ClassroomThe newsletter for affiliated schools physicsMarch 2008 Issue 4 In this issue PEEP puts science PEEP Physics and Ethics Education Project 1 Editorial is on its way 1 News Corti Trust, Protons for Breakfast, 2 under microscope printable paper ruler resource News and events BIG BANG!, 3 PEEP stands ethical issues behind weapons or imaging events for students for Physics and in medicine. I gave them some guiding Resources Virtual Physical Laboratory, 4 Ethics Education questions and the task of creating a “for and short-film series on particle physics Project. It is against” argument in relation to the question an interactive of whether or not it is right to use radiation in Resources Advanced physics website, 5 website and these fields. Researchers in Residence virtual learning I was immediately impressed by how Events for teachers 6 environment they tackled the online resource and used Teaching tips Eggciting eggsperiments for 7 for secondary- it to investigate these ideas. My students Easter school science navigated around the site, discovering Worksheet Magnetic jigsaw 8 teachers and their students. The project information that was new to them. They has been developed to highlight the moral, found it interesting and motivating. I was ethical, social, economic, environmental and often called over to be shown something technological implications and applications and was asked: “Have you seen this, Sir?”. Editorial of physics. The class demonstrated a good ability to When I started teaching physics in the understand the issues raised and used the Welcome to the context of 21st-Century Science, I was information that they found to construct fourth edition pleased to see how the pupils thought strong arguments. The students finished the of Classroom about ethical issues. With the subject of lesson having gained a fair insight into the Physics. Once radiation and reducing the associated risks, question and could communicate what they again we have an for example, the “as low as reasonably had researched with the others in the group. issue full of ideas achievable” and precautionary principles Exploring the ethical issues behind physics to support your all form part of the curriculum. Considering is not something that I as a physics teacher physics teaching an ethical question is also one of the find immediately natural. However, having and news of competitions and events coursework possibilities, with students worked with the PEEP site and witnessing for both you and your students. You may being asked to write a case-study of an area how the students enjoyed thinking through be gearing up for National Science and of science where they need to express the the different arguments, I have become Engineering Week and be busy putting different sides of an argument. convinced that it is an important and the final touches to special activities and The project was launched initially in valid part of pupils’ learning. We live in a lectures. Good luck and have fun. You 2006 and the website has been developed society where the ethics of technological may also be grappling with new GCSE and expanded since then. Looking through advances are becoming increasingly blurred. coursework requirements, hoping that the site I was impressed by the range of Addressing these issues during lessons your paperwork is all straight and that topics covered and the degree to which the is a worthwhile activity, and the PEEP site you have managed to follow your board’s ideas were developed. As I thought about provides valuable information to help requirements accurately. how fashion and society have an influence students to do this. The topics are relevant News about the launch of the Physics on whether we choose to use sunbeds or to both pre- and post-16 courses, and they and Ethics Education Project website the implications of the communication provide teachers with a varied and useful in November last year was reported in revolution, I started to see the value of resource. Detailed teacher help notes and the January issue of Physics Education. including these ideas in physics lessons. a comprehensive glossary of the relevant This web-based resource supports the I took my year-10 class to the computer ethical terminology are also available online. teaching of scientific issues arising room recently as part of their work on David Richardson in physics that have a significant radiation, giving them the opportunity to controversial or ethical component. explore and work with the PEEP site. I offered For more information: continued >> them a choice of investigating either the http://www.peep.ac.uk/.

Classroom physics is published by IOP Publishing, Dirac House, Temple Back, Bristol BS1 6BE, UK. © 2008 The Institute of Physics. The Institute of Physics, 76 Portland Place, London W1B 1NT, UK. Tel 020 7470 4800. The contents of this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Institute of Physics, except where explicitly stated.

