Physics Demonstrations

A Sourcebook for Teachers of Physics

Julien Clinton Sprott

This book is published by University of Wisconsin Press and can be ordered on-line from the publisher or from Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobel, Borders, AAPT and Educational Innovations. View sample video clips in low resolution.

"Professor Sprott is a master of his trade and a true inspiration to all who perform physics demonstrations. This text is a wonderful resource, containing a wealth of information. Thorough and well-organized, this is how it should be done."

David Willey
Mad Scientist for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno

"This book should be on the desk of every college physics professor and every high school teacher. It will empower classroom teachers and those who make public science presentations to increase their repertoire and to effectively enhance the joy of learning."

Bassam Z. Shakashiri
University of Wisconsin-Madison

"He had promised to wow the audience and he more than made good on that promise. He first appeared from beneath the seats attired in a burgandy tuxedo and black cape. For his exit, he vaporized in a man-made cloud. Jaws dropped, eyes widened, and hair literally stood on end as he produced neon liquids that defied gravity, a levitating ball, a liquid nitrogen cannon, and a human light bulb."

The Wisconsin State Journal

"Clint Sprott: I loved your show! I love physics."

Donna E. Shalala
former Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison
and former Secretary of Health and Human Services

"Backed by solid reasoning and Sprott's extensive teaching experience, this book is a gold mine of catchy demonstrations, a delight for physics teachers."

Jearl Walker
author of The Flying Circus of Physics

Few techniques are as effective at generating interest in science as dramatic demonstrations. This fully illustrated sourcebook with two closed-captioned DVD's describes eighty-five physics demonstrations suitable for performance both in and outside the classroom. These demonstrations will fascinate and amaze while teaching the wonders and practical science of physics.

Dr. Sprott shares demonstrations tested by years of teaching in his popular lecture series, "The Wonders of Physics." Science teachers of all levels will find a wealth of detail showing how to present these demonstrations to students with flair. Science professionals will find indispensable information for developing educational presentatiions for the public.

Organized to teach the six major areas of classical physics -- motion, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and light -- Physics Demonstrations includes:

a brief description of each demonstration
materials lists, with sources for common materials
preparation procedures
discussions of the physics principles demonstrated
potential safety hazards
references for further information

Dr. Sprott's demonstrations will appeal to general audiences and students from grade school to graduate school. This book should be on the shelf of every educator who wants to make science come to life in the minds and hearts of students.

See an announcement of the book by the University of Wisconsin News Service.
Read a review of the book in Skeptical Inquirer.
See an announcement of the book for the National Science Teachers Association.
Read a review of the book in Leonardo.
Read a review of the book in The Physics Teacher.
Read a review of the book in Physics Today.
Read a review of the book in American Scientist.
Read a review of the book in Science Books and Films.
Read a review of the book in Choice Magazine.
See a list of minor misprints and suggested changes for next edition.
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