The Wonders of Physics
description
Transcript of The Wonders of Physics
The Wonders of Physics
Prof. Clint SprottDepartment of Physics
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Presented to the
Physics Board of Visitors
in Madison, WI
on May 3, 2013
Genesis of WoP Inspired by “Chemistry Can be
Fun” (Bassam Shakhashiri) First presentation – Feb 1984 Overflow crowd ~500 people Press and TV coverage Second year ~800 people In 2013 ~3000 people (10
shows over two weekends) Traveling show began in 1988
Philosophy of WoP
Make entertaining
presentations to audiences
that would not normally be
motivated to attend a lecture
on physics.
The Approach of WoP Dramatic demonstrations,
fast-paced, minimal explanations
Entertain first, education second
Encourage interaction and curiosity
Emphasize phenomena, not facts
Appeal to a cross-section of ages, education, and interests
The Presentation Scheduling and publicity Tickets / ushers / handouts Costumes Dramatic entrance Audience participation Special guests Live or recorded music Videotaping Dramatic ending Laboratory tours
Topics
Motion Heat Sound Electricity Magnetism Light Modern Physics
Sample Themes Chaos and Randomness Physics of the Weather Physics of the Body Physics of Energy Physics of Flying Physics of Transportation States of Matter Physics of Water Physics of the Cosmos Physics of Sports Physics of the Arts
Spinoffs Traveling shows (>1000) Videos (30 hours) Computer software Demonstration book Written handouts Lecture Kit Annual Integration Bee Teacher’s workshops Radio and TV interviews Web sites
Traveling Show Over 1000 shows in 25 yrs
Mostly precollege schools
Full-time person – Mike Randall
(supported by US National
Science Foundation &
Department of Energy)
Donations ($100-400)
requested per show
Some corporate donors
Physics Demonstrations Book
300-page full color book containing 85
demonstrations used in The Wonders
of Physics published by UW Press in
2006
Book contains 2 DVDs with 3 hours of
demonstrations before a live
audience.
Favorably reviewed in Physics Today
>5000 copies sold
Videos 30 hours of video from past years now on DVD
and streamed on the Web
(http://sprott.info/wop.htm#videos)
Very detailed statistics on usage
(http://mediastreamer.doit.wisc.edu/stats/physics
103/windowsmedia/all_dates/):
Web Survey Results• Number of responses: 342 (229 parents, 51 teachers, 62 others) • What seen: 238 public show, 51 traveling show, 27 both, 21 videos
only • On average the first show was seen 3 years ago. • On average the respondents have seen 3 shows. • 97% of the respondents found the presentation clearly audible. • 94% of the respondents found the presentation clearly visible. • 4% thought it was too short, and 4% thought it was too long. • 7% thought it was too simple, and 4% thought it was too difficult. • 97% learned something about physics from the presentation. • 68% learned something about plasmas from the presentation. • 91% were encouraged to study more physics by the presentation. • Awareness:
• Annual show: 60% • Traveling show: 26% • Website: 34% • Videos: 19% • Lecture Kit: 7% • Demo Book: 11% • Software: 4%
• The surveyed audience was 54% male and 46% female. • The surveyed audience was 78% Caucasian and 22% minority. • 242 comments were left.
Recent Activities 13 monthly WMTV (NBC) Sunday
morning live science demonstrations
WID Super Science Saturdays
6th annual Department Physics Fair
Expanded Web presence (including an
automatic booking system)
Satellite programs in Appleton, De Pere,
Milwaukee, River Falls, and Superior, WI
Creation of a Physics Volunteer Corps
Physics of Plasma show development
Assessment of results
Needs and Concerns
Stable source of funding
More faculty involvement
References
http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/
lectures/wop-bov.htm
http://
sprott.physics.wisc.edu/
wop.htm