Classroomphysics l March 2008  News Editorial (continued) Corti Trust calls for student Our front-page story reports on the benefits gained from using this material science competition entries in your teaching. I hope that you will feel The closing date (30 April) for entries to the and its potential significance in the wider encouraged to give it a try and perhaps 2008 Corti Trust Science Competition is fast world. They must demonstrate a solid even make a contribution yourself. approaching, so don’t delay. understanding of the scientific concepts Another web-based resource that If your students are starting an behind the specific breakthrough or you may not yet have come across engineering-, science- or mathematics-based discovery that they have chosen and be able is the Teaching Advanced Physics university course in the UK, they could be to communicate them clearly and concisely. (TAP) website. This is aimed at people eligible for this prestigious £2000 science Students will have to put scientific issues in starting to teach advanced physics for prize, paid in three annual instalments. the wider context of our everyday experiences the first time, but it should have useful The Corti Trust is dedicated to encouraging and have a strong appreciation of why suggestions and resources for anyone, UK A-level students to undertake science- science is important to our way of life. however experienced (p5). The Virtual based courses at university. Each year The prize embraces all scientific disciplines Physical Laboratory (VPLab) is a set of the Trust awards £2000 to a student (non-medical) and welcomes innovative, simulations covering all areas of physics starting university in the coming academic thought-provoking essays about the cutting and is the product of many hundreds year to obtain a BSc, MSc or equivalent edge of science in 2008. of hours of hard work by John Nunn, in a traditional mathematics, science or Teachers can download leaflets and entry a physicist at the National Physical engineering subject in the UK. Combined forms in the teachers’ pack from http://www. Laboratory (NPL). More information honours courses (e.g. physics with cortiscienceprize.org. Entries should be no about how you can get hold of this philosophy) are also eligible. more than 1500 words. valuable resource is given on p4. To win, students must submit an essay The Researchers in Residence scheme describing a piece of recent research in their For more information: has been around for quite a few years scientific discipline, how it was achieved http://cortiscienceprize.org/. but has recently been relaunched by a team at the University of Edinburgh. NPL satisfies teachers’ make decisions about complex scientific On p5 you can find out more about this matters, such as: scheme, which allows you to have a real hunger for knowledge l The greenhouse effect and global researcher in your laboratory to assist warming. you and inspire your students. If you Protons for Breakfast is a six-week course l Will we need nuclear power in the are in the north west, you might want that is open to anyone who is interested in future? to consider taking your students to a science and its impact on our lives. l Is my mobile phone affecting my brain? performance of the musical BIG BANG! in If you are a non-specialist teacher of Liverpool in July (p3). physics and you would like to feel more For more information: The Protons for Our teaching tips have an Easter confident about teaching complex physics Breakfast course is run by the National theme this time, with some entertaining topics, this might be for you. Physical Laboratory (NPL), Hampton Road, “eggsperiments” devised by David Key features include: Teddington, Middlesex TW11 0LW. Course Featonby (p7). If you are planning to do l Three sessions of demonstrations and sessions run from 7.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. these with students, you should carry hands-on activities leading to a simple once a week. The next session starts on out your own risk assessment first. Our but sound understanding of science and 26 February and there will be an additional worksheet is a magnetic-field lines puzzle technology. The sessions will focus on: course running in late autumn. For more (p8). There are also some suggestions l the size and scale of the universe details and registration, visit http://www.npl. for using printable paper rulers – a free l the astonishing electric force co.uk/protons_for_breakfast. online resource (p2). l light For details about the resources available We have news about a popular physics l atoms through the NPL, including some excellent course run by the NPL (p2), and the l Three discussion sessions focusing on PowerPoint presentations on climate change events listings for students (p3) and current issues, including the problem of how and nuclear power, visit http://www.npl.co.uk teachers (p6) look ahead to the summer we as human beings, citizens and voters can and click on “Educate and Explore”. term. They include, in particular, the one-day teachers’ conferences taking place across the UK in June. These are Free printable paper ruler resource measures up always good value in terms of CPD and At first glance this may not seem to be a a scale, with 10 subdivisions. The rulers can networking opportunities. very useful resource but, if you read through be copied onto acetate sheets and their If you have any comments about this the comments from users, you will quickly transparency makes them very useful for month’s Classroom Physics or requests see how it might prove to be a simple but measuring odd things like leaves or tadpoles. for future issues, do get in touch. effective addition to your lessons. Numberless rulers provide a very useful For more information: The printable paper Clare Thomson, editor (tel 020 7470 introduction to linear measurement and are ruler resource is free to download from 4981, e-mail [email protected]). an excellent way of focusing on gaps in the http://www.vendian.org/mncharity/dir3/ understanding of the principles of devising paper_rulers.

