Demos
The Demo Troupe has science demonstations and workshops that cover many topics. These include:Pressure
Whether we realise it or not, we're always under pressure - air pressure! To highlight this, the Demo Troupe has plenty of demonstrations that show the different ways air pressure can act, and how strong it can be. In addition, we also demonstrate other forms of pressure, which involves the infamous bed of nails.
Liquid Nitrogen
Everyone likes to see what is cool and exciting, and there is nothing cooler than liquid nitrogen, literally! At 196 degrees below freezing, liquid nitrogen is probably the coldest stuff you're ever going to see. The Demo Troupe has many demonstrations that highlight the weird and wacky science that happens at low tempertures, which include superconductors, explosions, rockets and loud noises. If you're lucky, you may even be able to eat something that's almost 200 degrees below zero!
Fire
Whether it be used for heating, cooking or providing light, fire has been invaluable to humans. From how things burn to how flames behave, fire is certainly intriguing and, with the ability to make explsions, very exciting. The Demo Troupe exlains the science behind fire through a wide range of demonstrations which include making fireballs and flame tornados.
Electromagnetism
Electromagnetism is one of the four fundamental forces of the universe and is something we humans rely heavily on. With electricity flowing through most walls and applicanes, and magnets being found not just on the fridge but also in radios, computers and cars, electric and magnetic fields are everywhere. Understanding these invisible forces, and the phenomena they produce, is made easy with demonstrations of induction currents, magnetic braking, Eddy currents. The Demo Troupe can even make lightning with a giant Tesla coil.
Light
The Demo Troupe can shed some light on light! With its dual wave/particle nature, light can produce many interesting phenomena, such as diffraction patterns. Using polarisers, diffraction gratings, optical fibers, lasers, slinkies and even plastic forks, all the science of light can and will be explained.
Sound
The properties of waves is further demonstrated using sound. Whether it is making metal rods sing, hollow pipes roar or just making big bangs, the Demo Troupe is very experienced at making noise. We like to share the science behind sounds waves, and the phenomena it can produce, using everything from magnets to blow tourches!
Materials Science
Materials science is everywhere. From cameras to food packaging, from nappies to cars, from cameras to bullet proof vests. With the increasing prevalence of nanotechology, chances are that any everyday item you can name has had some materials science involved in it's development. The Demo Troupe has a wide range of experiments demonstrating the science of materials and how their properties can be tailor made for specific applications. We can even show how it is possible to run on water!
Other
In addition to the topics listed above the UQ Demo Troupe has many more demonstrations spaning a wide range of science, including: gyroscopes, chemical reactions, circus physics and vorticies, just to name a few. If there are particular demonstrations you would like to see the Demo Troupe perform, send us an email and we can see what can be arranged (we are always willing to develop new content).