tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343653192012-01-14T08:30:28.532-06:00Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.comBlogger3531100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-91137036177621196962011-12-23T18:06:00.001-06:002011-12-23T18:08:57.589-06:00

Minutes from the 12/6 meeting, thanks to Natalie!We were without pizza for a good half hour! The horror! Good thing we were saved by our faithful leaders and pizza-retrievers, Palm and Andrew "The Situation" Kim. T-ShirtIs almost ready. Dr. Vogel quickly traced MC Hammer so that we can put his silhouette on the back. Dr. Vogel is extremely good at tracing; clearly she has passed kindergarten.

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-62520970846946117802011-12-03T09:00:00.002-06:002011-12-03T09:03:23.177-06:00

Minutes from the 11/22 meeting, thanks to Natalie!T-ShirtsThe "Augustana" font doesn't actually exist, so we're going to make the A on the shirt look like the logo. They will be as close to the Augie blue and gold as possibleFundraisingWeek 5 (Dec 10-16) Selling holiday ducks, cookies, cider and most likely Nathan's hot cocoa. Holiday PartyWe want liquid nitrogen ice cream ...again...:) and Dr.

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-88400613208227494112011-10-29T12:03:00.025-05:002011-11-16T20:08:48.208-06:00

This post has nothing to do with ribbons, angels, or Fido. It's all about optical weather phenomena!Sun dogs, halos, and rainbows are all due to the same basic physics: refraction of sunlight through moisture in the atmosphere. Refraction is the bending of light as it passes through a material, such as the lenses of your glasses.The difference between halos and rainbows is two-fold: the shape

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-69762502992499171662011-10-16T17:53:00.003-05:002011-10-16T17:57:12.631-05:00

Physics Club Minutes from the meeting on 10/11/11, thanks to Natalie:Outreach Henry (Dr. Frank's son)'s school is in need of demos on November 15 or 17 from 12-1:30. The demos should involve magnets, states of matter, motion, and/or simple machines.SPSSPS gives up to $2000 for research projects and $300 for outreach programs. The turbine would be a good way to have some sort of open house about

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-41962787621927933392011-10-16T15:20:00.006-05:002011-10-16T15:28:47.134-05:00

Physics Club Meeting Minutes from the 9/20/11 meeting, thanks to NatalieApple Picking Was postponed from last Sunday due to weather. So we're meeting this Sunday (9/25) at 11:30 from Hanson 120 so as not to miss the all-important football game. (Go Bears)Longfellow Science NightIs still happening at Longfellow Elem. Sept 22. Setup begins at 5:30 and it goes until 7. The same attendees from last

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-54210368800441569642011-09-14T20:18:00.007-05:002011-09-14T20:30:57.098-05:00

Minutes from Physics Club, Sept. 13, 2011, thanks to Nathan!>Dr Van Howe needs some help cleaning out the shop, come help Thursday 9.15 at 12:30.>Apple picking this Sunday! We'll leave at noon from Hanson 120, to return around 3-3:30.Attending:Dr VogelNathanA KimA PalmPeterDr Van Howe et al.StuartGAhmedAllen PNatalieErinRyanDrivers:Dr Vogel* (3-4 seats) Allen P (3 seats)Dr Van Howe (0 seats, is

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-52904599413509819682011-09-02T21:14:00.002-05:002011-09-02T21:20:44.318-05:00

Minutes thanks to Natalie: Projects: *Building a wind turbine. We need to come up with designs, buy materials and build/find a time to build it. Next Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 11:30 there will be a meeting about it. Email Andrew Kim at andrewkim09@augustana.edu with ideas. *Building a solar oven to eventually sell "solar hot dogs" on the quad as a fundraiser. Social: *Apple Picking at Stone's Apple

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-53704265784155057782011-06-26T17:24:00.013-05:002011-06-26T17:56:20.502-05:00

So... it's all over the news that an asteroid (called 2011 MD) will pass only 12,000 kilometers from the Earth's surface on Monday. That's pretty close as astronomical objects go, but nowhere near reaching the atmosphere, which extends only about 100 km from Earth's surface.Some things about the news coverage that caught my attention:1) The general media is making a big deal about how close it

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-17277860083392057072011-05-16T12:08:00.003-05:002011-06-16T12:22:23.809-05:00

Physics Club field trip to the CAVE (CAVE Automated Virtual Environment) at the Rock Island Arsenal was awesome! A group of ten students and faculty made the trip on May 5.The CAVE is a 3-D virtual environment that is used by engineers to develop, test, and demonstrate new designs. After a presentation about its uses, we were allowed to explore the CAVE itself.When you step into the CAVE

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-86030879478956754592011-04-23T23:59:00.002-05:002011-06-16T12:04:12.601-05:00

Minutes of April 21st Meeting, thanks to Natalie:Scout Outreach-"Scoutreach" is happening on Friday, May 6. Volunteered: Stuart, Ethan, Hillstrom, Natalie, Nathan, M. Warren, G, Andrew Palm, Andrew Kim. Brady needs to check the dateDemo ideas needed-Liquid Nitrogen + MarshmallowsThe CAVE at Arsenal Island trip was planned for a Thursday at 2:30, but it conflicts with engineering classes, lab, etc

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-52803017151924025972011-04-16T12:23:00.001-05:002011-06-16T12:26:17.579-05:00

Laserfest Open House on March 19 was a great success! There were about 40 attendees, mostly parents with kids. The kids had a great time with the hands-on demos. Check out the photos here.