 Classroomphysics l March 2008 News and events Physics students to take centre stage BIG BANG! is an original musical show aimed at a range of audiences that promises to present physics, life, love and the universe like you’ve never seen them before. It follows the careers of two young scientists from their student days, in the present time, through to their rival claims to the Nobel Prize, 20 years on. Their progress is followed by four famous scientists from the past: Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Isaac Newton and Galileo Galilei, who take an increasingly active part as the story proceeds. Through comedy, songs, live music, dance and drama, the show explores aspects of both the content and the process of science, and also the importance of scientists as people. The show was devised and written by Dr Dominic Dickson, a reader in physics at the University of Liverpool, and his colleague Phil Freeman as part of their work in the Science Communication Unit. BIG BANG! aims to be both entertaining and informative, while raising awareness of the importance and relevance of science, and motivating young people towards scientific careers. The two central characters test out the laws of attraction in a scene from this explosive musical. The production had an extremely successful run in 2006, when it was seen by more than with major shows in July 2008 for schools For more information: www.liv.ac.uk/ 3000 school students, and it is being revived and in September 2008 to coincide with physics/bigbang. The performances for for summer 2008. the British Association Festival of Science. schools are at 10.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. on The musical will be one of the University These productions are also supported by the 7–23 July. For advance bookings, contact of Liverpool’s flagship contributions to Institute of Physics as its contribution to the Jackie Sharp (e-mail [email protected], tel Liverpool 2008 European Capital of Culture, 2008 celebrations in Liverpool. 07971 640 381).

EVENTS FOR STUDENTS Institute of Physics 2008 Schools and and refreshments. Accompanying teachers Colleges Lecture: Rock in 11 Dimensions: are free. Book early to avoid disappointment. Wrexham Science Festival where Physics and Guitars Collide! Details: booking forms are available on the North-East Wales Institute of Higher This free lecture, given by Dr Mark Lewney for Advancing Physics website at Education, Plas Coch Campus, Wrexham 14–16-year-olds, continues its tour around advancingphysics.iop.org/teacher/roadshow. 13 March 2008, 4.00–5.30 p.m. Britain. It will be in the east of England in html, or contact Anastasia Ireland (e-mail Hunting for Asteroids April and in the south east and London in [email protected]). A practical workshop using images from the July. Liverpool Telescope, led by Dr Andy Newsam Details and booking: visit www.iop.org and Large Hadron Collider Masterclass and Dr Chris Leigh of the National Schools click on “Schools and Colleges” for further Queen Mary, University of London, Observatory at Liverpool John Moores information regarding dates and venues, or Department of Physics, Mile End Campus University. contact Joanne Page (e-mail joanne.page@ 30 June 2008, 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. (to be This event is suitable for teachers and/or iop.org). confirmed) small groups of accompanied pupils. Suitable for year-11/GCSE physics students. Refreshments, including sandwiches, will be Advancing Physics Revision Roadshow They will learn about the workings of the LHC, provided free of charge so that teachers can for 2008 and the massive computer Grid, which is network while waiting for the lecture to begin. All venues will feature sessions for both AS going to be used to analyse the data, as well 6.30 p.m. and A2 students as having the chance to build their own Extrasolar planets: a Spotter’s Guide! 20 March: Science Learning Centre, York particle accelerator and search for their own Dr Andy Newsam gives a lecture on how to 27 March: University College London particles. In the afternoon they will be find extrasolar planets and what they can tell 28 March: University of Bristol introduced to string theory and the impact us about life elsewhere in the universe. 31 March: University of Birmingham that the LHC may have on it. Details and booking: visit http://www. 17 April: University College London Details and booking: contact Laura Jackson wrexhamsf.com or contact Andrea Fesmer, The cost is £20 per student, which includes (e-mail [email protected], tel 0207 882 (e-mail [email protected]). revision sessions, revision handouts, lunch 3020).

