Transcript Highligh in Physics 2005

Congresso del Dipartimento di Fisica
Highlights in Physics 2005
11–14 October 2005, Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Milano
Enlightening the matter: the show of physics
M. Carpineti, N. Ludwig, M. Giliberti and L. Perini
* Dipartimento
di Fisica, Università di Milano
The Physics Department of the University of Milano has developed a
Physics Show for kids in which 3 physicists perform many fascinating
experiments in the context and with the structure of a real play. The
show has been realized with “Teatro del Sole”, a very known theatre
company specialised for children.
Why?
How?
Physics is often considered a very difficult subject
dealing with problems very far from our everyday
life. To enjoy physics is almost impossible or, at
least, it is a matter of a few strange people.
People perception of physics is due to a number
of factors, the most important of which is the way
physics has been taught to them.
The first demonstrations involve the concepts of solid, liquid and gaseous state. We show
that a good scientific attitude implies that nothing should be ever taken for granted. In fact, we
do many examples showing that also the simplest concepts could be extremely tricky. There
are materials whose state is difficult to define, as for example gels or foams, or behaviours
that can be unexpected. Our efforts is focused on demonstrating that physics is surprising,
also when it deals with apparently familiar concepts.
The show is one of the W.Y.P. 2005 events
proposed by the Physics Department of
the University of Milano.
We propose a show in which experiments of physics are
done in an attractive and spectacular way.
The aim is to demonstrate that physics is a beautiful,
and funny experience and to show the children what kind
of people scientists are.
Then there is the light and its behaviour when it
finds the matter on its path. Without light we
cannot see the matter, but without the matter
light is invisible. When light meets the matter
many phenomena can occur to it. A large
number of surprising examples are presented.
We use different light sources, as lasers of
different wavelengths or high power white light
lamps, and media with different characteristics.
We reproduce rainbows, blue sky, we show that
what we see depend on the light we use. We
show colours, diffusion, reflection, refraction,
infrared radiation… polarization
Results
From January to May 2005 we have reached more than 30 schools in
Milano: 5500 kids have attended the show!
The show has been appreciated also by students of high school: more
than 700 watched the show.
Presently a competition for high school students on themes related with the
show has been published by the Ufficio Scolastico Regionale.
The show has received financial support by: EU, MIUR, and Comune di
Milano: Settore Educazione e Infanzia. It has been presented in many
situations, in national and international congresses and we plan to do much
more in the future!
Six students help us in the
organization of the program and
play the show themselves. They
all work on a volunteer basis. WE
THANK ALL THEM.
Paola Ferrario
Cristina Mazza
Luca Mongodi
There is much to learn, to do and to enjoy.
Join us!
Claudia Volpari
Paolo Malgaretti
Jacopo Parravicini
http://spettacolo.fisica.unimi.it