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-60633879001288496452011-04-09T12:04:00.000-05:002011-06-16T12:07:03.966-05:00

Minutes of April 7 meeting, thanks to Natalie:-The new club officers were voted in. They are:President-Andrew KimV. President-Andrew PalmTreasurer-GSecretary-NatalieOutreach-Steve and Mark HPublicity-StuartFundraising - Ahmed-"Science Night" is happening April 19 at 6:30 pm at Denkmann Elementary. Those interested are Steve A, Andrew Kim, G Nguyen, and M.A, who is willing to drive. Money for

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-49386447426076843672011-02-06T18:50:00.012-06:002011-02-06T19:21:27.627-06:00

Another installment in my yearly Super Sunday "Unleash Nerd Fury" series, in honor of Stephen Colbert's "the Word" segment one Super Bowl a few years ago, when he called on us nerds to unleash our fury.This year the nerds we celebrate are the students on Michigan Tech's satellite team (including my nephew:). These students designed and built a satellite, called the called Oculus-ASR, which won a

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-77551293281319498082010-12-19T15:11:00.002-06:002010-12-19T15:14:05.594-06:00

Here's a message from Mel Peterson, Augustana Professor Emeritus: "A special event on the night of the 20th-21st. The best total lunar eclipse until 2014.You don't need any aids other than your eyes to see this. And it will be visible over all of North America11:55 pm Dec 20 You might notice slight darkening of the left edge of the moon as it enters the faint outer penumbral shadow.12:33 am

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-79864435995667210172010-12-16T12:27:00.005-06:002011-06-16T12:34:26.910-05:00

The Pie-Your-Prof fundraiser made us a bunch of cash and a bunch of fun! Check out the photos and videos. (Also, if you hit the back arrow, you can see photos of the apple-picking field trip - that was fun, too!)

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-87661014372801914372010-12-09T20:55:00.003-06:002010-12-09T21:01:27.665-06:00

Fundraiser: WEEK 5 -XMAS ducks -Cookies!!! -Pie!!! Bakers: JVH, Vogel, Liz, Frank Monday: People needed!! Tuesday: 10:30-12 Kyle 12-1:30 Ahmed Wednesday: 11-12:45 Mark W. XMAS PARTY 12/16 Liquid nitrogen ice creamcookies- decorate your ownBubbles (frozen variety)Hot CiderHot Chocolate

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-59098532412895663852010-11-23T08:19:00.004-06:002010-11-23T09:29:37.071-06:00

Physics club minutes of the meeting on 11/18/10Minutes courtesy of Kyle Weigand (in case you can't tell), additional notes from CJV in italics.TALK ON TUESDAY POSTPONED-Dr. Vogel's favorite student (besides Kyle)-Todd Kempel-Recently finished PhD at Iowa StateOPERATION XMAS SPIRIT-4 year old boy-Likes legos-Needs presents-By December 3rd-Mark is driving-KW, Mitch, and palm-are also goingJANUARY

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-8764867940452003312010-11-11T09:07:00.011-06:002010-11-11T09:22:15.014-06:00

Cecilia Vogel, Elizabeth Hinds, and Ahmed AbuzantDepartment of Physics and Astronomy, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL 61201Abstract: The name given to Double Stuf Oreos seems to imply that they have double the stuffing of a regular Oreo cookie. We wondered whether it was just a name or if there really were twice as much filling in a Double Stuf Oreo. In earlier research, we compared Double

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-13653262817378232742010-09-13T14:59:00.009-05:002010-09-13T18:31:18.477-05:00

(Much of this is a repeat of a post from March 2, 2010, but in case you missed it then, here it is again with current dates of good viewing!)This evening, we will have a good view of the International Space Station (ISS) around here. The ISS will look a bit like a star - a small white light in the sky - but it moves slowly and steadily across the sky. Also, it does not blink like an airplane.

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-16226702435242991352010-08-11T12:06:00.007-05:002010-08-11T12:28:47.911-05:00

The Perseid meteor shower, a yearly event, is likely to be particularly good this year because there will be no moonlight in the sky to wash out your view. What should you do to get a good meteor shower experience on Thursday night? Step 1: Go out after 11 pm*, preferably after midnight (So, I guess that's technically Friday morning).Step 2: Find a spot with a good dark sky. If you live in

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-90447571081437225942010-06-21T09:34:00.015-05:002010-06-21T12:14:17.787-05:00

Welcome to summer!* Today is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Today the sun will set about 15 hours and 11 minutes after it rises. Compared to 9 hours and ten minute back in December at the winter solstice, that's 6 extra hours of day! A whole quarter of a day that is daytime instead of nighttime - amazing!What's also amazing is the lack of a good explanation on the web for WHY

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-31194008624029178312010-05-13T13:33:00.001-05:002010-05-13T13:35:37.378-05:00

Physics club will be going to Iron 2 Manat the Great Escape Theater Moline (by Walmart)Saturday (5-15-10) at 5:10 pm (matinee time = cheaper tickets!)Does anyone need a ride? Can anyone offer a ride? If so, leave a comment here!-- Thanks to Mark W for getting the info!

