Past performances
Lecture demonstrations (2002-) for PHYS1001, PHYS1002, PHYS1170, PHYS2100
By looking at the course syllabus for these subjects, we prepared or built "demos" which provided striking visual demonstrations of the physics principles being taught in class. We then coordinated with the lecturers to perform these demos at the correct point in the course.
Kenmore State High School - Science Week promotion
A group of performers went to Kenmore State High School for a lunchtime "Demo Show" on the school oval, which was attended by approximately 50 students from all years, plus other students who stopped briefly on their way past. We did a one hour show, with the aim to both entertain and teach some basic physics principles, then chatted with students afterwards, answering their questions about physics and our studies in Science at UQ, particularly from Year 12 students preparing to submit QTAC applications.
Ironside State School - Science Week festival
A group of performers went to Ironside State School's Science Day (as part of National Science Week) We did interactive demonstrations with classes of students ranging from Grade 4 to Grade 7, with the aim to inspire an interest in physics. It was a huge success with all students enjoying themselves immensely.* St Peter's - "The Physics of the Ekka"In the lead up to the Brisbane Ekka, we were invited to St Peter's school to run an interactive workshop for several classes on "The Physics of the Ekka" where we made copies of two Side Show Alley games, and explained how physics was used to make them very hard to win. We then taught the students how to use (in principle!) physics to beat them - though it was obviously much easier said than done!
Brainwaves Festival for Science Week - Demo Shows over two days, representing the UQ Physics Department
The Demo Troupe was invited to perform at the Brainwaves Festival in 2003. We did four shows over two days, where we aimed to entertain, stimulate an interest in physics and demonstrate the basic principles behind several every day activities. This was very well received by both the children and members of the general public present, with the shows being almost completely packed out with audiences of 60-80.
Hastings Deering - Demo Show as part of their recent National Sales Conference
One of the managers from Hastings Deering (a company that manafactures Tractor and Caterpillar equipment) saw our show at Brainwaves Festival and asked if we would perform at their Sales Conference at the Raddisson Resort at the Gold Coast, which was themed "Knowledge is Power". Our show demonstrated the physics behind relevant technology such as optical fibres, pressure and gyroscopic motion. The feedback was very positive, with the show providing something different from the typical sales lectures, and giving an interesting topic of conversation for the remainder of the conference.
Performances for Sunnybank Baptist Church youth program
After seeing our show at the Brainwaves Festival, the Social Coordinator of Sunnybank Baptist Church invited us to do a performance for their Sunday youth program (approximately 40 children aged 6-12). We did a one hour show, entertaining the children while teaching some basic physics concepts, followed by some hands-on activities where the children were able to explore some of the demonstrated concepts themselves and ask questions of the performers.
Performance for Tournament of the Minds finalists who visited UQ
Several finalist groups in the Tournament of the Minds competition, Maths and Engineering division (ages 10-15), were invited to the University of Queensland for some displays from the EPSA faculty. The Demo Troupe was asked to represent the Physics Department, and we performed a 50 minute show after which the students were invited to come down and try some of the demonstrations themselves as well as ask questions about doing Science at university and general physics questions that they had been curious about.
Performances with PAIN Physics Club during Orientation Week
On Market Day during Orientation Week 2003, the Demo Troupe gave hourly performances in the Great Court , demonstrating some of the fundamental physics of daily life, and encouraging students to join the PAIN Physics Student Society and the Demo Troupe itself. The day was highlighted by an hour long Demo Show in the afternoon attended by approximately 50 students from various backgrounds.
Performance for the Junior Physics Olympiad
This is a workshop run annually for Year 10 students interested in physics, with the aim to enrich their knowledge and encourage further exploration. As part of this, the Physics Demo Troupe performed a 15 minute show in 7-222 as well as running on- going activities throughout the week, located in 7-222 and the Great Court . Forty students attended, and the show was well received with many questions and positive feedback afterwards.
Performance for the Engineering Links Camp
A week long workshop for prospective engineering students in Year 11 and 12, the Engineering Links Camp gives the students a chance to experience engineering study at UQ, as well as a chance to see related groups' work. The Demo Troupe was asked to perform to show them the active side of physics, and to encourage them to consider a broad range of courses as part of their degree. Approximately 60 students attended, with a very positive response.
Performance for the Experience Science Program as a part of the Faculty Science Day
Year 11 science students from around Brisbane were invited to UQ for talks and displays in their area of interest. A total of about 60 students chose to attend the physics talk, which was a talk about physics at UQ and the application procedure followed by a performance by the Physics Demo Troupe. Our aim was to show that physics is very much alive at UQ, and to also assist with their high school physics course by demonstrating some of the physics that they were learning. The students were very enthusiastic, with some attempting to learn to ride the unicycle used in the show!
Display at Toowong College for the District Science Forum
We were invited to display what we do at the District Science Forum, where teachers from around Brisbane came to learn about science resources available to them. The day was a great success, with many teachers expressing interest in us visiting their schools.
Performances with PAIN Physics Club during Orientation Week 2004
On Market Day during Orientation Week 2004, the Demo Troupe gave hourly performances in the Great Court , demonstrating some of the fundamental physics of daily life, and encouraging students to join the PAIN Physics Student Society and the Demo Troupe itself. The day was highlighted by an hour long Demo Show in the afternoon attended by approximately 50 students from various backgrounds.
Demonstrations for school group visiting 13/05/04
Lunchtime hands on demonstration of gyroscopes and Van de Graaf generator
Display at Centennary High for the District Science Forum 2004
We were invited to display what we do at the District Science Forum, where teachers from around Brisbane came to learn about science resources available to them. The day was a great success, with many teachers expressing interest in us visiting their schools.