Timothy Overocker and Eric Schroeter, Ph.D.

Overocker and Schroeter’s innovative teaching idea, “Teaching Physics through Radio,” is focused on helping students understand how wireless technology works by building an amateur radio station in the classroom. Students will use this tool as a platform to learn about wave theory, sound, light, electricity, magnetism and space. Through experimentation as amateur radio operators, students will fuse what they learn with next generation science standards in physics. They will directly apply STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills in the design, construction and use of the radio station. Students also will work with community organizations to learn about how wireless technology is used in emergency communications. They will take this knowledge and share it with other schools and the community through field-day activities, presentations and a website.