The Eisenhower Middle School, Viking Radio Club KF5CRF was hanging tuff on 20 meters for the Winter 2012 School Club Roundup.  The internal school media department came in and took some video of the action.  By Friday there was a UTUBE video posted, click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z2fZh_eloI to enjoy the video. 

The action slows down as new students are introduced the excitement of amateur radio.  The experienced students pull the new students off to the side and teach them how to say their name phonetically along with the school club call.  A couple of quick rehearsals and an occasional "watch-me" and they're usually ready.  The first go round is always awkward, but by the 2nd or 3rd try the comfort level really shows.  This also works to the advantage of the young peer teacher growing into thier new role and assignment too.

During lunch and after school, the experienced students take over.  The pace is aggressive as they work to make every contact.  Between calling, logging, looking up calls on QRZ, and verifying the paper log, the students stay busy.  This is no time for visiting and carrying on - as their sponsor Clifton Harper KE5YZB reminds them in a firm voice.  Pay attention, make those contacts, get their information and be on the lookout for other schools!  Hey, there's a school calling you, GET THEM!  Was that Hawaii I heard -- stop playing and get 'em!

Harper coordinates with each student’s teacher to allow them to participate for one hour each day.  During the week long event, a student will miss one class of that subject for the entire week.  Students must first check in with their teacher and then come to Harper’s classroom.  This level of coordination allows the Vikings to be active for the maximum length of time each day and for the week as allowed by the contest rules.

Several new energetic voices were put on the radio, as Harper deliberately starting priming 6th grade students for the SCR in the fall.  With the World Communications Class in it 2nd semester, the experience really shows.  All contacts were made using phone this go round.  Plans are under way to share in the digital fun for next year.

Catch you in the fall.

73

Paul /KC5CYY