Business Notes ACADEMICS

In the 1970s a TV cartoon series called Schoolhouse Rock used catchy tunes to teach children about everything from verbs to the Constitution. Now teacher Ross Kapstein of Atlanta has given that idea an '80s twist by writing and recording a rap-song tribute to the basic theories of economics. Employing a funky beat and styling the title, RUN G.N.P., after rap stars Run-D.M.C., Kapstein hopes to help his seventh-graders at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School remember concepts like the law of supply and demand. Sample verse: "People's tastes change and so do I/ If I want to stay in business, I'd better comply."

Kapstein, who teaches economics as part of his geography and history classes, has made a video of his students singing the rap, and hopes to release RUN G.N.P. as a single for use by other teachers. Says he: "Most of the students in economics classes are high school seniors, because they all put it off. Maybe this will get them interested sooner."