Pittsburgh Youth Radio Corps

In Spring 2013, as part of a 12-week Creative Arts program focused on technology, Propel East 7th and 8th graders participated in several hands-on labs designed to teach the basic construction and physics that allow audio-based devices (such as microphones and speakers) to function. Over the course of 6 weeks, students learned how to build a functioning microphone using household materials, as well as how to “circuit bend” – the process of rewiring the circuit board inside an audio electronics device (such as a keyboard) to elicit modified sound.

In Spring 2013, as part of a 6-week Creative Arts program focused on radio broadcasting and audio technology, Propel East 6th graders learned how to use professional recording equipment and discovered the mechanics and physics behind audio-based devices, such as microphones and speakers. Among other topics, students wrote and recorded observations about the effects technology has on their daily lives and our society.

As part of a 6-week Creative Arts program in Spring of 2013, fourth graders at Propel East learned about the technology used to make recordings for radio, while discovering the impact of their own voice and opinion. They identified social issues that concerned them and researched caring organizations that address these concerns. They then developed a script and recorded these public service announcements, which are also schedule for distribution via The Saturday Light Brigade radio program.

As part of a 12-week Creative Arts program in the Spring of 2013, Kindergartners worked with SLB and Staycee Pearl Dance Project to discover their voices, their bodies, and their on-stage selves. They recorded radio pieces about their favorite animals …

On April 10th and 11th of 2013, The Saturday Light Brigade attended the third annual Hampton T4 Tech Expo–a highly interactive and engaging biennial event that provides an opportunity for the entire Hampton community to experience, first hand, the many ways technology is being used to benefit teaching and learning in the Hampton School District.

As part of a 6-week Creative Arts program in Spring of 2013, second graders at Propel East learned about the technology used to make recordings for radio. Students read Aesop’s fables, discussed parts of a story, and then wrote and illustrated original stories that they turned into books. They then recorded these stories, which are also scheduled for distribution via The Saturday Light Brigade radio program.

On June 3rd, 2013, students at Taylor Allderdice High School attended their final recording session. The question posed this time, initially, was: “Is Pittsburgh Racist?” which then evolved into both more general questions concerning race relations beyond our city limits and the effect (if any) of President Barack Obama’s time in office.

On May 13th, students at Taylor Allderdice were asked what they thought about the Sandyhook shooting, gun violence in general and whether stricter gun laws could help prevent future tragedies.

As part of their Spring 2013 Social Studies unit, twenty-three Winchester Thurston School fifth graders interviewed people who came to the U.S. from other countries.

On May 6th, students at Taylor Allderdice were asked–after having discussed a wide range of topics chosen for them–what they wished to discuss; they chose “Music.”