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-78274697787811896352010-04-30T11:18:00.014-05:002010-04-30T22:29:17.248-05:00

Have you ever wondered how stuffed Double Stuf Oreos are? I have, and so have my lab students.So we decided to do an experiment to see if the mass and/or volume of "stuf" in a Double-Stuf Oreo was actually double that in a regular Oreo.First we measured the mass of frosting in several cookies. To do this we measured the full cookie, then removed the frosting (with our handy frosting-removal tool,

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-10865074306901225342010-04-24T21:05:00.015-05:002010-04-24T21:20:01.206-05:00

Today marks the 20th anniversary for the Hubble Space Telescope. Hubble is so wonderful. I love the picture of the day site - check it out, if you haven't before. Give yourself several hours to poke through the archives - it's wonderful!That's the awesome thing about Hubble: The images it takes bring lots of new information for astronomy researchers, but also bring excitement about science to

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-39335101486832709872010-03-18T13:40:00.002-05:002010-03-18T15:51:51.750-05:00

Physics club minutescourtesy of Mark W:Nomination Day was Today. Sucks if you weren't there because you probably got nominated! woot!anyways here are the nominees.PresidentMoGMark WarrenVPGMWSecKyleAndrew KimAdamTreasureAndrew KimGMoOutreachAndrew PalmSteve"IM" ChairAndrew PalmPublicityMoMartyOn a second notePlanetarium Open House Saturday April 17th, 8PM!!!! Come check it out or volunteer to

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-35334446814620825942010-03-17T21:32:00.002-05:002010-03-17T21:36:17.290-05:00

Physics Club meeting this Thursday (March 18) 11:30 am, Science 120.We've got a lot of planning to do for the term. We also need to get nominations in for officers. Consider nominating yourself or someone else awesome!2009-2010 Officers:▲ President: Kyle Weigand▲ V. President: Adam Krusza ▲ Secretary: Mark Warren▲ Treasurer: Gee Nguyen▲ Outreach: Adam Krusza▲ Publicity: Mark Hillstrom We will be

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-4505879158518201782010-03-02T20:12:00.014-06:002010-03-02T21:47:26.120-06:00

Over the next few evenings, we will have good views of the International Space Station (ISS) around here. The ISS will look a bit like a star - a small white light in the sky - but it moves slowly and steadily across the sky. Also, it does not blink like an airplane. It's a bit surprising when it disappears in midair, but that is just because it goes out of the sunlight and into the shadow.

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-8227799897495347762010-02-14T19:17:00.020-06:002010-02-14T21:05:35.813-06:00

This blog seems to be quite popular ... with spambots! I've been getting a lot of blog comments with the following attributes: totally irrelevant, containing a link, and often in very poor English. Some comments sound like they were written in English, translated to another language and then translated back to English. How else do you explain: "I have recently bought a in use accustomed to laptop

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-80267466196313619342010-02-07T18:28:00.006-06:002010-02-07T19:09:47.442-06:00

Time for my sorta-annual Super-Sunday post.My first Super-Sunday post was in honor of one of Stephen Colbert's "The Word" segments called "Aggravated Assault," in which Stephen calls upon America to "unleash nerd fury." Unleashing nerd fury has been my mission ever since!And ever since, I've tried to find something entertaining to post about that is football-related for Super-Sunday. And, of

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-34777220049184916312010-01-31T17:53:00.001-06:002010-01-31T17:54:58.971-06:00

The club has a borrowed button maker that I need to return by Tue eve. When can we get together before then to make buttons? Leave a comment, and we'll see what we can organize.

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-55926600906881343642010-01-29T13:19:00.003-06:002010-01-29T13:58:53.993-06:00

Got the following message from Dr. Mel Peterson, retired Augie faculty member, that I thought I would pass on to my astronomy-minded readers:"To allLook to the east tonight about 7:00 pm and you will see the full moon, the largest full moon of 2010. Look carefully to the left and you should see a bright reddish 'star' .... You are looking at the planet Mars, not just a star. Tonight Mars is

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-77642016789885243702010-01-06T15:33:00.009-06:002010-01-06T17:41:56.950-06:00

Well, I hope you have been enjoying your winter weather, your holiday festivities, and your holiday-related comics. I certainly have (except the weather lately has been a bit cold... )Holiday-related comics, you ask? Yes, they are all over the place. But holiday- and physics-related comics, they are harder to come by. xkcd has a good one here. Check it out - being sure to hover your mouse over

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-50077942611209725332010-01-06T13:23:00.007-06:002010-01-06T13:41:58.048-06:00

Augustana's Physics Club has done it once again. The club won an SPS Outstanding Chapter Award for activities in 2008-09. Pretty awesome! Among the 58 colleges winning this award nationwide, the comments from the judges about Augustana are about the awesomest: "Augustana SPS group is a very active chapter in all aspects -- physics outreach to younger students, community service, and participation

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-73790018958755481892009-12-21T21:55:00.009-06:002009-12-21T22:30:54.889-06:00

Happy Winter Solstice! Welcome to the longest night of the year*. According to the Weather Underground, we have 10 hours 14 minutes of visible light here today**, and tomorrow will be two seconds longer! Yeah, the days will get longer very slowly at first, but it will speed up. The days will get longer faster and faster until the Vernal (Spring) Equinox on March 19, 2010. March 19 will be

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-84060261810147475832009-12-15T20:57:00.003-06:002009-12-15T21:05:17.410-06:00

Upcoming Events to enjoy:Wed and Thur: Duck and Bakesale College Center. Buy a holiday rubber duck for a present and treat yourself to a baked good or two while you're there. And don't forget to order a home-baked pie for January delivery - yum!Thursday: Physics Club Holiday party with pizza, ice cream, wonderfully awful Christmas music, etc....Friday: Last day of classes until next year.

