Physics On Wheels

Physics On Wheels
Assembly Description
The POW assembly is full of exciting and amazing demonstrations with a mystery liquid (liquid nitrogen) and a Van de Graaff generator. Students learn about physics through many interesting displays:
  • Lids mysteriously popping off of cans
  • Students' hair pointing straight up
  • Balloons bursting out of jars
  • Ribbons floating in the air
Some questions that are answered include: "What is Physics?", "How is static electricity produced?", "How are molecules affected by hot and cold temperatures?" and "What would happen if ...?"

Exhibit Description
  • Large Fresnel Lens: Students can use the Fresnel lens to magnify other students. The Fresnel lens uses small grooves in its surface to bend the light and magnify the image.
  • Bernoulli Funnel and Ball: Students control an air blower that is topped with a funnel. They can explore variations in air pressure and Bernoulli's Principle as they balance a ball in the stream of air.
  • Design a circuit: In this exhibit, students try to complete an electrical circuit, used to power a fan or light bulb, using interchangeable parts such as a power supply, voltmeter, light bulb, fan, resistor, and an on/off switch.
→Click for Lesson Choices

Links (these links will take you off Pacific Science Center's site)

→Little Shop of Physics
Online experiments using your computer and other everyday items. Solve brainteasers such as the problem with the radioactive cookies.
→Mad Scientist Network
Try the random knowledge generator, or get information for science projects in the Mad Scientist library.
→Amusement Park Physics
Try your hand at designing your own roller coaster and learn more about Amusement Park Physics.
→Optics for Kids
Learn some interesting and fun things about optics and light as well as related science and engineering careers.
→Kids Web--Physics
The Fermi Lab, "Lights in the Northern Sky," the Aurora Page and much more including physics links.

Physics Careers
Physics is the study of energy and matter. Physicists explore the physical world and try to explain concepts such as light, sound, electricity, and magnetism. Some people combine their interest in physics with other studies. Here are some careers that relate to physics. Can you figure out how each would use physics?
  • Violin maker
  • Professional athlete or coach
  • Sculptor
  • Race car driver
  • Movie stunt person
  • Tight rope walker
  • Snowboarder
  • Bungee jumper
  • Special effects designer
  • Magician
  • Baton twirler
  • Furniture mover
  • Electrician
  • Bicycle designer
  • Police officer
Call (206)443-2925 for registration and other information. TDD: (206)443-2887