A young visitor tries her hand at Morse code and observes her success on the computer monitor. [Photos by John Hennessee, N1KB]
A young visitor tries her hand at Morse code and observes her success on the computer monitor. [Photos by John Hennessee, N1KB] |
NEWINGTON, CT, May 17, 2002--The Newington Amateur Radio League (NARL) and associated Central Connecticut Amateur Radio Clubs were among the 40 organizations presenting science-related exhibits at the 11th annual Family Science Expo. The 4-day event--held at the Connecticut Expo Center, Hartford, May 1-4--was sponsored by Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) and presented by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. It was NARL's third year in attendance.
ARRL Assistant Section Manager (CT) Ann West, K1STM, entertained visitors by sending their names in Morse code at high speed and displaying the names on a computer screen. Kids responded with a single word--cool. Students were encouraged to try sending too, and were rewarded with Archie comics for their efforts. A Digipan demonstration and an oscilloscope displaying the voices of visitors also drew attention. An ATV transmitter, set up in the Science Theater, transmitted to a TV screen in the NARL booth. Visitors to the NARL booth were able to watch Mr. Wizard who was putting on a demonstration in the auditorium next door.
Teachers and chaperones received packages of QSL cards from foreign countries. The cards were intended as an aid for use in a geography lesson. ARRL Amateur Radio Education Initiative Coordinator Jerry Hill, KH6HU, distributed information on the Big Project. Al Cohen, W1FQX, offered to set up--upon request of local school administrators--classroom demonstrations of Amateur Radio. New England Air Museum brought computers for NARL use. The antique EICO scope used for voice demonstrations was loaned by Vintage Radio Museum.
 A chaperone (left) watches approvingly as NARL treasurer Bob Stanwood, KB1EYZ, introduces students to CW. Girls on the right experiment with waveforms--watching their voice on a scope. |
CPTV event coordinators Susan MacKay and Jane Moreno said that 200 organizations representing public and private schools and organizations brought a total of 17,000 children to the event during the four-day event. The parent organization, Connecticut Public Broadcasting Inc, is an educational institution, seeking to educate and inspire through its television, radio programs and extended activities. Science Expo is designed to spark enthusiasm for the sciences among students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Parents, teachers and adults attending the Expo were encouraged to become advocates for science education. Children learn that science is just plain fun.
"If you measure success by the look on kids' faces, the operation was a 100% success," said ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Program Coordinator Dan Miller, K3UFG.
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