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-29829800947092534532009-11-16T14:26:00.007-06:002009-11-16T14:46:34.434-06:00

The Earth will be passing through the heart of the debris left by the tail of comet Tempel-Tuttle. This debris burning up in our atmosphere should produce quite a show of meteors in the sky. For the US, the best time to watch for meteors will be in the early morning hours on Nov 17. Find your way out to the country if you can, and find a dark sky away from the light pollution prevalent in

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-42799192853829258432009-11-11T21:21:00.004-06:002009-11-11T21:44:53.179-06:00

Coming up Nov 20-21, Augustana Physics Club will be hosting the Society of Physics Students Zone Meeting! Theme: Galileo vs Einstein!There will be demos, speakers, contest, food ... check out the meeting webpage for more info.Physics club will be meeting twice next week in preparation:**Tuesday at 11:30 to get as much ready as we can - decide on demos, who's working what when, finalizing quiz

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-3927347114871083182009-10-31T20:53:00.010-05:002009-10-31T21:08:36.106-05:00

I posted this question a little bit ago, but it got little action, perhaps because it was hidden among my babblings about autumn and other things.Here it is again, Whitey's gift certificate to the first correct and complete answer!Suppose you hold a spring and let it hang vertically. It will be stretched out due to the weight that is hanging from it (or even just due its own weight). What will

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-70209302071886402332009-10-30T22:00:00.016-05:002009-10-31T20:50:12.501-05:00

I love Halloween! It was a bummer that we didn't have many students dress up this year - not even for extra credit! But W had a good joke on Dr. van Howe and his lab UNOLA. Pretty funny!Dr. van Howe himself dressed up - he thought a Roman would be appropriate for an engineering adviser, since the Romans were such good engineers. He was too shy to wear it to the faculty dining room, so he just

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-42183534838528364232009-10-07T22:05:00.003-05:002009-10-07T22:42:01.886-05:00

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-15823772800111075822009-10-06T10:41:00.003-05:002009-10-06T10:46:19.547-05:00

Building of the cardboard boat for the Homecoming regatta begins today. We have a lot of work to do and not a lot of time left, so let's get lots of people working!Science 107 2:30 today - be there!!Also, if you have large pieces of cardboard, bring them by.

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-44869246205043395902009-09-22T11:09:00.010-05:002009-09-22T11:56:27.622-05:00

Welcome to fall!! Today is the autumnal equinox (technically at 4:18 pm CDT), when the sun passes directly above the equator. Today's daylight hours are the same length for everyone at the same latitude - north or south of the equator.We have been discussing free-fall and forces in PHYS 201, and Dr. van Howe posed a good puzzle that I will pass on to you. Suppose you hold a spring and let it hang

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-46360346959726414362009-09-19T20:43:00.005-05:002009-09-19T21:21:50.406-05:00

In honor of Talk Like a Pirate Day, I am going to make a public plea for my local school district to change their mascot to the Sherrarrrrrrd Pirates. Purple and gold is way more appropriate for pirates than for tigers, anyway!By the way, the physics club is planning on holding a Zone meeting for the SPS chapters in our region. We had a great meeting a few years ago, and have to live up to our

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-67101609134322502092009-09-16T14:38:00.002-05:002009-09-16T14:48:57.911-05:00

Don't forget the physics club meetingThursday, Sep 17, 11:30 amScience 120*Pizza*T-shirt info*Plan Zone Meeting - $$$$$ available!*Start planning cardboard boat - schedule build sessions---find large pieces of cardboard!*Plan Hallow-gram fundraiser

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-87528591430219503692009-09-12T08:26:00.006-05:002009-09-12T16:20:01.331-05:00

Minutes courtesy of Mark W:Happy Belated physics minutes everybody!!!!!heres what happened 8 er so days agoApple Picking is sunday! check out vogel's email for more infoWe discussed upcoming speakers, NEXT week Michael Mack's Bro will be around.Also some time in the near future, a retired NASA dude whose name was not mentioned at the meeting will be visitingOctober 17th is the Cardboard Regatta

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-9520458584706100442009-09-07T13:29:00.014-05:002009-09-07T16:22:42.105-05:00

Had our first physics club meeting of the year last week. I'll have the minutes up soon, but I'll give you a preview: lots of good ideas and good attendance including a couple alums. Alums are always welcome - stop by and say "hi!"Speaking of alums, I got the following message from an alum, who knew I enjoyed good puns (and bad ones, too, for that matter):"Atoms have mass!?!? I did not know

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-31259078710681661882009-08-11T09:43:00.014-05:002009-08-11T10:26:14.016-05:00

Hi! It's been a while since I've posted (if you're interested in my excuses, let me know.... No? Didn't think so!)Anyway, nothing like a good meteor shower to bring me out of hibernation. The Perseids are set to peak tomorrow, so tonight, tomorrow morning, and tomorrow night might be good times to look for them. The weather around here is predicted to be pretty good, though maybe a bit

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-34275387764766468302009-04-22T19:00:00.000-05:002009-04-22T14:36:29.044-05:00

The make-up of the physics department for the 2009-10 school year will look a bit different. Sure, you'll still see Carkner, van Howe, and Vogel around, but there will be two other faces gracing the hallways.We have just hired Dr. Nathan Frank, a nuclear physics researcher who did his PhD work at Michigan State (nice place). He is slated to teach PHYS 101, Mechanics I & II, and Advanced Lab

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-14409669359581452252009-04-22T14:37:00.008-05:002009-04-22T15:03:12.175-05:00

Don't forget:Tomorrow, Thursday, April 23, 6:30 pm: BYOM Movie Night!! That is bring your own movie, if you have one you want to watch, and select the movie to be shown when you get there.Saturday, May 2, 8:30 to 10:00 pm: Astronomy Day Open House. Get there early to help out!Thursday, May 7, 11:30 am: Sneak Preview of the Celebration of Learning research talks to be given by Kory Blair, Louis

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-28576370978434247912009-03-20T18:04:00.013-05:002009-03-20T18:38:15.994-05:00

Event today - Vernal Equinox. Spring officially began at 6:44 am this morning, so now it is spring! Events next week - *Tuesday, 11:30, Science 120: Pizza lunch and presentation by the ISU Solar Decathalon team.*Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: Ducky and Bake Sale. Yummy food, and pirates vs ninja ducks!*Thursday 6 pm (or was it 6:30?) 1st weekly movie night! Hopefully in one of the lecture

