Physics 420 – Physics Demonstration

Physics 420 is a physics demonstrations project course: Each student will design, build and document a demonstration and accompanying pedagogy on a topic dealing with physics, engineering or astronomy, present it as a classroom lesson in our PHYS 420 class and after final approval, in a school. The demonstration projects are aimed at elementary or secondary students. PHYS 420 students do the bulk of their work independently, using resources and facilities in the Outreach Lab, and PHAS Technical Services, with guidance and feedback from the instructors.

We meet formally in a weekly two hour meeting in term 1 where students present their proposals, then status reports and finished demonstrations. Students prototype, debug, and give each other feedback. Students have access to the Outreach Lab outside class hours, where they’ll work on their projects throughout both terms, and will also meet one-on-one with the instructors for guidance and feedback and final approval in term 2.

Physics 420 Course Description

2024/2025 Class

2023/2024 Class

2022/2023 Class

2021/2022 Class

2020/2021 Class

2019/20 Class

2018/19 Class

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2016/17 Class

2014 Winter Class


2012 Winter Class

2011-2012 Class

2010-2011 Class

2009-2010 Class

2008-2009 Class

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2007-2008 Class

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2004-2005 Class

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*Internet Explorer required

2003-2004 Class

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1999-2000 Class:

  • The Principles of Cloud Formation by Dory Sheldan
  • Sound and Frequency Spectrum by Daniel Bernard Necker
  • ALTA Project by Flora Graham
  • Theory of Flight by Sarah Bendall

1997-98 Class:

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Note: The above projects are the work of the students, and the opinions expressed therein are not necessarily those of the Outreach Program. For more information, contact Andrzej Kotlicki.