Reflection Activity to Accompany Course Project from COM556

Curriculum Integration Statement

Weaving Truth and Reconciliation (TRC), Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), Sustainability (SUS), and Human Skills (HS) into the student experience at Seneca will allow our students to think on a broader scale. While it is not necessarily student learning outcome in terms of productivity and achievement that is the focus, it is more expanding student views so that we graduate people that will become well-rounded inclusive leaders for tomorrow.

With respect to TRC, EDI, SUS, and HS development, our graduates should graduate with technical thinking, critical thinking, communication, collaboration and teamwork, adaptability and continuous learning, ethical and professional behavior, problem-solving and initiative, and finally global, cultural, and environmental awareness skills to implement all priority areas.

Setting the Context

Through an authentic assessment, students apply technical knowledge to solve an engineering challenge and at the same time consider the impact of this technology on communities and the environment. This assessment integrates Seneca’s priority areas by:

• Highlighting the importance of free and accessible tools (MMANA-GAL, SDR), reinforcing EDI in technical education.
• Encouraging discussions on sustainable engineering practices, including material reuse and software-based solutions.
• Introducing Indigenous perspectives on environmental monitoring using satellite technology to align with TRC principles.
• Emphasizing human skills development, particularly problem-solving, adaptability, and effective collaboration.

Activity

Title: Satellite and Wireless Communications Course Project

Developed by: Harry Maghera, Professor, School of Information Technology, Administration & Security

Overview: This project provides students with hands-on experience in antenna design and satellite communication. By designing, simulating, and constructing an antenna for weather satellite reception, students apply RF engineering concepts and explore real-world challenges in signal acquisition and decoding.

In addition to technical skills, this project integrates key human skills, including problem-solving, effective communication, and ethical engineering. It also emphasizes principles of accessibility, sustainability, and cultural awareness.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this project, students will:

• Develop technical skills in antenna design and simulation using MMANA-GAL.
• Construct and test a functional antenna for satellite signal reception.
• Analyze antenna performance using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA).
• Acquire and decode real satellite data using Software-Defined Radio (SDR).
• Apply research and critical thinking skills to optimize antenna performance.
• Reflect on how technology solutions align with accessibility, sustainability, cultural respect, and ethical communication.

Format:

Phase 1: Research & Simulation (2 Weeks)

• Research satellite passes, downlink frequencies, and transmission formats for NOAA and Meteor satellites.
• Simulate two different antenna designs using MMANA-GAL and compare their performance.
• Select an antenna for construction, considering cost and complexity.

Phase 2: Build, Test, and Data Acquisition (4 weeks)

• Construct the selected antenna.
• Test the antenna’s SWR and impedance using a VNA.
• Connect the antenna to an SDR, acquire satellite signals, and decode the received data.
• Present project findings in a report and class presentation.

Final Report - Reflection Section

Include a Reflection Section (200-300 words) in your final report addressing:

• Sustainability: How did you incorporate material reuse or sustainability in your antenna design?
• Truth and Reconciliation (TRC): How can satellite weather data support Indigenous communities in monitoring climate change and environmental changes?
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Who benefits from open-access satellite data? What barriers exist for communities with limited technology access?
• Human Skills & Ethical Engineering: What challenges did your team face in communication and problem-solving? How did you address them?

Deliverables

Final Report (PDF) - Group Submission should contain:

• Comparative analysis of antenna simulations using MMANA-GAL.
• Radiation patterns, SWR plots, and impedance analysis.
• Chosen antenna design, theoretical vs. actual performance.
• SWR and impedance measurements (include VNA screenshots).
• System overview and block diagram for satellite signal reception.
• Reflection section addressing EDI, sustainability, TRC, and human skills.

Project Showcase: Share findings through a video or presentation in class.

Summary

Reflections linked to authentic tasks help students make meaningful connections between the technical knowledge of their field of study and the impacts of this technology on human existence. Authentic assessments foster collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.

For more examples like this, please see the ITAS Curriculum Integration space.