“Knowledge is power-pump it up, pump it up,” rapped TYRAINE RAGSDALE, research assistant, Medicinal Chemistry, Spring House, at a recent stage appearance at Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute. When not in PRI’s labs, Ragsdale spends his time performing with his rap group Grand Hank, whose main goal is to turn inner-city children on to education in general, and science in particular.

Although the group is relatively new, it has already produced and audio cassette of the songs performed during the stage show. “Education” stresses the impact of parents, teachers and the environment on the way children learn, “Scientist Afro-American” discusses African-American inventors and their contributions to science and “Knowledge is Power” emphasizes that education is “cool” and worth pursuing.

In addition to a previous performance at the Franklin Institute, Grand Hank has played for high schools, the Mayor of Philadelphia and two television programs.