The Little
Shop of
Physics theme always has two points to make. Each year, we focus on a
particular physical phenomenon; that gives the name to the tour. This
year, we are exploring how things change when they spin. For
example, the tires on your bicycle are very stable when you're in
motion - they're spinning. But when they stop it becomes very
difficult to keep that bicycle upright! A lot of atmospheric systems
depend on their cyclic motion as well. The wind is just the
wind when it's blowing normally. It has no distinct shape.
When the wind beins to spin, it becomes a tornado or a
hurricane. Now it has a shape - it's a thing and very
powerful. Each visitor gets a gift that fits with our theme,
so that they can continue experimenting when they get home.
Understanding that things change when they start
spinning is important to understanding the earth’s climate and how and
why it’s
changing—part of our continued emphasis on the science of the
atmosphere.
But
there’s another reason for each of
our themes, a less literal translation. We want kids to think of
science differently. To put
a spin on it,
if you will. We want them to know that science is a way of seeing more,
of doing more, than they’d thought possible. And to know that science
is something they can do with everyday materials.
And that's where the fun starts!
Check
out some great photos from this year's tour here!
