SPS Science Show and Tell
Last night’s Science Show & Tell was absolutely magnetic—I’m still feeling the pull! From levitating superconductors that had us all floating with excitement to hands-on demos that were positively electrifying, the night was a perfect collision of curiosity and creativity. You could feel the energy in the room (no need for a voltmeter to measure it), and let’s just say, the enthusiasm was contagious—but in a good way, no PPE required.
Our magnetism demos were a force to be reckoned with! The levitating superconductors showcased the magic of YBCO, giving everyone a front-row seat to the wonders of superconductivity. We also demonstrated electromagnetic induction by moving magnets through various pipes—a solid copper pipe, a copper pipe with a slit down the center, and even a PVC pipe—highlighting how different materials influence the eddy currents and the resulting motion. Our diamagnetic graphitic display was equally mesmerizing, as it subtly repelled magnetic fields, defying gravity in its own understated way. And to top it off, we connected an LED to a solenoid and moved a magnet through the center, lighting it up and bringing Faraday’s Law to life right before everyone’s eyes. It was a magnetizing experience from start to finish!
But let’s not forget the highlight of the evening—my fluorescence demo! I showed off how certain materials can absorb light at one wavelength and emit it at another, lighting up the room like it was our own private aurora borealis. The glowing samples had everyone’s attention—it was like watching science in its brightest form! I could see the fascination in people’s eyes as we dove into the physics behind why things glow, and I have to say, the whole presentation was pretty radiant. Turns out, fluorescence is more than just a bright idea—it’s a total crowd-pleaser!
Even if you didn’t present, it was impossible not to get drawn into the fun. Watching fellow SPS members nerd out over their experiments was like observing particles in a high-energy collider—unexpected, dynamic, and full of sparks. From circuits that resisted expectations to experiments that conducted pure wonder, the night was a charged success. Honestly, if you weren’t there, you really missed out on some serious momentum. But don’t worry—we’ll wave you in next time for more science shenanigans. Until then, stay ionically bonded to your curiosity!
