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Even with the code requirement long gone, code is still popular with youth today. Perhaps its for nostalgia reasons, or maybe code is poular so kids can send "secret" messages to their friends that others won't understand? However you look at it, kids love code. This web page has been designed to help you introduce code to kids, reinforce code skills, and to help plan to build their own oscillator.
Resources and Ideas
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One of ARRL's first Education & Technology Program grant recipients, Steve Lalonde WA7WKX of University High School located in Spokane Washington, explains how he motivated his students to learn the code, "we would do Morse code scavenger hunts. They [kids] would receive clues written in Morse code that would send them to the next station and so on through 8 or 9 stations. Successful completion earned a treat (choice of fruit or candy bar)." (Sounds like fun even without the treat!) Steve also reported, "We had about 93 students earn a total of 112 licenses, including four Amateur Extra. Approximately 85% of the students taking the class passed the exams."
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Structure a group activity for kids on learning Morse code. Mark Spencer WA8SME and Ron Miles, N6PAA introduced Morse code to some younger summer school students in a Sacramento suburb school. Here's how they did it. Read more.
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Includes a tutorial and certificates of achievement, courtesy of NC ARRL Public Information Office. Learn More
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Here's a resource that is particularly fun--It offers a Morse Code generator with options for choosing different sounds, such as drums, voices, tones--allowing kids to translate Morse code to music. http://www.philtulga.com/morse.html
To find tools for practice and strategies for learning Morse code., refer to our "Learn Morse Code" resource page.
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Building Code Practice Oscillators are a Great Way to Have Fun with Morse Code
Provide kids with an opportunity to build an oscillator and have fun using it to send Morse code.
Build a no solder code practice oscillator in one evening: read more.
ARRL offers a Code Practice Oscillator kit for those who want a simple introductory soldering activity.
For another simple code practice oscillator building project, visit the Education & Technology Program kits and projects resource page.
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Morse Code and Radio for Kids and Amateurs
Here's a backgrounder that pulls together some history and resources for teachers, Scout leaders and volunteers who want to provide information and encourage interest in Morse code with a young audience.
http://www.techwholesale.com/morse-code-radios-kids.html
Get Involved >> Recruiting & Outreach >> Outreach to Youth >> Helping Kids Discover Morse Code