In a hands-on effort to bridge classic communication methods with modern technology, a series of engaging STEM outreach events was brought to the Boy Scouts community in the Sacramento area, through the IEEE Sacramento Valley Section. Spanning three distinct events, the Sacramento International Sportsmen’s Expo Youth Fair, a Boy Scout District Camporee, and the Boy Scout Council Summer Camp, this outreach activity captivated over 350 young participants with the power of Morse Code and fiber optics.
From Flashlights to Fiber Optics: Making STEM Tangible
The core of the activity was deceptively simple yet deeply effective: using flashlights or sunlight, no lasers or glass fibers, to send Morse Code messages through plastic fiber optic cable. Scouts and youth visitors learned to communicate using colored light pulses (green and blue representing “dots” and “dashes”) to complete a key requirement for the Boy Scouts’ Signs, Signals, and Codes merit badge.
More than just learning a skill, participants were introduced to how modern internet communication is mirrored in this analog setup—transmitting pulses of light, or “ones and zeros,” through a medium to share information. By replacing electricity or laser signals with visible light, youth participants got to simulate the flow of digital data, connecting STEM education to everyday technology in an approachable way.
“The technique has almost no learning curve,” said the event organizer, “which means kids jump right in, and smiles come quickly.”
Support came from a small but dedicated team of volunteers, often just the event coordinator and one assistant, proving that even small teams can have a big impact when paired with interactive activities and curious minds. The numbers speak for themselves: 200 participants at the Youth Fair over three days; 150 participants at the District Camporee; and countless connections made at summer camp sessions.
These initiatives are also enriched through collaborations with exhibitors from Photonics West and other laser conferences, who share ideas and sometimes provide materials or samples that support the demonstrations.
Community Support and Extended Engagement
Beyond in-person events, this outreach is amplified through a YouTube channel featuring videos of the activities, including a demonstration where an Arduino lights up a three-color LED to spell out “IEEE Advancing Technology for Humanity” in Morse Code, transmitted through plastic fiber optics.
Another simple best practice but effective trick? A Jolly Rancher reward for every scout who sends a successful Morse message to a parent. Spoiler: they always succeed. This small gesture adds a touch of fun and positive reinforcement to the learning process. Meanwhile, scouts working toward their merit badges have a rare opportunity to check off requirements that are otherwise difficult to complete.
This outreach offers more than just light pulses—it sparks curiosity and lays a foundation for understanding how information moves in our modern world. The Morse Code activity is a low-cost, high-impact experience that could easily be replicated at IEEE conferences or other youth-centered STEM events.