Classroomphysics l March 2008  Resources Virtual experiments enhance learning “I can thoroughly recommend this resource, which contains a truly amazing range of virtual experiments.” Comment from Bernard Taylor, reproduced from a review in Physics Education (Vol. 42, No. 1)

One year after the launch of version 5.0 of the Virtual Physical Laboratory (VPLab), sponsored by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the Institute of Physics, there are more than 1200 registered teacher Screenshots of simulated physics experiments taken from Virtual Physical Laboratory version 6.0. users in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Version 6.0, which has just been launched, VPLab on their school or college network rather than replace practical work, textbooks contains more than 200 simulations (37 new for multi-user access, completely free of and teachers, enriching the learning ones), including completely new chapters on charge, to enhance self-learning and the safe experience in the physics classroom. measurement uncertainty, X-rays, fluids and exploration of many areas of physics. VPLab circular motion. The interactive experiments allows experiments and demonstrations to For more information: Visit http://www. and activities can be used by teachers and be implemented quickly without needing npl.co.uk and click on “Educate + Explore”, students individually. They demonstrate the time and budget to set up the real thing. where you will find VPLab as a menu item. physical principles and applications, and Students can experiment and investigate at This remarkable educational resource is they are pitched at physics GCSE and A-level, their own level and pace without the fear of provided free of charge to teachers from UK although the simulations may be of value at breaking something. and Republic of Ireland schools and colleges other academic levels. The creator of VPLab, John Nunn, is a who attend a demonstration. To find out VPLab was written specifically so that it research scientist at the NPL who has spent where the next teachers’ event will be taking could run on low-specification computers several years teaching in India. He wanted place near you, contact Gary Williams (e-mail and requires no additional hardware (except to have an animated and interactive way [email protected]). a microphone if you want to make use of of communicating scientific concepts that If you are a registered VPLab user and the spectrum analyser and other sound- cover most of the topics in the school physics haven’t received details of the new upgrade recording programmes). Sponsorship from curriculum and he has spent many hours to VPLab version 6.0 by 1 April 2008, the NPL and the Institute enables teachers in developing the software. His philosophy is contact John Nunn (e-mail john.nunn@npl. the UK and the Republic of Ireland to install that these simulations should complement co.uk). Films focus on particle physics CERN Ever wondered why you’re not made of include in lessons and the ideas are clearly antimatter, or how small a quark is? explained in a way that should appeal to A series of short films about particle 14–16-year-olds as well as to older students. physics and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) – the new experimental facility that is due for Tara Shears is a launch this year at CERN – is now available member of the Particle for anyone to download and use. The films Physics Group at the are the result of a collaboration between University of Liverpool, particle physicist Tara Shears and science which is constructing communicator and teacher Alom Shaha. components that Each film is no longer than four minutes and will detect “beauty” aims to convey important particle-physics quarks created by the collision of protons concepts in a visually striking way. Topics in the LHC. She splits her time as an include: experimental physicist between helping to l how small nature’s building blocks are; build the detectors and devising methods to l the LHC facility and what particle understand the data that they will produce: physicists hope to find with it; “I’m not an expert on detectors, so I mainly l what scientists understand by dark matter; help with testing components for them.” l the problem of antimatter; Shears regularly gives public talks and l what the elusive Higgs is. devotes a lot of time to helping the public to Important checks are performed on the alignment The films were originally made for the understand particle physics. of the magnets in the Large Hadron Collider general public, but there has been very tunnel. It is vital that each magnet is placed positive feedback from teachers who have For more information: http://www. exactly where it has been designed to be so that seen them. They are an ideal resource to labreporter.com. the path of the beam is controlled precisely.

