant):

    • To make the game more engaging, a "Hangman Bonus Round" will be included.
    • In this round, participants must guess a more complicated word transmitted in CW.
    • This round offers additional points compared to regular rounds, encouraging participants to improve their Morse code proficiency.

Additional Game Idea: Codeword in CW

Games

Construction Contest

Construction Contest (CC) - QSO Practice Event

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Objective:

How the Game Works:

  1. Team Setup:

    • Each team is divided into two roles: instructors and builders.
    • Instructors are given a manual with step-by-step instructions on how to build the object (e.g., a Lego set or a simple electronic circuit).
  2. Communication Rules:

    • The instructors and builders are placed in separate rooms or locations. They can only communicate via their handheld radios.
    • Instructors must guide their builders step by step through the construction process, describing how to position and assemble the pieces.
  3. Winning the Game:

    • The first team to correctly complete their build according to the instructions wins.
    • The referee will check to ensure the build matches the instruction manual exactly.
  4. Referee's Role:

    • Ensure that all communication is done via radio (no shouting or other methods of communication).
    • Provide assistance with the radios if needed and offer tips on proper radio operation (e.g., proper use of phonetic alphabet, clear communication).

Learning Outcomes:

Camps and big events

Camps and big events

Radio Adventure weekend

Weekend Radio Camp

Event Details

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Day One

Day Two

Camps and big events

Newbies On The Air UK

NOTA - Newbies On The Air

Event Details

Location and Facilities

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Finances

Materials and Equipment

Organizer Preparations

Participant Checklist

Event Structure

Camps and big events

Camp Young Radio

Camp Young Radio

Event Details

Location and Facilities

Food

Finances

Materials and Equipment

Organizer Preparations

Participant Checklist

Event Structure

Friday Evening

Saturday

Sunday

Closing