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"National" Physics Day
at the University of Virginia |
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(434) 924-3781
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| Charlottesville has a few truly incredible things to offer its residents
- events worth the drive for non-residents, even. The Gordon Avenue Book
Sale is one of them. "National" Physics Day at U.Va. has to be another.
I put "National" in quotes because there isn't really a national physics
day - these educators are simply hoping to start a trend. It is with this
kind of humor that one enjoys this annual, free event, just presented
for the sixth year.
We have attended for the past four years and have never been disappointed.
Led by Dr. Stephen Thornton and his three colleagues, Dr. Robert Watkins,
John Malone, and Mike Timmins, these gentlemen know how to engage an audience
and make science fun. The presentations are often outrageous and cause
gales of laughter from an age-diverse crowd that includes toddlers, teens,
college kids, and grandparents. Their real skill comes in the ability
to teach something to everyone. Formulas, vocabulary, and scientific concepts
are all there for the taking and enjoyment.
Over the years, demonstrations have included balloons, bubbles, liquid
nitrogen, energy, airflow, goo making, electricity, vacuums, water, light,
and so on. The year they focused on liquid nitrogen, they combined milk,
vanilla, sugar, and liquid nitrogen into a BIG bowl and made enough ice
cream for the entire audience. It was delicious!
When I ask my kids what they like best about the show, they instantly
agree it is the audience participation. Once again, they're right. The
many opportunities for volunteers to help with the science allow for a
real sense of involvement. Dr. Thornton begins the program in such a way
that it feels non-threatening to guess an answer or volunteer to lift
a bowling ball via ropes and pulleys.
The lecture hall (Room 203) in the Physics building on the grounds of
the University is well equipped for a large audience. There are TV screens
available for close-up viewing of the experiments and demonstrations.
It still helps to get there early for a front row seat. This year, for
the first time, they had two showings to accommodate the ever-increasing
size of the audience.
This has to be one of Charlottesville's best-kept secrets. In a recent
interview with Dr. Thornton, I learned they are working hard to better
advertise the event. This is good because, for me, the hardest part of
attending this program is finding out when it is scheduled. It is always
in April - usually the third week in April. There is a mailing list, but
they have been inconsistent with sending announcements. I have found the
best thing is to call the Physics Department in early April and ask when
the program is scheduled - or to be put on the mailing list.
DIRECTIONS: Coming into Charlottesville from Interstate 64 (East
or West), take Exit 118B. Off the ramp, you will be on Route 29 North.
Take the very first exit onto Route 29 North - Business. Off the ramp,
take a right onto Route 29 Business (AKA Fontaine Ave.). At the second
stoplight, take a left onto Maury Ave. Proceed straight through the 4-Way
stop sign. Pass the football stadium on your right. Take the first right
turn after the stadium. This road is unnamed but you will know you are
on track when you see the Aquatic and Fitness Center on your left and
Stadium on your right. Take a left onto Chemistry Drive. There is lots
of free parking after 5:00 PM. Park anywhere and walk up Chemistry Drive
(away from the stadium). Cross the road and take a right on the sidewalk.
The Physics building is the next building you will see. Enter and go up
one flight of steps and go to Room 203.
Mary Wilson... Email: mary@trailz.org Go back to Happy Trails Home Page |