Physics
Demonstrations: A Sourcebook for Teachers of Physics
Sprott, Julien
Clinton. Physics Demonstrations: A
Sourcebook for Teachers of Physics. Wisconsin, 2006. 290p bibl index 2 DVDs
ISBN 0299215806, $45.00
Sprott (physics, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison) has compiled this book of
85 demonstrations performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The
demonstrations, all from the standard fields of "non-modern" physics
(i.e., no relativistic, nuclear, atomic, molecular, or condensed matter
physics) include photos, a list of required materials (with commercial
sources), procedures, discussion, possible hazards, and some
references. There are some very useful appendixes. The writing is
straightforward and seemingly complete. Although this reviewer could
not open the accompanying DVDs, the book is quite useful without them.
This book is recommended and should be of great interest to anybody who
teaches introductory physics, or to students trying to make sense of
the often-dry mathematical presentations of the subject. Summing Up: Recommended. General
readers; lower-division undergraduates; faculty; professionals. --A. M. Saperstein, Wayne State University
Choice Magazine
July/August 2006
Middletown, CT