How do you demonstrate radio transmissions? Pupils build a low-energy radio transmitter by constructing two coils from magnet wire and connecting them to audio/phone plugs. The resource provides the details on how to build the coils. Plug one coil into a CD player and the other into an audio amplifier to transmit the radio waves over a short distance. 

Concepts

radio waves, energy flow, electromagnetic energy, energy, technology resources

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Place different materials between the coils to see if they affect transmission
• Have the class research other uses for radio transmitters

Classroom Considerations

• Test the transmitters to ensure there is no interferrence from other electronics in the classroom

Pros

• A photograph shows what the transmitter should look like when finished

Cons

• The resource does not contain any information about what to expect out of the exercise