 Classroomphysics l March 2008 Resources Teachers tap into advanced physics website One of the most popular resources that the Institute provides for teaching physics to older pupils is the TAP website, www.tap.iop. org. This contains a range of detailed ideas, tips and resources for teaching physics to students aged 16–19. Although the site is geared towards helping those who are new to teaching this age group, experienced teachers should also find it a useful source of ideas and information. The website contains helpful introductions to each topic, highlighting the resource implications and the prior learning that pupils will need to be able to tackle this area. It draws on a number of established resources, such as Advancing Physics and Salters Horners Advanced Physics, and we author Keith Gibbs. All material can be used accessed with a further click of the mouse. are grateful for permission to use these. It for educational purposes without charge. We would encourage you to adapt these also refers to other useful websites and web The website is easy to navigate. To find resources after first use according to your resources for each topic. resources relating to a particular aspect own requirements. All of the materials can be downloaded of physics, simply click on one of the topic Future developments of the site will easily as Word documents and there is a areas that are listed on the homepage. A new depend on your feedback, so just send us an wealth of illustrations of experiments in the page will open and this in turn has a list of e-mail ([email protected]) and let us know what form of clipart, proved by well known physics various topics and subjects, which can all be you think.

school students to connect with: Researchers l researchers as people; l the process of conducting research; l topics in contemporary research; in Residence l the social, ethical and legal implications of research; scheme is l the relevance of what is being learned in the classroom. This is achieved through interactivity, relaunched practical work/discussion groups, co- Do connections between schools and operative learning and project work. Training A physicist leads an interactive classroom activity. researchers excite you? Are you interested in and CRB checks are provided for visitors, helping your school students to engage with and support, advice and orientation for both soon as possible. contemporary research? If so, Researchers in researcher and teacher is provided by a Alternatively, contact your nearest RinR Residence (RinR) is for you. regional coordinator. regional coordinator: RinR is an initiative that aims to enrich the The scheme has benefits for both sides. A l Scotland, Lara Crossland (e-mail lara. classroom experience of school students recent physics researcher who took part in [email protected], tel 0131 650 7743) through placing a contemporary researcher the scheme said: “It was a very rewarding and l Northern Ireland, Colin Press (e-mail press. in that school. We facilitate a partnership challenging experience, and my confidence [email protected], tel 028 9084 9389) between a researcher and host teacher who and presentation skills have improved. The l north west, Belinda Bray (e-mail belinda. plan a series of interactive activities together Key Stage 3 students asked some awesome [email protected], tel 0161 275 7700) that the former will carry out during their questions about the universe and the night l north east, Holly Hennell (e-mail hh510@ short-term residency (14–24 contact hours). sky.” The host teacher commented that both york.ac.uk, tel 01904 432 688) This partnership helps to ensure that the he and his students greatly enjoyed working l Midlands, Carole Galant (e-mail carole@ residency meets both the curriculum aims with this researcher, so much so that he has createafuture.co.uk, tel 0121 414 4318) of the teacher and the development aims invited her back next year when they will be l east, Phil Smith (e-mail phil.smith@bbsrc. of the researcher. The visitor is not there to covering the GSCE physics topic on space. ac.uk, tel 01603 450 304) teach, per se, but to enhance what is already We currently have a selection of l south west and Wales, Kate Isaak (e-mail happening in the classroom and provide enthusiastic researchers from across the UK [email protected], tel 029 2087 0187) school students with a novel and stimulating who are available to go in to schools. l south east, Rebecca McKelvie (e-mail r. experience. The researchers are drawn from [email protected], tel 01273 877 984) a broad range of subjects, including the For more information: If you are interested l London, Annalisa Alexander (e-mail physical sciences. in finding an RinR in your area, register at [email protected], The emphasis of a placement is on helping http://www.researchersinresidence.ac.uk as tel 0207 594 8134)

