Physics
Demonstrations: A Sourcebook for Teachers
of Physics
by Julien Clinton Sprott
The University of Wisconsin Press, Madison,
Wisconsin, 2006
300 pp., with DVD. Trade, $45.00
ISBN: 0-299-21580-6.
Reviewed by Dr Barry Blundell
Chateau de La Courcelle, 18370 St-Priest-La-Marche,
France
barry.blundell@physics.org
This book describes a wide range of physics
related demonstrations, many of them rich
in educational content and therefore well
suited for use in the classroom to support
the teaching of basic physics. Others
embrace a degree of showmanship and are
intended to emphasize the spectacular
(the wow factor) these
are sure to provide great entertainment
at popular lectures, open days and similar
events.
The level of detail that is provided ensures
that someone with a basic knowledge of
physics could readily carry out the majority
of the demonstrations, although on occasion
clarity could be improved by the inclusion
of one or more simple diagrams. On the
other hand, each demonstration is accompanied
by a sound set of references and it is
pleasing to see that the author has taken
the trouble to draw on and cite various
older, classic publications.
The author begins by describing the practical
implementation of each demonstration and
subsequently considers the underlying
physics. On occasion he presents simple
theory and calculations that support the
experimental observations and from which
students beginning to study physics can
learn a great deal. Each demonstration
is accompanied by one or more photographs,
and invaluable details are provided of
outlets from which the necessary materials
may be obtained. At present these are
located exclusively in the U.S.A, but
perhaps in subsequent editions it will
prove possible to include some overseas
suppliers in order to better cater for
the non-U.S.A reader.
In line with current practice, each demonstration
is accompanied by a description of potential
hazards although occasionally I felt that
the listing of insignificant hazards detracted
from the importance that should be accorded
to more significant dangers that are not
always mentioned. For example, in demonstrating
the Leidenfrost Effect, liquid nitrogen
is poured onto the hand. Although
a warning is given to avoid cupping
the hands, no caution is given concerning
the rate of pouring, or the need to avoid
liquid nitrogen splashing onto more sensitive
skin such as the arm or wrist!
The book is accompanied by two DVDs that
provide video footage of the author undertaking
the demonstrations before a general audience.
This material certainly helps to fill
in any details that are not clearly understood
from the descriptions presented in the
book and represents a useful resource.
Without doubt, teachers of basic physics
will find demonstrations in this book
that will stimulate students of all ages
and most importantly will
augment the learning process.