The Wonders of Physics

Prof. Clint SprottDepartment of Physics

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Presented at

Central South University

in Changsha, China

on March 7, 2011

General Physics Course ~600 students, 2 semesters Two 1-hour lectures / week

(each lecture given twice) mostly passive, some active

Two 1-hour discussions (~20 students) led by graduate teaching assistants

One 2-hour lab each week Weekly homework problems

submitted by the Web Three hour-long, multiple-choice

exams + a final exam

Problems with AmericanScience Education

Only a minority of students take physics to meet a requirement

Physics is an unpopular course (difficult, abstract, irrevelant)

Subject is usually taught in an uninteresting, unexciting way

Learning if often superficial Physical science has fallen out of

favor in the USA Good students go into biological

sciences, medicine, business

The Need Over 200 studies document

scientific illiteracy. Scientific illiteracy hurts

Nation and individuals. Teachers are uncomfortable

teaching science. Science has fallen out of

favor. We have a public-relations

problem.

Objective of The Wonders of Physics

To generate interest in

physics and encourage

children to consider

careers in science.

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 History of WoP

28 years, 230 presentations, >60,000 people

10 scheduled shows per year + special presentations

Capacity crowds (~300 people) at every show

Over 200 demos (20-30 in a typical show)

The Presentation Scheduling and publicity Tickets / ushers / handouts Costume Entrance Audience participation Special guests Live or recorded music Videotaping Exit 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) Videotapes (27 hours) Computer software Demonstration book Written handouts Lecture kit Integration bee Teacher’s workshops Radio and TV interviews Web site

Traveling Show Over 1000 shows in 20 yrs

Mostly precollege schools

Full-time person

(supported by US National

Science Foundation &

Department of Energy)

Donations ($100-400)

requested per show

Some corporate donors

References

http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/

lectures/woptalk.htm

http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/

wop.htm

sprott@physics.wisc.edu