Overview
- Major Topics Explored:
- Electromagnetism and wave physics.
- Chemical reactions, focusing on energetics and kinetics.
- Forces and motion in more depth.
- Form Factor of Lab Session:
- Detailed demonstrations with some student-led experimentation.
- Introduction of more sophisticated equipment (e.g., electromagnets, wave machines).
- Focused group activities, fostering collaboration in experiments.
Session 1: Electromagnetism and Waves
- Ripple Tank: Revisit the large ripple tank, this time focusing on the advanced concepts of wave interference and diffraction. Students can explore constructive and destructive interference.
- Electromagnetism: Use magnets and electric currents to demonstrate the relationship between electricity and magnetism. Show how moving magnets can induce electric currents and vice versa.
Session 2: Chemical Reactions and Energetics
- Elephant Toothpaste: A deeper dive into catalysis and reaction rates, explaining how the catalyst speeds up the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
- Fire in Water (Sodium Reaction): Reinforce oxidation-reduction concepts, focusing on the heat generated by the exothermic reaction and the properties of hydrogen gas.
Session 3: Forces and Motion
- Domino Chain Reactions: Focus on potential energy, kinetic energy, and momentum transfer in a chain reaction system.
- Swing of Relativity: Use the 15-foot long rotating swing to explore the relative motion and how it changes depending on the observer’s frame of reference.
Session 4: Light and Optics
- Infinite Mirror: Discuss the physics behind mirrors and reflective surfaces, linking the demonstration to ray tracing and the laws of reflection.
- Holography: Students create optical illusions on plastic tiles using simple tools and light, learning about diffraction, interference, and optical illusion science.
Session 5: Acoustics and Resonance
- Rijke Tubes: Introduce resonance and how heat and sound waves interact, explaining acoustic resonance in pipes.
- Sound Tunnel: Study how sound waves travel through air and how curved surfaces (parabolic domes) can focus and reflect sound waves over long distances.
Session 6: Mechanical Systems and Energy
- Newton’s Cradle: Take a deeper look at momentum conservation and energy transfer, expanding on how these principles apply to real-world systems like collisions and transport.
- Self-Organizing Structures: Explore material science by watching how metallic balls form structures under high voltage, linking the demonstration to crystal growth and molecular arrangement.
Session 7: Chemical Kinetics and Plasma
- Flame and Thunder: Study plasma and how it forms, connecting the concepts to ionization, electron movement, and electrical discharge.
- Liquid Nitrogen: Show how extreme cold affects materials, including the phenomenon of superconductivity and the Leidenfrost effect.
Session 8: Geometry and Patterns
- Hex Games: Delve into geometric patterns and logic puzzles using hexagonal tiles, teaching spatial reasoning and mathematical problem-solving.
- Lizards: Discuss tessellation with irregular shapes, exploring concepts of geometry and spatial organization.
Session 9: Material Properties
- Lichtenberg Patterns: High-voltage electricity is used to create tree-like patterns on wood, exploring how electricity flows through different materials and why insulation is important.
- Balloon Shooting with Lasers: Use lasers to explore concepts like energy, heat, and material properties, asking how light can be concentrated enough to burst a balloon.
Session 10: Student Demonstration Day
- DIY Demonstrations: Students select and perform their favorite demonstrations from the sessions, reinforcing their knowledge through peer presentation.