Scribd
Upload
87 views2 pages

Fun and Games in Physics

The document provides a list of physical science equipment that can be used to engage students in learning about various physics concepts. It describes gadgets that demonstrate mechanics, optics, magnetism, electricity, heat, waves, sound, and electromagnetism. The equipment ranges in price from $3.25 to $163 and can be purchased from three websites provided in the text. The author found the Educational Innovations site to be the best option and Klein Bottle to have the best value for the spouting bowl.

Uploaded by

Kanishka Seneviratne
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
87 views2 pages

Fun and Games in Physics

The document provides a list of physical science equipment that can be used to engage students in learning about various physics concepts. It describes gadgets that demonstrate mechanics, optics, magnetism, electricity, heat, waves, sound, and electromagnetism. The equipment ranges in price from $3.25 to $163 and can be purchased from three websites provided in the text. The author found the Educational Innovations site to be the best option and Klein Bottle to have the best value for the spouting bowl.

Uploaded by

Kanishka Seneviratne
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

PHYSICAL

SCIENCES

MAGAZINE

Its not all fun and gameshonest!


Kevin McCormick, Moyne Community School, Co. Longford.
Sometimes the demos for physics can be a little bit far removed from what students may be used to seeing in their everyday lives. The following is a list of some of the gadgets and gizmos that Ive found to grab the attention of my students. The list here is only a sample of what is available and unfortunately many others can only be on my wish list. The equipment below could possibly be used in Junior Cert, Leaving Cert, and Transition Years or in all three. The three sites below are the sources of where this equipment can be purchased over the Internet. Of the three the Educational Innovations site was the one I found to be the best, and Klein Bottle to be the best value for the spouting bowl. I found there were problems with the PayPal method of paying the 4physics site so I ended up wiring the money through at an extra cost. All guide prices are in US dollars and are taken from the Educational Innovations catalogue unless otherwise stated. The addresses of the sites are as follows: http://www.teachersource.com/ (Educational Innovations site) http://www.kleinbottle.com/ (Chinese Spouting Bowl-well worth a look and cheapest here!) http://www.4physics.com/

Mechanics
Astro blaster: Several balls are threaded on a wire. When the apparatus is dropped straight downward onto a hard surface, the top ball can rebound to a height equal to five times the original drop. Leads into an interesting discussion of what's happened to the Law of Conservation of Energy not to mention momentum. Potential energy and kinetic energy calculations could also be done. Guide price: $4.95 The Squiggle Ball: Place this
ball on your classroom floor and watch it explore your entire room. The ball's transparent case allows you and your students to view the inner workings consisting of a specially weighted motor. A nice way of showing the difference between velocity and speed. Guide price: $7.95

Optics
Micro Light Wand: Uses three
individually coloured LED's, one for each of the primary colours of light (red, green, and blue) to produce a series of coloured lighting effects. Instructions are included. Because it is completely controllable, this device can be used in place of a 'light mixing box' for many experiments and lessons. Due to its size it only works when very close to a sheet of paper, if used in a bright room. Guide price: $11.95

The mirage: Creates a 3-dimensional real image.


Simply place any small object in the Mirage. Instantly, incredibly, it appears ABOVE it, in full 3-dimensions. Study this image from all sides. You can even see its reflections! You can shine light on it! But reach to touch it . . . your fingers go right through. It is one of the most baffling, attention-getting conversation pieces you'll ever own. Great for teaching about virtual images. Guide price: $29.95

Magnets
Buzzing Magnets: Toss the two hematite magnets into the air! As they collide and fall, they produce a screaming, clattering sound, much like a Cicada or high voltage sparking. Or, place them both on a low friction surface about 15 cm apart. As you turn one, the other will turn. If you spin one fast, you can observe coupling with the other. Guide price: $11.95
PAGE

Current Electricity
The Energy ball is completely self-contained and requires no additional batteries or energy source. It is often used to demonstrate closed and open circuits by having two students each touch a different electrode and then activate the device by holding hands. Guide price: $3.25

21

PHYSICAL

SCIENCES

MAGAZINE

Heat
Ice melting blocks: Place
an ice cube on each of these two identical looking black blocks at room temperature. One ice cube instantly begins to melt and is totally gone in about 90 seconds. The other ice cube shows no evidence of melting whatsoever. Great for showing the difference in heat conductivity in different materials. Guide price: $18.95

Waves and Sound


Chinese Spouting Bowl: Fill the 38 cm diameter bowl halfway with water and rub the handles vigorously with wet hands. The resonance set up within the bowl is powerful enough to actually 'spout' water up and out of the bowl! Guide price: $ 125 for large bowl from the Klein Bottle website, $163 including post+packaging

Electromagnetism
Dynamo Hand-Powered Flashlight: Change kinetic
energy from your hand into light energy. This hand-held "dynamo" is completely visible. It clearly demonstrates how moving an electrical conductor through a magnetic field - a discovery made by Michael Faraday, can produce electrical energy. Guide price: $11.95

Touch and See Square: Place your hand on this black plastic square and create a thermal handprint. Each colour represents a different temperature. Can be used over and over again. Guide price: $8.95

You might also like