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-74903700526270390732009-03-17T17:23:00.002-05:002009-03-17T17:26:20.128-05:00

Don't forget!Physics Club MeetingThursday (3-19-09) 11:30 amScience 120Possible Topics for discussion:-fundraisers - ducky!-nominations for officers - consider nominating yourself!!-science open house, outreach-possible events: Manhattan project lunch, ISU, ISU (the other one), ISAAPT-Movie Night -Video Game Night-Toy Video Contest - report from Jess, Alaina, Gee, Jake-T-shirt - report from Mark,

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-3287802854222879532009-03-14T17:38:00.004-05:002009-03-16T21:15:21.120-05:00

Today is pi day, because the date is 3/14, and pi is approximately equal to 3.14. Actually, the date is 14/03 in much of the world, and the format 3/14 is used in only a few countries including the US and Canada.Also of note, today is Einstein's birthday - three cheers for the father of modern physics! And (thanks to Louis Y for the heads-up) apparently it is also Giovanni Schiaparelli's

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-17293241669379048512009-02-28T10:29:00.009-06:002009-02-28T10:48:43.163-06:00

In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy, and the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing, the FIRST Robotics Competition has a theme of "Lunacy" this year. The game is intended to give the young robot-builders a taste of one of the difficulties of building a lunar vehicle: low friction. Because the moon has about 1/6 the gravity of earth, objects feel about 1/6 the normal force

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-77614544744989565252009-02-23T18:51:00.017-06:002009-02-23T21:28:43.985-06:00

There's a new comet out in the night sky, called Comet Lulin, although Paolo Candy (who took the photo shown here) called it the "Sword Comet" for obvious reasons. The comet has two tails pointing in opposite directions.Generally comets have two tails: one is a narrow ion tail, pointing away from the sun, "blown" (magnetically) by the solar wind. The other tail is a dust tail, which is dust

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-34595242092488053212009-02-17T13:28:00.001-06:002009-02-17T13:31:25.160-06:00

Meeting minutes from the last physics club meeting of winter term, courtesy of Mike H.-Plan Movie Night for next term -Plan Video Game Night for next term in room 304 have wii, guitar hero, rock band, and ps3 -Toy Video Contest commitee- Jess, Alaina, Gee, Jake -T-shirt creation committe- Mark, Mike, Jake REUs, summer research Worth it for money, experience, and sweetness, Apply now.

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-69904509656098124882009-02-11T20:27:00.003-06:002009-02-11T20:30:21.403-06:00

Let's talk about this at the meeting tomorrow:APS is having a Toy Box Physics Video Contest, which fits beautifully with our open house theme, so I think we should give it a try - if anyone is good at video editing.

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-43119117993689647372009-02-07T17:30:00.006-06:002009-02-07T19:37:05.516-06:00

Report: The 0.2 lb bridge held 40 lbs before breaking.

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-54824135114722922602009-02-06T21:14:00.028-06:002010-01-06T13:34:53.134-06:00

Sometimes I have nothing to blog about,and other times, I have so much to say!On Thursday, I found out: a) that the physics club got fully funded by the SGA - yay!b) that the physics club was selected as an SPS Outstanding Chapter for the 2007-08 academic year - yay again!c) that the Putnam Museum is having a bridge-building competition tomorrow (Sat, Feb 6). Luckily they were still accepting

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-24060112599051370782009-01-27T12:33:00.005-06:002009-01-27T13:26:47.333-06:00

*Don't forget the Physics Club Meeting this Thursday&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp As usual - 11:30 am room 120&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp This is our last meeting before the Physics of Toys Open House, so we need to work out the details. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp (By the way, I have an awesome helicopter toy - who wants to explain lift?!)&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Prepare the Open House flyer and webpage.&nbsp

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-70784230208107542782009-01-24T15:51:00.007-06:002009-01-24T16:31:38.961-06:00

The open house today went very well! We had a good number of people involved - five high school seniors and various parental units came to check out Augie Physics, and four Augie physics club members and I came to show them what we're all about. Thanks for helping out Jake, Alaina, Adam, and Jess (in order of appearance)!!First we did a quick presentation about physics and pre-engineering at

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-43996113734262042892009-01-21T22:08:00.012-06:002009-01-22T10:08:25.811-06:00

Here are the club meeting minutes from 1/15/09, courtesy of Mike H:1. science of toys open house Feb. 8th &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp -Kyle is supposed to advertise &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp -we are still looking for a few ideas on demos2. the duck sale will be postponed until next term.3. We are looking for T-shirt ideas4. Fundraiser - Bake sale/old t-shirt sale week 10 the 10-12th5.

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-65242931369576114732009-01-21T21:23:00.004-06:002009-01-21T21:34:31.964-06:00

Don't forget that on Saturday, prospective students will be on campus for Augie's Open House and Scholarship Competition. Part of the physics and astronomy department's open house depends on current (and former?) students. Augie students can offer the high school students a perspective on what it is like to be a physics major and/or physics club member. And show off our outreach toys!! If you

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-69359900279997186822009-01-20T12:05:00.028-06:002009-01-21T21:18:28.637-06:00

I generally keep this blog apolitical, but it's hard not to be excited with the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama. I'll try to keep my comments science-related, at least.I was surprised that President Obama mentioned science in his inaugural address. I wondered how common that was, so I searched recent inaugural addresses for the word "science." Well, I found lots of mentions of "

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-24420511438065365792009-01-14T21:17:00.008-06:002009-01-14T21:28:57.710-06:00

I forgot to post about the physics club meeting tomorrow. Hope everyone remembers, anyway (or got the email).Thursday (1/15/09) 11:30 amScience 120-discuss fundraisers -discuss open house -- need volunteers!-discuss field trips and conferences-discuss Departmental Open House & Scholarship Competition-pizza -contingency to SGA -- getting $$$$ for outreach-take down decorations :(Be sure you dress

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-368334732654774052008-12-27T19:14:00.006-06:002008-12-27T19:31:04.243-06:00

Win Whiteys! First good explanation of the physics-related meaning of this lol-weapon image:For more (and better!) use of art to depict science, check out this astro-dance.If you can't figure it out for yourself, click on more info to the right of the video on YouTube.

