Physics was not a stellar subject for me. I took it in high school, and then took a “physics for non-science majors” at U of I, and I still have no idea what I actually learned (though to be completely transparent, Loomis Lab was very far from my apartment and I didn’t always make it there…ahem). However, I do realize that having a basic knowledge of physics gives a solid understanding of how our world works, and therefore I am so very grateful for the people who invest the time and energy to explaining it to us non-science-y folk.
At the University of Illinois, those people have been at it for 30 years with the program Saturday Physics for Everyone. From the website:
By attending Saturday Physics for Everyone, you will learn about recent advances in the physical sciences, you will gain an understanding of how physics affects development in modern technology, and influences your life on a daily basis. A question and answer session is held at the end of each program. This is your chance to interact with renowned scientific leaders in the research community.
On October 28th, there will be a 30th anniversary celebration of Saturday Physics for Everyone at Loomis Lab, with a days worth of events that are free and open to the public. There will be live demos, panel discussions, lab tours, a lecture from program founder Professor David Herzog, and even a liquid nitrogen explosion to close out the day’s festivities.
There will be a light breakfast from Panera in the morning, lunch from Jimmy John’s, and of course cake.
The only thing you need to register for is the lab tour, as there is limited space. Find full details at the Saturday Physics for Everyone website.
Saturday Physics for Everyone 30th Anniversary
Loomis Lab
1110 W Green Street
Urbana
October 28th, 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.