General Physics

Dragonfly Flight: Waves and Wing Movement

This three-part demo allows participants to use several senses to learn about wave phases, wave superposition, and constructive and destructive interference. Participants build moving wave models, do a phase shift dance, and visualise interference with ropes. 


This demo pairs well with Dragonfly Colours: Thin-Film Interference, Dragonfly Sight: UV Light and Electromagnetic Waves and Transverse and Longitudinal Waves. This demo is part of the 2024 SOCK, The Wonders of the Dragonfly.

Dragonfly Flight: Vortices

Using wooden paddles to spin food dye in cups of glycerin allows participants to view the vortex that turning wings can create. The discussion is centred on the fluid dynamics of insect flight, particularly leading-edge vortices in dragonfly flight. 


This demo pairs well with Dragonfly Flight: Waves and Wing Movement. This demo is part of the 2024 SOCK, The Wonders of the Dragonfly.

Physiological Cost Index

Test how much energy is required to walk, run, or hike by measuring factors such as heart rate, oxygen uptake, and respiratory quotient.

Cloud in a Bottle

Create a Cloud in a Bottle from a just a few simple materials! This demonstration can be used to explain the process of the water cycle and the formation of a cloud. 

Rodent Reactor

Use mousetraps and ping pong balls to understand how nuclear reactors work.

Passive Pasta

Learn about "passive" cooking through this energy efficient workshop! Participants will make pasta noodles by using hot water and an insulated travel mug, and eat a delicious meal. Water molecules, energy, heat, isolated systems - these are only a few physical concepts introduced in this engaging demonstration!

Vortex Cannon

Build a device that releases ring shaped air vortices that are visualized using smoke to show the wonders of fluids

Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream

Explore the properties of liquid nitrogen while making a tasty treat. This demo is great for chapter socials and smaller outreach events.

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