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-31854184411830776142008-12-21T16:29:00.021-06:002008-12-21T17:39:05.636-06:00

I have been tired of winter driving for about a week now, and it hasn't even been winter. Today is the December solstice, the official first day of winter here in the northern hemisphere, and the shortest day of the year here.Not a lot shorter. Today is only one second shorter than yesterday, and tomorrow will only be three seconds longer than today. That's the nature of an extremum, like the

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-81315230088440456422008-12-14T21:26:00.003-06:002008-12-14T21:33:12.613-06:00

Don't forget the Christmas Party this Thursday. There will be wonderful things to eat, including pizza and LN ice cream. Bring your favorite games to play. I would bring my new favorite, "Dominion," but I think it takes too long. Some other time, maybe.Our fundraiser last week went very well, once we got everything clarified. I sent out an email saying we'd be selling ducks and baked goods.

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-74378944621384474662008-12-05T21:24:00.007-06:002008-12-05T21:48:14.220-06:00

Physics club minutes 12/4/08 - courtesy of Mike H Ducks SaleDuck sale will be next week:Tuesday 10-12:30 -Adam and KyleWednesday 10-1 -Jessica BellThursday 10-1 Mike and Adam PARTY!!!1!!!1!? In two weeks there will be the 52nd annual physics club all star Christmas bashActivities are to include, but not limited to:-Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream-Cake-Cookies-pizza Open House There is a science of toys

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-56345696751515727802008-12-02T10:16:00.006-06:002008-12-02T11:29:59.437-06:00

Don't forget!Physics Club MeetingThursday (1/4/08) 11:30 amScience 120-discuss the fundraiser for next week - ducky!-discuss Christmas party-possible winter open house-pizza or KFC?-can someone go to an SGA meeting* on getting $$$$?-put up and decorate tree!*Wednesday, December 3rd @ 1-1:30 PM or Thursday, December 4th @ 6-6:30 PM in the OLIN AUDITORIUM

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-39439064722401785102008-11-21T23:30:00.008-06:002008-11-22T18:58:00.541-06:00

Physics Club Minutes 11/20/08 (thanks to Kristen - one very last time!) Bonfire- will be on Sunday at my house. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp It will start at 430, so meet in sc.120 at 4.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Niabi Zoo Rd, Coal Valley, IL 61240 (let me know if you need directions)&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Jake is bringing s'more stuff&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Jess is bringing

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-76717112798388939522008-11-16T16:24:00.012-06:002008-12-02T11:31:02.578-06:00

What a week - sorry it has taken me so long to post!Last weekend, after turning in my grades in record time, I headed off to Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee for the DOE's Science and Energy Research Challenge* - a competition of undergraduate researchers. Of about 500 projects funded by the DOE, almost 200 students applied for the competition. 85 were invited to compete, to present a

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-76925349040867907452008-11-03T18:34:00.003-06:002008-11-03T18:39:40.826-06:00

Don't forget - Dark Knight at the IMAX on Wednesday. Showtime is 2:50 pm. My Modern Physics final ends at 2:00. Meet about 2:15 in room 120 to figure out who's riding with whom. Sounds like fun!

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-18243048839557720172008-11-03T16:07:00.023-06:002008-11-03T17:28:48.615-06:00

I know I say that every year, but it is true every year!Once again my students were given extra credit for dressing up for Halloween - nothing like a little bribery ;)In my intro class (sorry, no photo), students dressed up as a police officer, a Jack-o-Lantern (or Hilly-o-lantern), static electricity, Schroedinger's cat, Superman/Clark Kent, and box springs (yes, actual box springs, including

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-84298267010323166052008-10-31T21:03:00.011-05:002008-10-31T21:21:56.349-05:00

Courtesy of Kristen & CJVHappy Halloween!!! Here's what up in the Club of Physics ASTRONOMY OPEN HOUSE IS TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!! (Saturday) &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp o It starts at 7PM. Be there at 6:30 if you would like to volunteer.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp § You can wear a costume if you'd likeHallowgrams went well (we made a profit) thanks to all of those who

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-32585236244437792552008-10-28T20:19:00.004-05:002008-10-28T21:35:38.121-05:00

Last physics club meeting of the term this Thursday!Be there for pizza, pumpkins, Halloween treats, and - yes - I got pop this time!IF YOU WANT TO CARVE A PUMPKIN AT THURSDAYS MEETING LET ME KNOW BY WEDNESDAY!!!!! They will be $5, so be ready to pay said five dollars if you want a pumpkin. Happy Haunting!

