Whether you’re a science lover or just enjoy experiences that spark your curiosity, New Mexico State University is hosting “Physics Fun Day” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 22 at Gardiner Hall. The event is free and open to the public to engage in hands-on physics experiments along with a taste of an ice cream made of liquid nitrogen.
“‘Physics Fun Day’ is the fusion of learning and laughter,” said Binisha Marahatta, president of the Physics Graduate Student Organization (PGSO), the organization sponsoring the event. “From interactive experiments to captivating demonstrations, our physics fun day promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave attendees inspired and eager to delve deeper into the mysteries of the things around us.”
“By presenting the fun and practical applications of physics, such as creating ice cream with liquid nitrogen and experimenting with electrostatic charges, “Physics Fun Day” attracts people of all ages and backgrounds,” said Prakash Timsina, vice-president of PGSO. “Additionally, by offering demonstrations in many different formats, the event aims to make physics more accessible and inclusive, thus attracting a broader audience to the department.”
The 15-year-old event welcomes members of the community, from schools to the general public, into the world of physics through engaging demonstrations. Both new and returning visitors will find demonstrations that are informative and entertaining. A superconducting magnetic levitation experiment is new this year while fun day favorites like the hair-raising electrostatic charge created by the Van de Graaff generator will leave all with a memorable experience.
“Physics comes alive,” said PGSO advisor Michael Engelhardt. “I am always inspired by the excitement of “Physics Fun Day,” the enthusiasm of the physics graduate students and the imaginative program they put together.”
“Involving younger generations in campus events fosters a sense of community and encourages collaboration between students of different ages and backgrounds, enriching the overall educational experience for everyone involved,” Timsina said.
Physics graduate students are working with local schools to create specific time slots so each student can experience all the physics demonstrations with their classmates.
“It’s important to get younger generations and high school students to be active on the NMSU campus and participating in our events,” said Timsina. “Engaging with younger students allows universities like NMSU to inspire interest in STEM fields early on, which is crucial for preparing future generations of scientists, engineers and innovators.
“It’s a great service by the physics graduate students to the Las Cruces and NMSU community and its students, inspiring the next generation of New Mexicans to pursue education in science and become the future leaders of physics research and application,” said Interim Department Head of Physics Jonathan Cook. “With Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories in our state, raising up local students to become the next generation of scientists at these labs and elsewhere is of utmost importance.”
“Physics Fun Day” also serves the graduate students who build their own skills while bringing the event to life.
“In the process of hosting this event, graduate students gain valuable experience in science communication and public outreach by explaining physics concepts in an engaging and understandable manner to diverse audiences,” said Timsina, who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in physics and plans to pursue a postdoctoral position after earning his degree. “Organizing and participating in such events allows our students to develop their leadership, organizational and teamwork skills, which are needed for their academic and professional development. They also find it personally rewarding to contribute to the advancement of science education and inspire the next generation of scientists.”
“Many of the graduate students I work with remark that what steered them to a career in science was some observation of a natural phenomenon or a demonstration early in life that fascinated them,” said physics graduate advisor and professor Vassili Papavassiliou. “We hope that “Physics Fun Day” will inspire more children to a life of curiosity and exploration of the natural world.”
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CUTLINE: Physics graduate students at New Mexico State University welcome families and local schools to a “Physics Fun Day” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 22 at Gardiner Hall. (Courtesy photo)