How to Teach world Geography using a shortwave radio

Teaching world geography is exciting using a shortwave radio, because you will be able to hear LIVE broadcasts from most countries in English or other languages. I have used this that most of my students are able to learn in depth for their enjoyment and understanding the world we live in , including monitoring crises, as well as regular news events. It gives a better perspective on our news, from other countries eyes as well as ours.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Shortwave or amateur radio
• Frequency Lists , such as Monitoring Times Magazine, World Radio TV Handbook, Lists from searching the Internet under Shortwave Logs.
• External Antenna, can be outside or inside,preferably near a window.
• Batteries or AC power
• Understanding Universal Coordinated Time
• Cassette recorder (for taping programs
• There are many sources for radios, new and usd,as wellas reviews and understanding from these sources.
• Universal radio, DXing.com, eham.net, Radios4you.com and many others. All these also have sources for understanding the nuances and times for best reception.
• Another source would be any radio amateur in your area that can be located by searching at ARRL.ORG
• In addition I will answer any questions by email at [e-mail]

1. 1. Purchase or borrow a shortwave/amatweur radio that cover 1.6 to 30 megahertz. (Am broadcast radio is .550-1.7 Mhz)
2. Select which countries you wish to study. Download appropriate frequencies and times to receive broadcasts. You may not be able to receive the countries you want at the times school is in session, hence the recorder
3. Take it to school and attach antenna. It can be as simple as a 20' piece of wire hung out the window.
4. Began tuning. Most radios today allow direct pushbutton input.
5. If the broadcast is heard in English, you will be able to identify it easily. Other languages will take time to identify if you are familiar with them. The stations also can be accessed to get information on schedules.
6. Your students can then locate the country on a world map.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient. Not all stains are able to be received
• You may email me with questions at [e-mail]
• I will then email a response or request a phone number if you wish me to call (US 48 states only, please.)
• Make sure you have the correct voltage for your particular location.
• DO NOT USE OUTSIDE ANTENNA DURING LIGHTNING STORMS.