"Physics with a Bang!" holiday lecture and open house this Saturday

Mark your calendars for the second-annual Physics with a Bang! Holiday Lecture and Open House, a fun-filled day of hands-on demonstrations, lively lectures and informative discussions for people of all ages, that will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at the Kersten Physics Teaching Center at the University of Chicago

Last year, the lecture, given by physics professors Heinrich Jaeger and Sidney Nagel, featured a 55-gallon steel drum crushed by the air in the room and a large trash can propelled to the ceiling by an exploding liquid-nitrogen-filled soda bottle. This year promises more of the same in addition to some new offerings.

Due to popular demand and standing-room-only seating last year, the lecture will be given twice this year by Jaeger and Nagel - first at 10:00 a.m. and then again at 2:00 p.m.. Instant replays of the action will be shown live on the room's overhead video screen.

From 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., graduate students will give tours of physics laboratories where scientists conduct research. Researchers will be on hand to answer questions and conduct simple experiments to demonstrate their work. Visitors also will have the opportunity to visit "Demonstration Alley" -- new this year-- and participate in hands-on demonstrations.

Sign-in for the program will take place at the Kersten Physics Teaching Center at 5720 S. Ellis Avenue. Doors will open at 9:00 a.m..

Space is limited, and people are advised to come early to secure seats. Admission is free.

Physics with a Bang! is sponsored by The University of Chicago Department of Physics, The James Franck Institute, and the University of Chicago Materials Research Science and Engineering Center. The program is part of Science Chicago, a yearlong celebration of science spearheaded by the Museum of Science and Industry and The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The University is a key partner in Science Chicago and is sponsoring a number of programs in addition to Physics with a Bang! throughout the year as a part of the effort.

Watch highlights of last year's "Physics with a Bang!" event; each video is approximately five minutes long:

PressureFun with GasesElectricity

To view other University of Chicago Science Chicago programs click here.