Classroomphysics l March 2008  Events

Events for Teachers Stirling Physics Meeting Perspectives on Science University of Stirling University of York Physics Update: a Course for Practising 4 June 26–27 June Teachers of Physics Speakers will include Dr Bob Lambourne of A residential course designed primarily for School of Physics and Astronomy, University the Open University (who will talk about the those preparing to teach the AS perspectives of Leeds expansion of the universe), a member of the on science course for the first time in 4–6 April, Friday 12.30 p.m. to Sunday Scottish nanosatellite team, and a September 2008. Participants will be able to 1.00 p.m. representative of the SQA review group (who explore approaches to teaching the history, An exciting programme has been put together will talk about the proposed reform of philosophy and ethics of science, promoting for this course, with comfortable en suite Scottish qualifications). The meeting will discussion and debate, managing the accommodation provided at Weetwood Hall, include an exhibition and time for networking. student research project, and extended Leeds. Lectures will focus on “Physics in Details: information will be circulated to all project assessment. archaeology” and “Climate change”. schools in Scotland in mid-March and will Details: contact Sandra Wilmott (e-mail Workshops will include “Mega magnets” and appear on the Institute of Physics in Scotland [email protected]). “The Virtual Physical Laboratory”. website http://www.iopscotland.org/. Course fees: residential £130 (£110 for CERN Physics High-School Teachers members and affiliated schools); non- 20th Rugby Physics Meeting Programme residential £70 (£55 for members and Rugby School Geneva, Switzerland affiliated schools). 5 June 29 June–19 July Details and booking: Leila Solomon (e-mail For all teachers in schools and colleges, this This is an international three-week [email protected], tel 020 7470 4821). meeting promises to be a mixture of programme. Participants will attend lectures information, stimulation and communication. and workshops, visit experimental facilities Salters Horners Advanced Physics It will include an exhibition and workshops. and produce new teaching resources. A grant Residential Courses Details and booking form: contact Leila will cover basic living expenses (on-site University of York Solomon (e-mail [email protected], tel accommodation and subsistence) and travel 7–9 April: AS preparation, teachers course 020 7470 4821). (based on real cost up to a limit of SFr500). 9–10 April: AS and A2 preparation, Details: to apply (by 15 March), visit http:// technicians course Scottish Physics Summer School education.web.cern.ch/education/Chapter1/ 9–11 April: A2 preparation, teachers course Department of Physics, University of Glasgow Intro.html. (focusing on the current course and its 23–27 June assessment) A week-long event, with en suite Advancing Physics Teachers and 2–4 July: AS preparation, teachers course (a accommodation provided in university halls. Technicians Courses repeat of the April course) The programme will include keynote Department of Physics and Astronomy, These courses will be particularly valuable for speakers, discussion with researchers, University of Birmingham teachers and technicians preparing to teach practical laboratory work and optoelectronics 1 July: Introduction to AS the new Edexcel GCE physics from for schools. Fee: £180. 2 July: Introduction to A2 September 2008 and who are intending to Details: visit www.iopscotland.org. 3 July: Technicians course adopt a context-led approach for all or part of These courses, run jointly with OCR, will cover their teaching. The courses will be based on Teacher Network Physics Day all aspects of teaching and learning, the Salters Horners course materials and Department of Physics, Clarendon including a session on coursework and an activities, and they will show how these can Laboratory, University of Oxford introductory CD session, reflecting the be used to support the Edexcel specification. 24 June revisions made to the specification for Details and booking: visit www.york.ac.uk/ A one-day conference for all physics teachers September 2008. Special rates are available org/seg/salters/physics or contact Sandra including NQTs. The programme will include for early bookers and affiliated schools. Wilmott (e-mail [email protected], tel 01904 lectures and a choice of workshops. Details: visit http://advancingphysics.iop. 432 601). Details: contact Robert Strawson, South org/teacher/index.html. Midlands Teachers Network (e-mail Physics Teacher Network Conference [email protected]). The draft programme Oxford University Conference for Education Department, Bangor University is available at http://www.jphys.org/activity/ Teachers of Physics and Chemistry 3 June, 10.30 a.m – 3.45 p.m. education/Teacher_Support/Teachers_ 6–9 July A day of lectures and workshops for anyone Network/South_Midlands/page_5274.html. An opportunity for teachers of physics and who teaches physics, with plenty of chemistry in the maintained sector to spend opportunity to network and exchange ideas Annual Liverpool Physics Teachers four days in Oxford finding out more about for the classroom. The conference, including Conference the University and the physical sciences. lunch, is free to participants. University of Liverpool, Chadwick Laboratory £50 funding per participant will be available. Details and booking: contact Andrea Fesmer 26 June Priority will be given to A-level teachers from (e-mail [email protected]). This free event is organised jointly by the schools and colleges with the least University of Liverpool and the Institute’s experience of sending candidates to Oxford, Merseyside Branch. It will include lectures, and to teachers who did not themselves workshops and discussions. study at Oxbridge. Deadline: 28 April 2008. Details: http://www.liv.ac.uk/physics/ Details: contact Dr Zareen Ahmed-Stewart schools/index.html. (e-mail [email protected]).

