Science Unwrapped – USU College of Science

Science Unwrapped is the College of Science’s public science outreach program. During the school year, Science Unwrapped hosts monthly gatherings featuring a science lecture, following by hands-on learning activities and refreshments.  Inquiring minds of all ages are invited to learn about the wonders, the joys, the mishaps, the fun, the unexpected detours and the excitement of scientific discovery.

BARC is scheduled to support these events on the following dates.  We will have a table similar to the STEM fairs promoting Ham Radio and BARC.  These are on campus but are family-friendly events so bring your family to have a fun evening too!

Sign up to help using this sign-up sheet:

https://evite.me/Pdpx4xySw9

All Science Unwrapped dates are Friday evenings 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

  • September 19, 2025
  • October 3, 2025
  • November 14, 2025
  • January 23, 2026
  • February 20, 2026
  • March 20, 2026
  • April 10, 2026
Lead Organizer: Jordan Luke, KF7YEM
 
 

STEM Fairs

📡 Volunteer at Local STEM Fairs – Share the Excitement of Amateur Radio!

We’re inviting ham radio operators and club members to join us at upcoming STEM Fairs in Cache County, Logan, and Charter schools.

Each fair is a great chance to:

  • 🎓 Inspire kids, parents, and teachers with hands-on demos about Electromagnetic Radiation, Radio Waves, and Amateur Radio.
  • 🤝 Connect families to our club and activities.
  • 📡 Share the fun and spirit of Amateur Radio with the next generation.

Event Details:

  • STEM Fairs run from 6–8 PM (usually in school gyms).
  • Set-up starts at 5 PM.
  • We need just 2–3 volunteers per evening at our table.
  • STEM Fair Booth Training Slides

📅 Check the full schedule for the 2025–2026 school year and sign up here: Sign-Up Sheet

Your enthusiasm makes these events possible—thank you for helping us spark curiosity and excitement in young minds!

2025

  • Mon, Sept 29 – Mountainside Elementary
  • Thu, Oct 16 – Lincoln Elementary – Bye
  • Mon, Oct 20 – Summit Elementary – Bye
  • Wed, Oct 29 – Nibley Elementary
  • Tue, Nov 11 – White Pine Elementary

2026

  • Wed, Jan 14 – River Heights Elementary
  • Thu, Jan 22 – North Park Elementary
  • Wed, Jan 28 – Wellsville Elementary
  • Thu, Feb 5 – Canyon Elementary
  • Mon, Feb 9 – Greenville Elementary  Updated
  • Thu, Feb 19 – Providence Elementary Updated
  • Thu, Feb 26 – Cedar Ridge Elementary
  • Thu, Mar 12 – Heritage Elementary Updated
  • Thu, Mar 19 – Millville Elementary Updated
  • Tue, Mar 24 – Sunrise Elementary
  • TBD (Spring 2026) – Birch Creek, Bridger, CCID Charter

Lead Organizer: Russ Leikis, KE7VFI

School ARISS Contacts

We are looking for teachers who teach space/STEM who would be interested in applying for a ARISS contact for their students with astronauts on the International Space Station.  ARISS takes applications several times a year now.  Appropriate classes can be from elementary through high school; and public, private or charter schools.

If you know of a teacher in the Cache, Box Elder or Franklin county areas that might be interested please connect me with them.  We want to be able to help at least one school a year, and could probably accommodate two.

More information can be found at: https://www.ariss.org/apply-to-host-an-ariss-contact.html

2023 ARISS Contact

Ridgeline High School ISS Contact on YouTube   Contact starts at about minute 27

Tooele County ISS Contact on YouTube  

Organizer: Kevin Reeve, N7RXE

Youth on the Air (YOTA)

Youth involvement in ham radio, contests, and special events is increasing all the time.  BARC encourages all interested youth to join us in Amateur Radio.  We provide licensing help and exam sessions that are youth-friendly.  Youth are also welcome at any club meeting, radio net, and activity.

To learn more about YOTA please see the national page here: https://youthontheair.org/

Current Activities:

December is Youth on the Air Month. Youth on the Air (YOTA) Month is an annual event held every December to celebrate and promote youth involvement in amateur radio. This month, young amateur radio operators worldwide take to the airwaves using special YOTA callsigns to make as many contacts as possible, encouraging others to engage with and support youth in the hobby. The event highlights the enthusiasm and talent of young operators, fosters connections across borders, and raises awareness about amateur radio as an exciting and educational activity for the next generation.
 
As part of YOTA month BARC is hosting an event. We will have a HF radio for the youth to use. Pizza will be also served. We are inviting all licensed and unlicensed youth to come between the ages of 8 and 18.
 
Friday, December 27th – Noon to 3 PM
Cache Valley Sheriff’s Office 3rd floor classroom

Organizer: Jordan Luke, KF7YEM

Ham Radio in Space

High altitude balloon classes

We have partnered with Cache Makers 4-H for projects mentoring youth to build and launch a high altitude balloon payload over 9 weeks.  We have mentors for the following areas:

  • Soldering
  • Arduino Programming, electronic breadboard with sensors and LEDs, etc.
  • Balloon Launch
  • Balloon Recovery, tracking, APRS
  • Telemetry data
  • Live Streaming of launch, photography, etc.
  • Parent Coordination for launch and recovery day
  • LORA telemetry receiver building (Arduino based system, each youth will build one)
  • Making On-Air Ham Radio contacts. (HF, VHF, DSTAR, AMSAT)
  • Teaching about what you can do with Ham Radio – how to get your license etc.

These classes have been a lot of fun and we hope to continue them in the future.  Check back here for more information.

Organizer: Kevin Reeve, N7RXE