Physics Inside Out

Physics Inside Out is a program on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus, offered each summer to students in current grades 7 and 8.

Based on interactive hands-on lessons and activities, students learn about fundamental principles of physics and their applications.

 

 

  

First image: These students are analyzing the light coming from a laser to determine its wavelength.

Second image: Professor Qi Zhou is explaining the forces experienced by a rotating body.

With sessions guided by faculty and research staff, students will learn about current topics, every day applications and new innovations in various areas of physics, astrophysics and astronomy.

At right, Professor Ken Ritchie is extolling the virtues of heat and differences in temperature in the operation of the Sterling engine.

 

Ever wonder about your future?

Presenting faculty and graduate staff offer their personal stories; how they became interested in science, sources of their inspiration, and the pathways by which they are seeking their careers.

 

We provide students a glimpse into college surroundings and campus life. Here, for example, these Rocky Mountain adventurers are learning The Physics of Climbing at the France Cordova Recreational Center, under the direction of Professors Jukka Vayrynen and Laimei Nie. Who thought that friction, gravity, leverage and rotational motion could be so much fun!

 

 

Ever hear of 2D materials? These PIO students are trying their hand at the mechanical exfoliation of graphite to make graphene in the research lab of Professor Yihang Zeng. Simple as it may seem, this technique, used to create a single layer of hexagonally connected carbon atoms actually won the Nobel Prize. Got your gloves ready?

 

One of the ways of visualizing the surface of nanoscale materials is with the atomic force microscope. Here, students are using a mechanical model to learn how it’s done. They will try to replicate the surface of what is inside the box by transferring their data to an Excel spreadsheet. Voila!

 

 

Physics Inside Out lessons span the scale from nano to astro. In this lesson on magnetism, students synthesized a liquid mixture that responds to magnets, called a ferrofluid.

 

 

 

History is part of physics and astronomy too! Just like William Herschel in 19th century England, these students will discover the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

 

One of the bonus perks of Physics Inside Out is our daily walk to one of the Purdue dining courts.  Everybody loves a free lunch.

There is no charge to participate in Physics Inside Out.  All materials are provided.

 

And be prepared for the unexpected!  Professor Chen-Lung Hung’s lesson on springs and resonance included breaking a glass with sound. Better cover your ears!

 

Participants for Physics Inside Out will be selected based on:

• Students’ written response describing their interest and motivation for participating in Physics Inside Out,
• A current science teacher's recommendation, and
• Availability. Space is limited.

Agenda

Mornings

9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
Orientation, agenda for the day, Q and A.

9:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Intro to the morning topic, background, techniques, tools, lab/research activity, and question survey.

Lunch Break

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Walk across campus to eat lunch at a Purdue dining court.

Afternoons

1:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Intro to the afternoon topic, background, techniques, tools, lab/research activity, and question survey.

3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Wrap-up, discussion, questions, daily assessment.

Physics Inside Out is made possible by the support of parents, alumni, and our friends in the community. Thank you.

For additional information, please contact:

Dr. David Sederberg
Director of Physics & Astronomy Outreach
dsederbe@purdue.edu