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7th Grader’s Science Project
By Evie Pless
I recently had the unique opportunity to test my science fair experiment
at SLAC.
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| Evie Pless (l) and Morgan
Jones (r) work on their science fair project in the Klystron
Gallery. (Photo by Neil Calder) |
My name is Evie Pless, and I am in
seventh grade at La Entrada. This year I focused my science fair project
on laser communication. After developing and building a laser
communication device that transmits sound signals, I tested my device
over a variety of distances. When I learned I was invited to participate
in the California State Science Fair I decided to try to test my device
over even farther distances. I was fortunate to come in contact with
Neil Calder, Director of Communications at SLAC.
Mr. Calder organized my visit and gave up part of his Saturday to help
me, for which I am very grateful. Testing the communication device at
SLAC was interesting and a lot of fun. Merely being in the Klystron
Gallery, SLAC’s famous two mile building, is fascinating. I also enjoyed
learning about SLAC which, beforehand, I knew very little about.
Not only was my visit at SLAC enjoyable, it was a very productive
testing session. To transmit sound, the laser in my device pulses
rapidly —the pulse width depending on the signal. This is known as pulse
width modulation. I was fortunate to be able to use SLAC’s facility
because outdoor testing had proven to be difficult and less controlled.
At SLAC I collected valuable data and was able to reach my peak
distance. This event and information will improve the quality of my
project, and I hope it will promote interest in SLAC at the California
State Science Fair. I feel privileged to have taken this trip—it was a
memorable experience. |
