My name is Jim Phillips. My bride and fellow ham Shelly, AB1CD, have something very important to share with you. First, we would like to invite you to watch a short cartoon video called “Professor Know-How’s Lab”. The video is an especially entertaining way to explore a great new program to get young people interested in the secret inner workings of science and technology.

CLICK ON A KID TO WATCH THE CARTOON VIDEO

As our hobby suffers the reality of attrition, we’ll need a fresh new batch of replacements. There are so many communication technologies vying for the attention of our young people, our ham radios are having a tough time competing. One of the best ways I know of is to first get our young people to understand the basics of radio. Once they understand how it all works, they are more likely to get hooked on the “magic” we know as amateur radio. This is where you and your knowledge of ham radio and electronics can help.

After taking a look at the materials on this page, we would like you to consider adopting the cause and becoming the "Ultimate Elmer", a volunteer professor. Working with young people has been so much fun and rewarding for us. I am certain it can be equally rewarding for you as well.To date,124 hams have expressed an interest in becoming an Adjunct Professor Know-How. Please email jim@tlcfun.com to sign up.

We are busy adding the finishing touches to our website layout and could use the talents of an experienced web designer to help us. So if you are such a person or know someone who is, please pass this along. The cartoon and a link to share it with friends can be found at www.tlcfun.com. Please help us spread the word by telling others about the program. Thank you.

JUST THE FACTS

ANSWERS TO THE 6 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT

Professor Know-How’s Lab is an elective “in school” program that is designed to get young minds engaged in learning science.

From the atom to the internet, Professor Know-How unlocks the secret inner workings of the gadgets kids love and use every day. This is our secret to getting kids who say they don’t like science, to love it.

The Professor Know-How series compliments science curriculums. The program is totally unique; nothing like it exists.

Privately funded, the program is offered free to the students of all public and private schools. After school sessions accommodate students who are home educated. TLC provides the lab equipment and staff. Everything is included.

The program is safe. Every piece of equipment we use is evaluated for safety. Every lesson is rehearsed and reviewed prior to presentation in the classroom. The voltage and currents we utilize are not hazardous.

WHO

Our “community based” program is set in motion by a diverse group of talented professionals and retirees from all fields of engineering, science, technology, business and education.

Every volunteer is carefully vetted. Our extensive screening process includes fingerprinting, FBI and statewide criminal background checks, registered sex offenders database checks, substance abuse issues, past work performance and credential verification. We can never be too careful when it comes to the safety of our kids.

Ideally suited for a mix of young people from the 6th, 7th & 8th grades, our lessons are carefully choreographed to spark young imaginations as they socially interact with each other. Kids laugh and learn all at the same time.

WHERE

The Technology Learning Center isn’t a building where kids go. Instead, it’s a science lab that goes where the kids are. It can be thought of as an “in school” field trip.

Hosting the program on campus eliminates the need for transportation and saves time that can now be used for learning. Hosting the program at school adds to its safety.

The program doesn’t require a large dedicated space. A room one third the size of a normal classroom will easily accommodate the lab.

Summer science camps, teacher workshops and other special events can be held at libraries, community rooms and other public or private locations when school facilities are not available.

WHEN

The Professor Know-How series is seamlessly presented on campus without disruption to a school’s existing routines or schedules. Students may participate during study period, exploratory, by a special pass or after school.

Classes are kept small and take about 10 hours to complete. Keeping the class small allows the students to have a truly hands-on experience.

With multiple sessions each week, every student will have the opportunity to participate over the course of a school year.

Middle school is the perfect time for the Professor Know-How program. For many students, middle school may be the last opportunity to explore new subjects and interests. Exploration is important for young adolescents because it ensures hands-on, participatory, meaningful, and engaging experiences.

WHY

Technology powered by electricity has transformed our modern world. Yet most of us, including young people who are particularly good with computers, lack a basic understanding of the science that make these modern marvels work.

This problem is dramatically illustrated by the results of voluntary international testing. These well documented test scores compare the proficiency of U.S. students with the students from other industrialized nations in the areas of math and science.

As a nation, we rank 23^rd in science and 32^nd in math. If we were to chart our performance in the form of a report card, the U.S. would be lucky to squeak by with a “C”. The harsh reality is that we are not doing very well in these areas and something needs to be done to improve our performance.

It would be unfair to simply blame teachers. Teachers at the primary schools level are not engineers or scientists. They lack the time, specialized training and the material resources to address many of these issues. This is where the men and women of the Technology Learning Center can come to the aid of our schools and make a difference.

It is reasonable to conclude that our poor performance in the areas of math and science is contributing to our country’s shrinking industrial base, higher unemployment rates and trade deficits. If America is to compete globally, and more importantly succeed, it must begin the process of developing and banking human capital reserves.

HOW

Equipped with a vault of specially crafted teaching aids our visiting classroom volunteers take on the role of Adjunct Professor Know-How. Part mad scientist, part detective; Professor Know-How is skilled at presenting science in a way that makes learning fun.

The ancient proverb, “Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand” captures the essence of our totally hands-on approach to teaching.

Every student finishes the series with a thorough understanding of the applied physics of electrical energy.

The Technology Learning Center is an IRS approved 501 (c) 3 public charity. Contributions are tax deductable.

© 2012 Technology Learning Center, Inc.

Below are a few photos of youngsters learning all about science and technology. Also are photos of them learning

about radio communications while operating amateur radio station K1TLC and 95.3 KIDS-FM our neighborhood radio station.

To learn more about K1TLC and our efforts to teach science and technology to youngsters, please visit http://www.dingdong.com/giving_back.html .

73’s and God bless. Jim & Shelly