puppydogbonz ([info]puppydogbonz) wrote in [info]astronomy,
@ 2006-10-05 17:57:00
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Physics/Astronomy Demos
The Science Theatre at my college is in need of some ideas for physics demos. We are trying to come up with some new ideas to teach area schools and the public about physics and possibly astronomy/astrophysics. They can be for nearly any audience. Currently, some of the members are working on a quantum mechanics show for the high school age group. Right now we don't have any astronomy demos and thought it would be cool to come up with some. I already came up with a few ideas. If anyone knows of any good demo ideas that they have seen or used, I would love to hear about them. Thanks!

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[info]t3dy
2006-10-05 10:45 pm UTC (link)
i'd like to see a model that incorporates the recent trans-neptunian discoveries

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[info]ladycatherina
2006-10-05 10:56 pm UTC (link)
Check out the website for where I work, http://www.chabotspace.org - lots of descriptions of interactive activities. Having people build their own mini-telescopes is always cool, and stargazing is cool - or maybe engineering challenges where people design rovers out of Legos.

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[info]arioch666
2006-10-06 06:26 am UTC (link)
The other possibility is to do some sunspot observations, i can't remember exactly the method used but it involves directing the suns rays through a telescope (i assume) or some other optical lens on to a piece of paper and i think the sunspots are projected on to that. (I think - it may need some research :p)

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[info]lapsedpacifist
2006-10-06 10:26 am UTC (link)
IF you are looking for something more like a show to run, we do a comet making performance.

We take about 1 liter of water some carbon, some sand, some ammonia(really just a splash more water but we never let on) and some brow colored liquid (to stand in for organic molecules) mix them all together in a water tight bag in a bowl. Throw in about 0.5 liters of crushed dry ice and while the entire thing is freezing form it in to a comet.

You get something that looks dam cool and even forms a tail and it gives you an opportunity to talk about what makes up a comet, why they are important and what we are doing to learn more about them.

If done properly its a really fun show for both parents and adults. Let me know if you want more info.

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[info]puppydogbonz
2006-10-08 11:20 pm UTC (link)
That sounds cool. I'll bring it up at our next meeting.

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[info]the_horndog
2006-10-06 06:31 pm UTC (link)
Implode a fifty-gallon drum.

_____
Scott

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[info]puppydogbonz
2006-10-08 11:21 pm UTC (link)
We do that one already, but it's a good idea.

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[info]bigmathsgeek
2006-10-07 06:54 pm UTC (link)
One of the things I enjoy about astronomy is being able to use it, and use everyday things in it.
Eg, finding south by the cross, finding north by Orion's belt, and all the tricks of estimating angles using body parts...

Just stuff on a computer isn't half as interesting to high school kids as active participation.

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[info]foxyfrau
2006-10-08 11:07 pm UTC (link)
That's my full time job, to come up with demos for astronomy! What specifically would you like to demonstrate?

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[info]puppydogbonz
2006-10-08 11:20 pm UTC (link)
That's awesome. We don't have another meeting for about a week, but if I run into someone else sooner I'll let you know. An astronomy show was just an idea brought up at our first meeting, but everyone seemed to like it. We'd probably just be looking for basic stuff because most shows are for younger audiences, but I can get back to you later.

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[info]puppydogbonz
2006-10-08 11:22 pm UTC (link)
Thanks everyone for the ideas. I'll bring them up at our meeting next week.

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