Another ~1960 computer kit

Unfortunately, lots of "fundamental" knowledge gets left out when you skip electric lights and go to things much more complex.

Clarke's law says that "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic", but as far as I'm concerned light bulbs, batteries, and wires still have an element of magic. The concept that by connecting these two pieces of copper, I can make a bulb elsewhere glow, is magic in itself. (Even more magical is what happens when you short out the turns of a hand-cranked magneto and try turning it...) One has to understand these basic elements of technological magic if anything worthwhile is going to be done! Unfortunately, in today's world of glitzy computer graphics and sound everywhere, many kids feel that somehow unless their creations live up to to Hollywood standards that they aren't worthwhile. And this attitude is completely wrong. But talking with educators from the local kindergarten right up to the Provost of Caltech, I've come to realize that this is a very real obstacle to teaching the fundamentals of not only technical subjects, but also of artistic subjects. -- Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/ 7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917 Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927