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The Wonders of Physics

The Wonders of Physics. Prof. Clint Sprott Department 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

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The Wonders of Physics

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  1. The Wonders of Physics Prof. Clint Sprott Department of Physics University of Wisconsin - Madison Presented to the Physics Board of Visitors in Madison, WI on May 3, 2013

  2. 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

  3. Philosophy of WoP Make entertaining presentations to audiences that would not normally be motivated to attend a lecture on physics.

  4. 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

  5. The Presentation • Scheduling and publicity • Tickets / ushers / handouts • Costumes • Dramatic entrance • Audience participation • Special guests • Live or recorded music • Videotaping • Dramatic ending • Laboratory tours

  6. Topics • Motion • Heat • Sound • Electricity • Magnetism • Light • Modern Physics

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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 Traveling Show

  10. 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

  11. 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/physics103/windowsmedia/all_dates/):

  12. 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.

  13. 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

  14. Needs and Concerns • Stable source of funding • More faculty involvement

  15. http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/lectures/wop-bov.htm http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/wop.htm sprott@physics.wisc.edu References

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