During the Halloween season at Creighton University, our students and the public are treated to a haunted physics laboratory. Visitors to the lab learn physics while having fun as they are confronted with a maze of exhibits that demonstrate optical, electrical, and mechanical phenomena in the context of Halloween.
REFERENCES
1.
Thomas H. Zepf, “The haunted laboratory as a theme for hands-on activities in light and color,” AAPT Annual Meeting (Winter 1993).
2.
For a DVD video (NTSC)about the Haunted Physics Lab and a copy of the Haunted Laboratory Guide, send your name and address along with $10.00 to help cover the cost of materials and postage to: Thomas H. Zepf, Dept. of Physics, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178. Requests for the DVD will be accepted through June 30, 2005.
3.
James G.
Ellingson
, “A Frankenstein demonstration with the Van de Graaff generator
,” Phys. Teach.
41
, 446
(Oct. 1988
).4.
A three-channel color organ drives red, green, and blue spotlights in response to the music described above. The lights are aimed to overlap on a projection screen or a bare white wall. In addition to demonstrating color mixing, a well-chosen location can enhance the ambient lighting of the room. It also provides a rationale for the music. Sources for inexpensive color organs and color organ kits can be found on the Internet. Use “color organ” and/or “light organ” as search words.
5.
Jim Steinmeyer, Hiding the Elephant: How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear (Carroll & Graf, New York, 2003).
6.
In reality, of course, the person playing the role of the “head” is sitting on a stool under the table with her head sticking up through holes in the tabletop and bottom of the box. Strings attached to the door of the box and running through small holes in the tabletop allow the “head” to open and close the door at will. With the door slightly ajar, a mirror placed on the table enables the “head” to see approaching visitors so she can open the door in a timely fashion to greet them!
7.
Christopher J. Chiaverina, “The New Trier Connection's project: Using science exhibits as instruments of inquiry,” AAPT Annual Meeting (Winter 2002).
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© 2004 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2004
American Association of Physics Teachers
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