The Physics Petting Zoo
Physics is fun
The University of Kentucky Physics Petting Zoo is a hands-on classroom tool. It consists of two dozen stations, each presenting a hands-on physics activity. These are simple and yet instructive, so that all age groups will enjoy interacting with them and learn from them. There are many things to learn from each station, so that they are appropriate for a wide age range; by interacting with the zoo stations, the students learn from Mother Nature. Adult supervision is needed, but you don't need a physicist to present it. All components of the Zoo are safe for students to handle and experiment with.

The Travelling Physics Zoo is a 18" cube box that can be sent to schools in Eastern and Central Kentucky. A small grant will pay for the shipping. If you would like to host the Travelling Physics Zoo, please see the announcement and the application form.

Here is a list of the stations in the University of Kentucky Physics Petting Zoo

Electricity:

Make It Go circuit boards (3)

-Two boards with single circuit elements

-One board with series circuit elements

Visible Electric Motor

Electromagnet

Doorbell

Optics:

Model Camera

Optical Toy (cylindrical mirror)

A Very Real Image

Periscope

Retroscope

Secret Calculator

Spectroscope

Red View / Blue View

The Fresnel Lens

+/- Mirrors

Magnetism:

Electromagnet

Doorbell

Magnets

Magnetic Levitator

Mechanics:

This Thing Rolls Uphill?

Pulleys

Roller Coaster

Balancing Bird

Flow Visualization

Materials and How We Use Them:

Crystals

Pressure:

Bottle Divers

Make a Vacuum (plunger)

 

 

Copyright 2004 Joseph P. Straley and Sally A. Shafer -- The University of Kentucky Physics Petting Zoo