I’m planning the summer physics offerings and would love your input. Please use the poll below to indicate which topics would be most exciting for your kids.
The exact schedule is still TBD, but to accommodate participation from the East Coast, West Coast, and international students, the most likely times are Mondays, 12 PM and 8 pm ET.
I am planning 6 sessions on: 6/8, 6/15, 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13, and makeup day of 7/20. The price will be $150.
No prior knowledge of physics is required. This session is a simple way to experience my teaching style firsthand before committing to a full-year course.
Physics of Roller Coasters
Concepts: Energy, forces, Centripetal force, and critical speed. How do roller coasters use the concept of energy to transfer gravitational potential energy into thrilling rides, how to design a roller coaster that actually works, etc.?
Physics of Sports
Concepts: Velocity, acceleration, momentum, energy, forces, and much more. How do these concepts show up in our sports? We will discuss the science behind hockey shots, soccer kicks, and the perfect basketball arc, swimming, running, and much more.
Physics of Magic Tricks
Concepts: Optics, Optical illusions, Center of mass tricks, inertia, friction, air pressure. We will explore the physics behind balancing tricks, disappearing coins, floating objects, and other classic illusions, and learn how simple physics principles can create effects that appear magical.
The Physics of Space and Black Holes
Concepts: Gravity, orbital motion, escape velocity, light, and spacetime. How do planets stay in orbit? What really happens near a black hole? We will explore the physics that governs the motion of planets, stars, and galaxies, and discuss how scientists study some of the most extreme objects in the universe.