It can be difficult to introduce the current generation of
students to the field of applied electromagnetics, because
other fields of study offer practical results with less prerequisite
knowledge. By presenting applied electromagnetics, RF
design, and signal processing at a high level while at the
same time making a radar and performing field experiments,
students became self motivated to explore these topics. All
students succeeded in learning about radars, making radar
kits, and left the course enthusiastic about radar systems and
curious about electromagnetic scattering, thereby generating
a long-term interest in this field of study. Using this course
model, a phased array radar course is planned for the MIT
IAP January 2012.