The Wonders
of Physics
Prof. Clint Sprott
Department of Physics
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Presented at
Central South University
in Changsha, China
on March 7, 2011
General Physics Course
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~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 American
Science Education
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Sample Themes
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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
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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
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Over 1000 shows in 20 yrs
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Mostly precollege schools
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Full-time person
(supported by US National
Science Foundation &
Department of Energy)
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Donations ($100-400)
requested per show
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Some corporate donors
References
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http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/
lectures/woptalk.htm
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http://sprott.physics.wisc.edu/
wop.htm
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sprott@physics.wisc.edu