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But, how does a radio work? And why can't you always use FM or AM bands to get stations? Are radio waves really the same kind of waves an X-ray machine has, or a microwave?
Did you know that some kids in Tanzania use the Lifeline radio to listen to their lessons, instead of listening to a teacher?  Have you ever seen a wind-up radio? If you want to learn more about radio waves, radio communications and Lifeline radio, you need to read on. |
On this page, you will find: Fun Facts, History of Radio, Vocabulary, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Radio waves, How a Radio works, Things that use radio waves, and Kids & schools that use Lifeline Radio
FUN FACTS: Did you know....
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Want to find more Fun Facts? Click here.
There are many ideas on where the story of radio actually begins. The ideas, scientific experiments and inventions of many people contributed to the creation of radio — the telegraph, the telephone, electricity, magnetism, effects of electromagnetic waves — these all played some part in the creation of ‘radio’, as we know it today. Want to find out more? Click here for History Highlights.
Click here for a full list of Radio terms and abbreviations.
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UNDERSTANDING A RADIO
ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
Check out the EM. Click to make the picture larger: 
From NASA
The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum is a way scientists classified a bunch of types of radiation. Radiation is energy that is in the form of waves or light. These waves spread out as they travel-- visible light that comes from a lamp in your house, or radio waves that come from a radio station are two types of electromagnetic radiation.
What is the difference between radio waves and X-rays? Does energy or temperature have anything to do with it? Read more, by clicking here.
RADIO WAVES
Check out where the Radio Waves are on the electromagnetic spectrum. 
From Wikipedia
Radio waves vibrate at the lowest frequency and have the longest wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. These waves can be longer than a football field or as short as a football. Radio waves do more than just bring music to your radio. They also carry signals for your television and cellular phones.
Did you know that there are different radio frequencies? Ever heard of VHF or EHF? What frequencies do police use for their radios? What international organization divides us the radio frequencies? Read more about it, by clicking here.
For radio transmission, information is given to a carrier wave by varying (modulating) its amplitude, frequency, or duration.
What is a wavelength? Is amplitude or frequency how loud something is? Did you find out what a hertz was? Read more here.
Amplitude modulation (AM)
You have probably heard of AM radio. AM is commonly used and was the first method to broadcast radio. Many people call ‘AM’ to mean AM broadcast (medium wave) band.
Want to find out more? Click here.
From NASA.
Frequency modulation (FM)
You probably also have heard of FM radio. FM tried to improve the downfalls of AM—basically to improve the detection of noise.
DEVICES THAT RELY ON RADIO WAVES (the list could be lots longer!)
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Can you think of any more? Click here.
What are the basic components of a radio? Read about it here.
| Front view | Back view- See the wind-up handle! | Side view |
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Read more about the radio and the organization here.
The learners say it is an honor to wind-up their “fine blue” radio. Each day the mentor assigns a different child to power it up. Children crowd in and sit on benches without workbooks or even pencils. They were delighted to receive additional radios which will double the number of classes, but additional classrooms will be needed.  |
Radio programming can be just like a teacher, give them useful information a parent or adult would usually provide.
It is unlikely these children will have regular access to radio, let alone the money to buy batteries. The Lifeline radio makes access to practical information - important in their daily lives – possible all day, every day. The radio can be used in informal classrooms and community listening projects, and up to 40 can get together and listen in a group.
Case Study: Mambo Elimu is changing the lives of child workers in Tanzania
Freeplay Lifeline radios support a distance education program in literacy, math and life skills to help young children in Tanzania escape poverty and avoid the worst forms of child labor. Read more about Tanzania, their school day and why they like to use Lifeline radios.
This makeshift learning Center, built by the local community of wood, mud and paper houses three jam-packed Mambo Elimu classes. The only light came through the door and from a crack in the ceiling. |
Mambo Elimu Photos and stories – Grade 3 Each day the mentor and learners write lessons on the makeshift blackboard. |
Today’s Mambo Elimu lesson had three main themes: present tense verbs, the environment (recycling), and problem solving. Switching between Swahili and English, the lessons are set on a Magic Bus which takes students on a learning journey with Mr. Mapendo, the bus driver. It sparks their imagination and the children love it! 
Click here if you want to know how Mambo Elimu Works? Or read about 3 other students in Tanzania that use Lifeline radio? Read Juamini's story. Read Sophia's story. Read Tatu's story.
Looking for a few HELPFUL LINKS? Check it out here.
Want to read all the extra info we have on radio? Click here.
