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'Physics to Go' is an innovative pack,
chock-full of advice designed to allow interested scientists to take
fun, educational demonstrations into their community. We compiled it
with the University of the West of England (Bristol), and in conjunction with the
Institute of Physics.
The pack is not a set of rules but a
'cookbook' of physics related activities, full of recipes for engaging
public audiences. It provides all the ingredients, tips and instructions
needed to take the events out of the lab or office and into the
community. It was specifically designed to be used in familiar locations
and venues - such as pubs, supermarkets and motorway stations - where
public audiences naturally congregate and feel comfortable.
It has five main components:
Physics
Tricks
Twenty intriguing science 'tricks' designed to captivate and amuse the
public during the events. The tricks use everyday materials to produce
inspiring demonstrations such as 'Alka-Seltzer rockets', 'balloon
kebabs' and a 'tame tornado'. Each trick includes a list of ingredients
and full instructions on how to perform the tricks; tips and advice on
getting them right; explanations of the science behind the tricks and
video clips showing each trick in action.
General
Advice
An overview of what it's all about; tips and skills on presenting to
audiences; advice on how to find funds and suggestions for following up
on the events.
Publicity
Guide
Advice on designing posters and advertising materials, along with a
draft poster; guidance on how to write a press release; an example of a
draft press release and tips on dealing with the media.
Evaluation
Guide
Reflects on the merits of evaluation and suggested methods of evaluating
the events. There is also a sample questionnaire. Graphic Science have
considerable experience of evaluation and are advocates of its
importance.
Generic
Venues
An introduction to working in familiar public venues, namely pubs,
supermarkets
and motorway
service stations. This section includes general advice on working in
these venues, along with examples of activities and sample materials,
such as ready made questions and answer sheets for a science-based pub
quiz.
CD versions of the pack are available
from the Institute of Physics (IoP) and videos of the demonstrations can
be downloaded from their website.
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physics to go