Tuesday, April 06, 2010

ExploratoRio 2010 - ONE DAY ONLY!

Actually, all ExploratoRios are one day only, going back to the very first one in 1993. It's still a groovy, hands on experience of science and perception.

Here's a video from the 2001 event. (Sorry about the silent, black intro and outtro.)

Of course there are oodles of albums! Even some old, old thumbnails.

The Exploratorium is a continuing inspiration!

Rio Americano High School. Wednesday, 4/7/10, 7pm-9pm

UPDATE: A preliminary photo album is up!

Sunday, April 04, 2010

The Fountain of Fizz

Addison Wesley's forthcoming Conceptual Physics Laboratory Manual: Activities · Experiments · Demonstrations · Tech Labs by Paul G. Hewitt and Dean Baird will include a demonstration lab write-up for the ever-popular soda pop geyser.

Here's some slow-motion video focused on the soda bottle. The clips are QuickTime, so you can download them to your own device (iPad?).

A write-up will appear in the upcoming lab manual. This copy is a PDF for your convenience. Oh, and the instructor's notes!

The Geyser Tube is a helpful device in this demo. It restricts the fluid flow for some Venturi fun. And it increases the likelihood you'll stay dry during the show.

Thursday, April 01, 2010

Power Balance Bracelet

A colleague at school is an accomplished runner and a world traveler. While in Spain, he learned of a "balance bracelet." For a mere €26 ($60-ish), he could purchase a bracelet which would purportedly improve his athletic performance. The bracelet includes a hologram which, according to promoters, "resonates at the frequency of the human energy field."

He asked me about it, because he knows I'm a skeptical type. Once I heard about the resonant hologram, I told him the bracelet was bunk. But I was intrigued, so I scoped it out. The demonstration is compelling!



Even more so with noted scientist and skeptic, Shaquille O'Neal.



But Richard Saunders' simple and effective debunk is almost too easy.



When working out and training, hard work and blood/sweat/tears are no longer required for athletic performance gains--when donning a bracelet can substitute for all that pain--I, too will be a world-class athlete.