How big does an antenna have to be to receive weather satellite signals? Some are very large and some are very small. Is there a "right" size, and if so, what is it? In this activity, design and build a scale model Yagi antenna of the type needed to receive weather satellite signals. Make the connection between wavelength, frequency, the speed of light, and the size of the antenna. Use that connection to determine the size of each element of the antenna. Then build a 1/10 scale model of the real antenna.
| Relevant Disciplines: | Physical Sciences, Engineering & Technology |
| Grade Level: | 9-12 |
| Adaptable to Other Grades: | No |
| Time Required (class periods): | 1-2 |
| Prerequisites: | EMR spectrum Wave properties Grade level math |
| Additional Resources Available: | Yes |
Next Generation Science Standards addressed in this lesson:
HS-PS3-5
HS-PS4-1
HS-ETS1-2
| Lesson Resources for Electromagnetic Radiation and Satellites: Antenna Design | |
| File Type/Link | Description |
| PowerPoint-ppsx | PowerPoint slides for use with this lesson. |
| Document-pdf | Blank Yagi antenna design diagram |