Physics and Astronomy Open House at Ohio University in Athens

Ohio University is offering a free Physics and Astronomy Open House on Saturday, November 5th from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The varied activities and talks are geared towards a range of ages so you should find something that anyone from school age and up will enjoy, making this a great outing for the entire family.

This is a huge event and times/activities may vary depending upon equipment, people and weather. Here is a tentative schedule:

Physics Shows

All physics shows are 20-25 minutes in length unless otherwise listed.

• Fun with Liquid Nitrogen - Clippinger 119 10:00,11:00,12:00,1:00,2:00,3:00
• What NOT to Do with Your Microwave - Clipping 135 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30
• Levitation: Beating Back Gravity - Clippinger 133 10:00, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 4:00
• Sharks with Lasers on Their Heads - Clippinger 205 11:30, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00
• Twist 'n Spin in the Nanoworld - Clippinger 131 11:00, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30
• Power of Air - Third Floor Lobby Clippinger 10:30, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30, 3:30, 4:00 (Ping pong ball cannon and pencil through plywood demonstrations)
• Tachyon Beams and Other Bad Astronomy - Clippinger 115 10:30, 12:00, 1:30, 3:00
• Snowflakes: No Two Alike?11:30 and 2:00 - Create your own snowflake
• The Physics of Musical Instruments

Single 40 minute talk with lots of demos begin at 1:30

Hallway Activities and Displays

The Hallway Activities are scattered throughout the lobby area on the three floors and are available the full day.

• The Sky is NOT the Limit ... with a Telescope
• How to choose a telescope.
• Hovercraft
• Physics Arcade
• Physics Projectile Challenge
• Physics Construction Challenge
• Bowling Ball Slalom
• Angular Momentum Demos
• Water Rockets (Weather Permitting)
• Solar Viewing (Weather Permitting)
• Physics and Toys Corner
• Cosmic Ray Booth
• Sweet Matter - Nanotube construction activity
• Enlightening Pencils
• Physics Art Table
• Future Scientist Prize

You can also earn small prizes by attending shows and participating in activities.

Lab Tours

Some labs will be open for tours, make sure you stop by the Welcome Table to pick up your free ticket, reserving your place if it is required.  

• Edwards Accelerator Lab 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 - Ticket required. Leave from first floor lobby.
• Single Atom Manipulation Lab – Nanoart 10:45, 11:15, 11:45, 12:15, 12:45, 3:15, 3:45 - Ticket required. Leave from first floor lobby.
• Up, Up and NOT Away: Tour of Helium Liquefier Facility 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 - Ticket required.
• Laser "Tweezers" Lab - Clippinger 352 11:30-12:30, 2:00-3:00 (tentative)
• Scanning Electron Microscope - Clippinger 353 11:00-12:30, 1:30-3:00

Talks

• The Dark Side of the Universe - Clippinger 259 11:00, 1:00
• Stalking the Moon's Shadow - Clippinger 259 12, 2:30
• Relative Reality - Clippinger 259 1:30, 3:00 - 35 minute video exploring a drive through a town at nearly the speed of light.

Directions

The easiest way to reach Clippinger Labs is to follow US-50/S.R. 33 to the 682 exit. At the roundabout at Richland Avenue, veer right. Cross the Hocking River and turn right onto South Green. The stadium will be on your right. Continue past Oxbow Trail and turn left onto University Terrace. As you swing around to the left, Clippinger is the large building on your left. You can park in any of the lots in the area.

Parking

Parking is free and available in Dark Green and Purple color designated lots including lot numbers 81,82, 83, 84, 86, 88 next to Clippinger Laboratories. Additional parking is available in Dark Green and Purple lots 132, 133, 134 next to Peden football stadium and Margaret Walter Hall. A parking pass is not needed in any of these Dark Green and Purple lots.  Clippinger is building 81 and is located at H-6.

More Information

Contact Prof. Mark Lucas (lucasm@ohio.edu) (740)597-2984 for more information.