Physical ‘wonders’ revealed in new book and DVD set

Magicians never reveal their secrets. But physicists, it seems, will jump at the chance.

UW–Madison physics professor Clint Sprott was one of the first in the world to turn physics into enlightening entertainment. Since 1984, he has presented his “Wonders of Physics” shows to a total audience of more than 160,000 people, on the UW–Madison campus and around North America.

Now, after 22 years, Sprott is pulling back the curtain more than ever before, in a book and DVD set that will allow anyone to “try this at home”- or, more likely perhaps, at school.

“Physics Demonstrations: A Sourcebook for Teachers of Physics” is available now and will be officially released March 1 by the University of Wisconsin Press. The book is a detailed, 300-page, heavily illustrated manual on how to present, with flair, 85 “Wonders of Science” demonstrations.

Organized to teach the six major areas of classical physics – motion, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and light – it is accompanied by two DVDs showing each demonstration presented to a live audience. A limited number of copies of the book will be on display at “Wonders of Physics” shows on February 12, 18 and 19, both at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., at 2103 Chamberlin Hall, 1150 University Avenue.

“Physics Demonstrations” can be purchased at most bookstores, or ordered online at UW Press.

Sprott’s other publications include “Introduction to Modern Electronics” and “Images of a Complex World: The Art and Poetry of Chaos.” He has won several awards for his work in public science education, including a lifetime achievement award from the Wisconsin Association of Physics Teachers.