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-22204008885548136982008-10-24T19:34:00.004-05:002008-10-24T19:41:36.927-05:00

AUGUSTANA’S JOHN DEERE PLANETARIUM OPEN HOUSESaturday, Nov. 1st, 7:00-8:30PMHelpers are needed Here are the details:John Deere Planetarium will be open to the public on Saturday, November 1, 2008 for the annual Fall Open House, from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., with indoor and outdoor programs led by planetarium director Dr. Lee Carkner. Admission is free. The star of this year’s show will be

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-41900565938100346472008-10-22T19:41:00.009-05:002008-10-22T20:33:54.652-05:00

Our Hallow-gram fundraiser is in full swing, and going well. If you want to order one of these Halloween-themed candy-grams to be delivered on Halloween, find your way down to the physics club table in the college center tomorrow. Or post a comment here, and we'll make it work. 50 cents to send a fun-size candy bar, 75 cents to send a glow-in-the-dark rubber duck that is dressed up for

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-25119162402543593422008-10-16T18:30:00.008-05:002008-10-16T18:41:15.146-05:00

Physics Club Minutes: 10/16/08, courtesy of Kristen∞We won the mixed division of the regatta race!!! YAY∞HollowgramsTable Sitters- CAN ANYBODY VOLUNTEER IN THE OPEN TIME SLOTS !!!!?????? 10-1030 Tuesday:Kyle Wednesday: ______ Thursday: ______ 1030-11 Tuesday: Kyle Wednesday: ______ Thursday: ______ 11-1130 Tuesday: Kyle Wednesday: ______ Thursday: Jake1130-12 Tuesday: Kyle

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-90248947919348499342008-10-12T21:55:00.005-05:002008-10-16T00:33:19.352-05:00

Don't forget the Physics Club meeting this Thursday, Oct 16, 11:30 am, in Science 120.Join us to *hear how open house and homecoming events went*carve/draw on pumpkins*discuss our Hallow-gram fundraiser*discuss APOP, boyscouts*discuss pumpkin picking? bonfire?*discuss Gabe's visit*eat pizza!*anything else?

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-59175710879262429892008-10-12T21:14:00.007-05:002008-10-12T21:55:15.594-05:00

Physics Club is planning a fundraiser for next week in the college Center, selling Hallow-grams, which are Halloween-themed candy-grams, including a holgram sticker. We may also sell pumpkins to decorate, buttons, and T-shirts.To advertise our "physically attractive" T-shirt, we'd like to build a scarecrow to wear it in the College Center. Come by Science 120 tomorrow (Monday) from 2:30-4:30 to

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-39144537344171190552008-10-11T16:17:00.009-05:002008-10-31T21:28:43.186-05:00

Unfortunately Augustana lost the homecoming football game today, but the physics club had a great day.Once again, our cardboard boat took first place in the mixed-gender division, thanks to rowers Adam and Jake, and tons of work done over the past month by Alaina and others (but mostly Alaina :). And it really was homecoming for our alums - so awesome to see Tom, Dan, and Vivian (and to meet Liz

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-87092530255984560202008-10-09T21:12:00.012-05:002008-10-09T22:02:08.049-05:00

Maybe Meag was right; maybe I am a puppet master.* How else do you explain ten people showing up at a rope pull for physics club?! We made a good showing, I'd have to say. Our first opponent was a team full of giant males - I think they were shaking in their boots when they saw we had two members under 5-foot-and-100-pounds! But we gave them a run for their money and held them off for a good

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-16415669738512088452008-10-05T22:05:00.009-05:002008-10-11T17:46:13.518-05:00

The news of the day:The open house today went well. The demos were a lot of fun and seemed to connect well with the kids (photos coming soon!). A Dispatch/Argus newspaper reporter and a channel 4 newsperson were there, so we might get some publicity. I only wish they would do the publicity before the event instead of after. We didn't have a large turnout. Maybe the weather was too nice.

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-36091013232822873852008-10-02T15:13:00.000-05:002008-10-02T15:15:07.972-05:00

Physics Club Minutes: 10/2/08courtesy of KristenOpen House- SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!! 10/5Demos/Leaders- Projectile Motion and Relative Motion (same room) Jess BelleDrag and Friction- Louis and ?Kristen? Elasticity- Jake (same room)Rotation- OssianCan we get balls from PepsiCo??? Don't know but Carkner volunteered his astronomy toys to the cause, so long as we return them in one piece. OutingsPossible

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-47044015467329121282008-10-01T16:15:00.006-05:002008-10-01T20:51:45.210-05:00

Physics Club MeetingThursday, Oct 2, 11:30 amScience 120Partial agenda:Prep for the Open HouseDiscuss trip(s) to Chicago Science, Physics conferencesBoat BuildingTable for Homecomingfundraiser - hologramsfundraiser - consessions?cub scout troop demo

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-91313347251060163912008-09-28T14:33:00.025-05:002008-09-28T17:29:49.539-05:00

Our Olympic-themed Physics Open House is Sunday, Oct 5, 1-4 pm. Come join the fun!Demo ideas we talked about (I'll add more if I remember more - remind me in the comments, if you think of something I missed):Friction and Drag - Friend and Foe&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Swimmers swim faster if there is low drag. Special swim suits, shaving arms and legs, etc. Demonstrate using different materials

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-53637479600559600932008-09-26T22:39:00.008-05:002008-09-26T22:53:26.889-05:00

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is offline for now. A helium leak was discovered and perhaps some electrical problem with the magnets.The magnets that keep the beam going in the ring are superconducting, and thus must be cooled to liquid helium temperatures to work. In order to fix them, they need to be warmed back up to room temperature. The reason for warming them up is similar to the reason

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-34766546586879925172008-09-26T22:35:00.004-05:002008-09-28T00:07:34.215-05:00

Update: Photos of build can be found at http://picasaweb.google.com/quantumberry/PhysicsClubCardboardBoat2008?authkey=wgsvIh9Aqf0# More will be added, so check back.Boat Building for the Homecoming Regatta will continue Saturday at 1 pm in room 107 Science.The next Physics Club meeting will be this Thursday, Oct 2, 11:30 am, 120 Science.Papa John's raised their prices - is there a better place

