ScienceMakers Toolkit Manual - The History Makers

Physics
8. Dr. Campbell talks about some of his interests at school. He mentions that a scientist from Bell Labs
would give an annual talk and show off some of the new technological innovations. What were some of
those innovations? What are some of the newest technological innovations that you can think of? How
do you think they were developed? What kinds of innovations do you think will happen next? How can
you be a part of that process? (See Clip #2)
9. Dr. Campbell explains the basis of the high-energy physics that he studies. He says that it is the quest
of those in his fi eld to fi nd the fundamental particles (building blocks) of the universe. He briefl y
describes the history of this search. Do your own research on the history of particle physics and describe
each major development in our understanding of the fundamental particles in the universe. (See Clip #3)
10. Dr. Campbell mentions being a theoretical physicist. What is the difference between a theoretical
physicist and an experimental physicist? What are the benefi ts of basic research? (See Clip #4)
11. Research Bell Labs. How did it start? What were some of its greatest technological achievements? What
happened to Bell Labs? Describe the effect that Bell Labs has had on our modern way of life from a
technological standpoint.
12. What does NACME stand for? Research the organization and report back to the class. What is the
benefi t of an organization such as this? How might this organization benefi t you? (See Biography)
Experiment - Physics in a Toroidal Vortex: Air Cannon
This experiment was developed by Physics Central.
You are about to build your very own toroidal vortex generator. This device will effi ciently transport air across
the room in a dazzling display of fl uid dynamics.
What you Need
Oatmeal container
Plastic bag
Tape
Scissors or sturdy knife (Caution: ask an adult to help you use these tools)
What to Do
First you want to cut a hole in the bottom of the bucket or oatmeal
container. Cutting a hole in the cardboard of the oatmeal container will
be easier than the plastic bucket. Use the scissors to puncture a hole in
the center and then cut out a circle that is 2 inches in diameter. Don’t
worry; the hole does not have to be perfectly circular, as you will see
later.
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Next, tape the plastic bag over the opening opposite the hole. Make
sure you tape the bag to the container so that it does not contain any air
leaks. The bag should be slightly taut. The taut fl exible surface of the
bag is called a membrane. It is important to have fancy names when
your equipment is simple. Hence, the membrane of your toroidal vortex
generator sounds more sophisticated than the bag on your bucket.