Tech in Schools

The innovative companies like Malibu Research (“Ship to Satellite,” Sept. 27) can also be very helpful in improving science education in the California public schools. For example, a portable satellite antenna might be used for radio astronomy observations, and a plug-in board could turn a school’s PC into a desktop frequency counter.

A new program at Fairfax High/Adult School has been designed to address this need in an inexpensive science laboratory based extensively on commercial equipment. Prototypes of many important experiments and designs for program sponsors can be made with such educational apparatus. Our first project was a multiplexed ultrasonic setup at JPL (in cooperation with UCLA students). This computer-controlled system has received the NASA award and a U.S. patent.

An ongoing project is a quasi-digital educational radio telescope based extensively on the satellite TV system. Significant savings in cost can be realized by exploring this technology. For example, a radio source at the ecliptic pole can serve as the natural frequency standard for the whole Northern Hemisphere. How can high-technology companies benefit from this program? By contributing old or unused equipment and making your facilities available for students with different backgrounds, you would get highly skilled workers and extend your research facilities. Many of our students are highly trained professionals from Eastern Europe who have no American work experience and could also benefit from this program.

A. BLANOVSKY

Individualized Instruction Laboratory

Los Angeles