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-10437520714698577742008-09-21T21:17:00.009-05:002008-09-22T17:49:08.277-05:00

Tomorrow is not only the beginning of cardboard boat building, it is also the beginning of autumn (all facts here are for the northern hemisphere, north of the tropics).On the autumnal equinox, the sun crosses the celestial equator. During the summer, the sun had been rising north of east and setting north of west. After the equinox, the sun will begin to rise south of east and set south of

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-5482699917112432242008-09-21T19:47:00.010-05:002008-09-23T00:19:14.038-05:00

Update: photosWe had a fun time apple-picking and boat-building today. We rode a hay-rack, some of us climbed trees, some of us raced through a wetlands, we made several attempts at group photos (coming soon?), and we even found time to pick 76 pounds of apples. Then we came back to Augie and planned our boat design, decided on supplies we needed, and wished we had some pizza. And we decided

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-69995522022867083892008-09-20T14:32:00.004-05:002008-09-20T14:36:59.988-05:00

Physics Club Minutes 9/18/08 courtesy of KristinIntroductions: take 2HOMECOMING Regatta- we set a date to start the build- THIS SUNDAY at 230pm inthe science building Festival- Jake will be writing a letter to Physics Alumni to invitethem to our table Trebuchet- many ideas, but need to get them approved by Dean C.Before we can move any further on them.OPEN HOUSE The

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-55234209575727374372008-09-19T20:41:00.006-05:002008-09-19T21:26:41.006-05:00

Yarrr, it is international talk-like-a-pirate day :DAnyway, I don't have all the minutes from the physics club meeting yet, but I thought I'd better get info about this weekend up right away.It seems a speaker fell on the screen at the IMAX, so we will not be going to see Dark Knight at the IMAX this weekend. We'll keep you posted - we still hope to go sometime.Instead we will be going

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-17059280022910397382008-09-15T21:40:00.011-05:002008-09-15T21:55:02.445-05:00

Don't forget the physics club meeting this Thursay, Sep 18, 11:30 am in Science 120.We really need to nail down the details on many events that are coming up quickly:*The Dark Knight at IMAX - probably this Sunday at 4:00 or 6:50*Homecoming - Oct 11 doesn't sound like it is that soon, but we have a lot to do before then:&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Trebuchet Re-Build&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Posters and

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-39520286545918443472008-09-14T22:31:00.003-05:002008-09-14T22:34:20.775-05:00

Want to keep an eye on the Large Hadron Collider (you know you do!)Check out the webcams - pretty interesting!(Thanks to Dan for the link and Jake for the image)

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-64563095983260383312008-09-13T14:02:00.016-05:002008-09-13T23:30:29.267-05:00

Watched Monk last night. I generally enjoy the show, but last night I could hardly get past the shameful physics. Monks friends were enjoying a double rainbow (I love double rainbows - very dangerous while I'm driving). They were making a big point that Monk couldn't enjoy the rainbow because of his psychological issues, so they kept showing people looking at it - over and over. Unfortunately

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-76016337805528878872008-09-10T22:13:00.003-05:002008-09-10T23:18:37.536-05:00

There was much to-do leading up to the Large Hadron Collider's first circulating beam today. Many questions were asked of me, as a physics teacher:Q: What's a hadron? A: A hadron is anything made of quarks (and/or anti-quarks), like the protons and lead ions that will be colliding in the LHC.Q: Is the world coming to an end because of the LHC? A: Not likely. Collisions of this energy occur

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-7663700075356455382008-09-07T15:22:00.012-05:002008-09-07T18:35:35.842-05:00

Physics Club Meeting - September 4th 2008Opportunities for involvement are in bold. Contact info at the end.&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Minutes courtesy of Alaina and Kristin - tag team!*Introductions:&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Welcome to Physics Club!*What We Do:&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Put on Open houses, APOP (Augustana Physics Outreach Program), Alternate Weekly meetings- accompanied by pizza and

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-25466170860880752762008-08-30T21:40:00.000-05:002008-08-30T21:47:16.619-05:00

The first physics club meeting of the year will be Thursday, Sep 4, 11:30 am, Science 120. Be there for:&nbsp *the traditional physics club photo&nbsp *pizza, pop, and maybe some delicious baked goods (be nice to me :p)and to discuss:&nbsp *outings, such as "Dark Knight" at the IMAX and Fermilab field trip&nbsp *outreach, such as Olympic Fever Open House and grade school visits&nbsp *Homecoming

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-72331735709018005192008-08-28T21:27:00.005-05:002008-08-28T21:39:40.961-05:00

If you are on campus, be sure to welcome our new physics faculty member. Dr. Michael Kroupa is here on a one-year appointment. His office is Science 206, and he is teaching PHYS 101 this term. But he will be teaching upper-level courses winter and spring: Computer Applications, Advanced Lab, and Solid State. And if you haven't yet met Dr. James van Howe, now in his 2nd year, be sure to

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34365319.post-19229792366036673782008-08-21T18:01:00.009-05:002008-08-21T19:15:37.254-05:00

Hey, it's time to get back on board with Physics Club events.Tomorrow (Fri, Aug 22) from 4-6 pm: New Student Activities Fair. Anyone who can help out at the physics club table, stop by Pepsico. The more, the merrier! There will be fliers, posters, demos (come just to play with the plasma ball!!), and maybe even candy. Thu, Sep 4 (Thurs of week 2), 11:30 am, Science 120: First physics club

Augie Physicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11963544083663971047noreply@blogger.com0