 Classroomphysics l March 2008 Teaching tips e g g c i t i n g e g g s per i m ent s f o r e a s ter

Tricks and challenges that apply physics principles to : The “Bed of eggs” challenge proves more than a little nerve-wracking (left). The “inertia application” applies inertia (centre). The “ challenge” (right).

Challenge Description Notes Hard or soft Distinguish between a hard-boiled and a raw egg by spinning It is the rotating albumen inside the raw them gently then stopping the rotation. The hard- stops egg that keeps rotating. dead while the raw egg continues to spin. Tippee top eggs A solid egg (including those made of chocolate) can be made The friction between the curved bottom to stand erect by spinning it with its main axis horizontal. (Also and the surface causes the egg to rise. works with Minstrels.) Crush an egg It is impossible (almost) to crush a raw egg in the palm of the Eggs are strong. hand, held across ways (rings, etc not allowed). Egg tossing If you throw a raw egg into a vertically held sheet it will not break. The sheet cushions the egg. Make sure The sheet should be held by two students, making a trough at the that the student throwing has a good aim. bottom to catch the egg. Eggstreamly Float a raw egg in a glass of water so that its centre is above the Place the egg in the glass with a stream of difficult level of the surface. Use no extra floating aids, only water from water flowing into the glass onto the top of the tap and the glass. the egg and overflowing. The faster the jet, the higher the egg rises. Egg in a bottle Place a shelled hard-boiled egg on top of a milk bottle that has As the water vapour condenses, reducing had either a lit match or some boiling water in it. (If using boiling the pressure, the outside air pressure water, be sure to warm the bottle first to avoid it cracking.) This pushes the egg into the bottle. can also be done with an egg that has had its shell softened in vinegar. Bed of eggs If you have plenty of money for eggs, then buy three two-dozen- Eggs are strong. egg trays, lay them on the floor and lie on them. Inertia application Position three tumblers (or similar containers) containing water in The mat shoots out of the way and the a triangle. Put a placemat on top, shiny side downwards. Carefully eggs fall into the tumblers. position a Smarties tube upright on the place mat above each tumbler and gently balance an egg on top of each tube. Place your hand next to the end of the place mat and give the mat a sharp horizontal slap. Egg drop Place an egg on top of a 500 ml bottle, inside a margarine The trick here is to smash the bottle away container, on top of a glass of water. Without touching the egg, as fast as you can to the side, taking the get it to drop into the glass. margarine tub with it. Since no effective force acts on the egg, it simply falls vertically. Eggshell challenge Balance an empty half eggshell on the sharp end of a knife held The problem here occurs because the vertically. Hold the knife handle firmly. By bringing the knife small mass of the eggshell does not create handle down firmly onto a bench/table, make the eggshell pass enough force for the knife to penetrate over the knife end, making a hole in the eggshell. it. The trick (and it is a bit of a trick) is to release your hold on the knife just before it strikes the table. Thus the knife is now travelling upwards into the shell at the moment of impact. Your explanation can David Featonby, (e-mail [email protected]). refer to momentum, inertia or energy.

Classroomphysics l March 2008  Worksheet Magnetic jigsaw

Cut out the pieces of the jigsaw below and rearrange them to show the correct shapes of the magnetic fields around the two pairs of magnets. Complete the diagram, marking on the rest of the magnetic poles and the arrows on the field lines. (Remember: the arrows show the way that a compass needle would point if placed in that position.)

N N S

N N S

S N

N N N

 KS3 Magnetism Worksheet