Free and publicly available University of Wisconsin-Madison Wonders of Physics shows will continue a 43-year legacy of lively physics demonstrations attended by children and adults alike this year on Feb. 7, 8, 14 and 15.
The program will feature two shows each day, one at 1:00 p.m. and one at 4:00 p.m. with a livestreamed show on the final day.
Haddie McLean, the program’s coordinator and outreach manager, said she looks forward to the show each year.
“I love to see and hear the audience react to the demonstrations,” McLean said. “It’s also fun to have the kids come down to the stage after the show to meet the cast members. It’s very rewarding to see how excited they are about the show and science in general.”
Clint Sprott, a UW-Madison physics professor who retired in 2008, started the show in 1984 as a free, public lecture. He still attends the show every year.
“[My] most favorite is seeing the smiles and enthusiasm of the audience,” Sprott said. “The show was a major part of my life for 40 years, and it is certainly fun to be something of a celebrity.”
Previous shows have demonstrated concepts of air pressure, electricity, heat, light, magnetism, motion, sound and quantum mechanics. Shows have included devices like Tesla coils to create electrical charge with a light bulb and parabolic mirrors that reflect infrared light to create fire without a match.
“The show is scripted so everyone, no matter their age, can learn something,” McLean said. “The goal of The Wonders of Physics program is to inspire the next generation of scientists, and I believe the annual show does just that.”
The fast-paced, family-friendly events bring crowds of all ages together to experience the wonders of physics. Sprott also enjoys the family-friendliness of the show.
“We try to make the show enjoyable for people of all ages, like a circus or magic show,” Sprott said. “It is really aimed at families. Elementary school children seem to get the most excited, and we are happy to be able to plant in their minds that physics is interesting and something they might later want to study or consider as a profession.”
Event goers must reserve a ticket to the show in advance, which can be found on the Wonders of Physics website. Lots 17 and 20 are both free on Saturdays, and additional parking information can be found on the campus visitor parking page.
“Tickets are released on Jan. 1 each year and go fast. Even though all shows are full now, there will likely be openings, especially on the last day,” McLean said.
