Amateur Radio, Shaping Today’s Minds: From the Classroom to Space

 

In honor of National STEM Day on November 8, 2023, Icom America sheds light on amateur radio’s role in shaping today’s minds.

The emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education has never been more crucial. With the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing demand for innovative minds in the workforce, STEM education plays a pivotal role in molding the future. Research indicates students engaged in STEM are more likely to find higher-paying entry-level positions out of college than those in other fields.

But how does amateur radio fit into the STEM narrative? And why is it becoming an essential tool for educators?

Welcome to Radios in Action, an Icom Podcast. In this episode, host Ray Novak sits down with Steven Goodgame, Education and Learning Manager for the ARRL (American Radio Relay League), to discuss the intersection of amateur radio and STEM education and its role in shaping today’s minds.

Novak and Goodgame’s conversation includes the following:

  • The ARRL’s push to integrate amateur radio into STEM programs, emphasizing wireless technology
  • The significance of amateur radio licenses in facilitating space communications and high-altitude ballooning experiments
  • The role of amateur radio in fostering innovation and technological curiosity among students

With over 21 years of teaching experience, Steven Goodgame has been instrumental in the ARRL’s efforts to promote STEM education through amateur radio. Since joining the ARRL just over two years ago, he has witnessed a significant increase in schools incorporating amateur radio into their STEM programs. Goodgame’s passion lies in inspiring teachers, who inspire students, emphasizing the hands-on, practical experience that STEM offers.

Integrating amateur radio into STEM education equips students with valuable skills and ignites their passion for innovation and discovery. As we celebrate National STEM Day, we must recognize the educators and organizations pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation of thinkers and doers.

Listen to Radios in Action on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Recent Episodes

In an era where digital communication happens at the speed of light, it’s easy to overlook the enduring charm and ingenuity of amateur radio. Yet, events like the Ham Radio fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany, remind us that radio isn’t just a relic—it’s a thriving, inventive community built on experimentation and exploration. One striking example is…

Healthcare systems are under immense pressure to enhance patient experiences, improve outcomes, streamline operations, and address significant staffing shortages. The strain on the workforce is undeniable — the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that hospital employment dropped by nearly 100,000 between February 2020 and September 2021. In fact, nearly one-third of healthcare professionals considered leaving…

The 2024 Pacific Marine Expo served as a platform for exploring how advanced radio technologies are supporting specialized industries. Secure and far-reaching communication remains a critical need for the commercial fishing sector. Rick Waedekin, the President of Coast Marine Marketing and Icom’s West Coast Sales Rep, spoke with Harold Whittlesy of Satellite Technical Services…