Two Rivers School in North Bend became a ham radio station for a day, Feb. 12 during the nationwide School Club Roundup event.

Middle school teachaer Joe Burgener, with assistance and equipment from parent volunteer Stephen Kangas, introduced students to the world of amateur radio, from the science of radio waves, to the regulations for amateur operators, to the hands-on work of hanging antennae, and finally, to the actual operation of the radio equipment. Students spoke with several operators in California and one at the North Pole during the day.

This is the sixth year that Two Rivers has been a part of the roundup, promoted by the National Association for Amateur Radio.

Learn more at www.arrl.org/school-club-roundup.

Above, volunteer Stephen Kangas uses a compressed air gun to launch a rope over the 150-foot cedars by Two Rivers School. The trees and ropes helped to support a large wire antenna students would use to talk to ham radio operators in the Radio Roundup annual event. Courtesy photo

Above, passing around the microphone, students in Joe Burgener’s class took turns talking with ham radio operators, asking them questions during the annual Radio Club School Roundup Feb. 11 and 12. Carol Ladwig/Staff photo