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HSC Kickstart Physics

Tom Gordon Science communicator at the University Sydney School of Physics

Framed by the motor effect

HSC Physics made accessible for students and teachers. Get inside the experiments, including Generators, Cathode ray tubes and the Wilson cloud chamber. See the experiments of Hertz, Lenz, J.J. Thompson, Einstein and more. All in the setting of a real Physics Lab in the historic Physics Building at the University of Sydney.

Your class will spend a two and half hours going through our experiments in small groups. Each group has its own dynamic demonstrator and covers highlights of the syllabus in depth. Worksheets are provided for all students and teachers. A pen and a calculator will be needed throughout the workshops.

Custom workshops are an option - choose 5 experiments from the above modules. Or if you have other requests (e.g. Crookes discharge tubes, or force between two wires demo), contact us and we will do our best to help you.

HSC Kickstart Bookings

Kickstart bookings are now open for 2012. You can book with the Online booking form
OR
contact us with the details given below

Kickstart Physics hits the road

The Kickstart on the Road team has started plans for their 2012 adventure. More details in the link below. See the Latest Physics news for more about kickstart on the road 2012.

Some of the Kickstart demonstrators

Kickstart demonstrators at the Parkes Radio Telescope

In July 2011, Kickstart visited Wagga Wagga, Dubbo and Armidale on its annual trip. Click here for more details.

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Modules

Kickstart workshops are hands-on workshops addressing specific dotpoints from the HSC Physics syllabus. The dotpoints covered are specified on the Syllabus dotpoints page.

Up close with the CRT

Up close with the CRT

From Ideas to Implementations:

  • Hertz's Experiment
  • Photoelectric effect
  • Cathode rays
  • Semiconductors
  • Superconductors and the meissner effect




Motors and Generators:

Elie and motors

Motors for generation

  • Motor Effect
  • Electromagnetic Induction and Lenz's Law
  • AC Induction Motors
  • Generators
  • Transformers







Quanta to Quarks:

ARC CoEPP
  • Wilson Cloud Chamber
  • Atomic emission spectra (including Hydrogen)
  • Penetration of Radioactive emission
  • Tracking fundamental particles
  • Mass defect in radioactive decay

The School of Physics is the home to one of the nodes for the Australian Research Council Center of Excellence for Particle Physics at the Terascale. Some elements of the Quanta to Quarks module is supported by the research into high energy particle physics being done here at the school.





Space:

Michelson Morley experiment

Michelson Morley interferometer

This topic consist of the Michelson-Morley Experiment and Einstein explained lecture. A full Space kickstart workshop is under development. It will include the following topics:

  • Speed and velocity
  • Projectile motion
  • Acceleration
  • C and relativity
  • Energy and rocket science





Medical Physics and Senior Science:

A Medical Physics module is has been developed. It ran successfully in early September 2011 and we hope to have it ready to go again in 2012. The senior science syllabus will also have a chance to come and visit the School of Physics. Experiments for these workshops will include ultrasound, radiation, laser, fibre optics and more.

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Costs

$25 per student

There is no charge for teachers. For custom modules of more than 6 experiments, additional charges will apply.

Once you book in for your session a tax invoice will be sent to you. You can pay by cheque, visa, mastercard or bankcard. Cash payment is not accepted. Refunds will only be given under consideration.

We also request that final student numbers be confirmed at least one week prior to attending your workshop.

Note: If your students arrive late for a session, we cannot guarantee that your workshop can run beyond the allocated end time to compensate.

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Discount offer

The Sydney Observatory and the School of Physics are offering a discount to schools that complete Kickstart workshops and a visit to the Observatory on the same day.

  • Kickstart
    $22 per student
  • Sydney Observatory
    $6 per student

Housekeeping

Students must wear closed toe footwear while in the laboratory, and long hair should be tied back. Full Safety information about Kickstart Workshops is found in our risk assessment forms.

Parking on the University campus is unrestricted outside the areas denoted as University Vehicles Only. The cost is $24 per day or $2 per hour after 3 pm. A minibus of 15 seats or less can park in any valid parking spots on campus. For buses larger than this, you will need to find parking on surrounding public streets. A free parking permit can be organised for you if you contact us in advance and specify the date of your visit and the registration number of your vehicle. Note that this does not guarantee you a parking space.

Ralphs Cafe - The educators of great food and quality coffee

Ralphs Cafe



Food and Drinks: water is available in the lab. Students are advised to bring their own food, Ralphs cafe is nearby, and we have drink vouchers.

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Contact Us


If you wish to book a Kickstart session please: Go to the Online booking form
OR
email us :

  • Your contact details, (school name, address, phone and fax)
  • Number of students.
  • Preferred modules.
  • Three suggested dates. During Uni terms Kickstart is unavailable on Wednesday & Thursday afternoons. You can find a timetable of current bookings here. The maximum class size is 35 students.
  • Start times for your workshop.

We will contact you within a couple of days to confirm your booking.

Kickstart Physics is co-ordinated by Tom Gordon and Alex Green.

Phone: 9351 3201
Fax: 9036 7158
Email:

Kickstart is also available in Biology, Chemistry and Anatomy & Histology. See the Science Faculty website for more details.

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