Physics Sessions
The Physics of Chaos:
What is chaos? How do scientists study it? In this hands-on workshop students will use computer simulations to learn about chaos. Real world examples of chaotic systems such as weather and planetary orbits will be studied and students will investigate the fascinating shapes of fractals and strange attractors.
Scientific Computing in Physics:
Scientific computing is a major tool in physics research. In this workshop, students will learn about computer simulations of physical systems. How does one computerize the laws of physics? How does one model collisions? How do the approximations in computer models compare with reality? Simple models of projectile motion and collisions will be investigated in an effort to build a physically accurate "Angry Birds" simulation.
Green Physics:
Work on building world's simplest motor and generator to produce electricity!
Earth’s Atmosphere from Zero to Space:
Although the term climate change has become commonplace in our everyday language, few people actually know how climate-related data is measured and analysed. This session will introduce you to a variety of instruments that make climate-related measurements and allow you to measure aerosol optical thickness using a sun photometer. You will participate in a series of climate-related activities that may include investigating the influence of aerosols on clouds by creating clouds in a cloud chamber; exploring the electromagnetic spectrum through spectroscopy by constructing a spectroscope and examining various light spectra; and experimenting with the physics of greenhouse gas heat absorption using an infrared camera.
Magnetism and its applications in modes of transportation:
Students will be introduced to two demonstrations that apply the physics of magnetism to aid their locomotion. Through these demonstrations, students will be introduced to the concept of magnetism, super-conducting magnets, and magnetohydrodynamics. The understanding of these concepts will be supplemented by brief talks on magnetic levitation and the generation of planetary magnetic fields.
