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Physicists Work on Physics' Uncool Image

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the centripetal-not-centrifugal dept.

WindowsTroll writes "Since it seems that science doesn't appeal to the youth of today, physicists are trying to make physics kid friendly. From the article, 'Bicycle stunts, rap music and modern dance -- all in the name of Einstein.' I am particularly interested in the modern dance, thinking that this is probably a better approach of studying oscillations than the springs that I used when I was in college."

6 of 362 comments (clear)

  1. MC Hawking by grahamsz · · Score: 5, Funny

    I think they should get MC Hawking to promote physics

    http://www.mchawking.com/

    He rocks :) I still like " F*ck the Creationists" best :)

  2. Good intentions but... by jerometremblay · · Score: 5, Interesting

    To make sciences look cool, you need to fix the problem that causes nerds to be unpopular.

    As if

  3. Bring back the cool experiments by grahamsz · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Things you probably cant do nowadays but we did in high school (which was only 8 yrs ago)

    1) Play with radioactive stuff

    2) Use transformers to run some 14kV distribution lines up and down the classroom to show the decrease in cable loss

    3) Show that the high voltage back-emf spikes from a relay closing can jam your nerve signals and leave you unable to move (ala taser)

    4) Look inside classmates with ultrasound

    5) Find out how much voltage it takes to blow up a capacitor

    Even then our teacher had a closet full of 'special equipment' that he'd smuggle home every time the inspectors came round to visit.

    I loved physics and i can assure you that 90% of my high school classmates concurred that it was better than chemsitry or biology or social "science". The experiments make it fun.

  4. Rap? Modern dance?! Just show them the physics! by 01dbs · · Score: 5, Insightful

    My graduate fellowship (in physics) requires me to spend two days a week working with the science classes at a local high school, and I can say from experience that gimmicky pedagogical tricks like those mentioned in the article aren't the way to get kids (except maybe very young children) interested in science. The stuff just comes off as incredibly lame, and physicists end up looking like bigger geeks than they already are.

    The way to engage kids is simply to show them the physics at work. I've got kids making plasma in a microwave, measuring the temperature of the sun with a cup of water, studying paper airplane trajectories, making stereo speakers. Physics is interesting and it's ubiquitous, so there's always something kind of cool that the kids can relate to. The secret is to let them see what's happening, get their hands dirty, and most importantly, let them ask the questions.

    Find interesting (but safe) project, put them in charge, and they're hooked.

  5. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  6. Re:Yeah, because we all know... by Average_Joe_Sixpack · · Score: 5, Funny

    Seriously, did he EVER get laid in those 7 years?

    Now that you mention it, no. And I don't remember him getting any on Reading Rainbow either.