I will be posting links to activities and outreach opportunities as part of the East Midlands Branch of the Institute of Physics. For undergraduates – this is a good opportunity to get involved in science communication (or to play with some cool toys).

Autumn 2017 – Volunteers wanted for ‘light’ based outreach to celebrate Diwalli

Spring/Summer 2017 – Lego model of a time of flight neutron diffractometer

We are currently collecting the necessary parts for this and looking for volunteers to help build the model beamline (from instructions). 

2017 – 2018 Energy Harvesting Kit

We are currently  developing an Energy Harvesting Kit for schools and science fairs based on the Wurth Technologies kit – Energy Harvesting Kit. Anyone interested in energy harvesting, programming, or outreach should contact me for more information.

Ongoing – Anyone interested in physics/science outreach can get involved and there are several events throughout the year where you can help out, such as:

– UCAS visits and open days

– National Science and Engineering Week (including Community Day)

– The Big Bang Fair

– Science workshops

– Nottingham Light Night (last on 10th Febuary 2017).

Currently available demos

1.  Electrodough kit

Use electrically conductive playdough (flour+salt+lemon juice+oil+water+food colouring) to create colourful and imaginative circuits. A useful activity to teach basic aspects of electricity (positive and negative terminals to a battery; LEDs; switches; resistance), or just to while away some time.

2. Superconducting Train Demo

Watch the floating train effortlessly glide around a magnetic track. Coupled with a ferrofluid flask this is a useful demo to help explain:

– The use of liquid nitrogen

– Permanent magnets

– Superconductors

– Magnetic fields and flux pinning

– The difference between ferromagnetism and diamagnetism

– The Maglev concept for high speed train travel

– The use of superconducting magnets at CERN

3. Ferrofluids

A black *goop* consisting of iron nanoparticles coated in a surfactant and suspended in oil. This enables 3D visualisation of magnetic fields.

4. The Peltier Powered Cloud Chamber

A diffusion cloud chamber that allows you to see the emission of alpha and beta particles from some weak radioactive sources. Rather than use dry ice to keep the base cold, two Peltier cells coupled together are used to reach temperatures as low as -30 C. This is a useful demo to help explain:

– Radioactivity

– Supersaturation

– Cloud formation

– The difference between alpha and beta particle emission

– The effect of a magnetic field on charged particles

– The Peltier and effect and Peltier cells

5. The Two Balloons

You have two identical balloons that have been inflated to different sizes and connected by a tube that is currently clamped (i.e. no air flow between them). What happens to the smaller balloon when you unclamp the tube? A great demo to explain:

– Elasticity

– Air pressure

– Hysteresis

6. iPhone Microscope

Constructed from the lens from a laser pointer and some adjustable perspex slabs… A great way to demonstrate:

– The lens equation

– Microscopy

7. The Homopolar Motor

Constructed from a bettery, magnet and some spare wire (or paperclips), this is a great way to demonstrate:

– The Lorentz Force (left hand rule)

– Where physics ‘ends’ and engineering ‘begins’…

Research Lectures

New Directions in Energy Research or a Magnetic Quirk?

Time: 26th March 2014, 4-5pm

Place: W.003, Loughborough University