Science Week just might teach about more than just science
Music and dancing will be as much a part of this year’s Science Week as physics and chemistry demonstrations. A music competition, rock climbing and a dance will compliment lectures and exhibits throughout the week of March 19-23, according to event coordinators.
Mitch Morgan, Science Week coordinator and member of the Science Council, said the week will be a chance to show the community what the college does.
“I hope they can get a better understanding of what the College of Science is and what programs we have.”
Morgan said the event he looks forward to most is the Smarty Pants Laser Dance, beginning at 9 p.m., Friday in the atrium of the Eccles Science Learning Center. The dance falls on the anniversary of the invention of the laser, he said, and the setting and theme will be unique.
“To our knowledge, there’s never been a dance in that building before,” Morgan said.
Science Senator Joe Watson said coordinators will set up lasers in the atrium and give out 2,000 glow sticks.
“The whole dance is free,” Watson said. “We want everyone to come and have a good time.”
Students are encouraged to dress in nerdy outfits, and prizes will be given for the nerdiest costumes.
Science Week events begin with the seventh annual String Theory Songwriting Competition. USU students compete with original music and lyrics performed on acoustic-only instruments. The competition will begin at noon in the TSC International Lounge, Watson said.
Last year, the contest drew 10 musical acts and 50-75 spectators, he said. Prizes include a $50 gift card to KSM Music, a $50 gift card to the USU Bookstore and a free meal card from Dining Services.
Monday at 7 p.m., Teaching Laboratory Supervisor James Coburn will provide a physics demonstration in ESLC 130. Coburn said the demonstrations include battery in a beaker, liquid nitrogen and a Ruben’s Tube, a device that demonstrates standing waves with fire.
Coburn said the comparison of helium and hydrogen balloons will be particularly exciting.
“What the Science Council was advertising is explosions,” Coburn said. “Sure, there will be some explosions.”
Physics demonstrations can help people overcome their negative perceptions and possibly take interest in science, Coburn said.
“People might know that physics can be intimidating, but physics can also be fun,” Coburn said.
Students curious about the extracurricular activities offered in the College of Science can attend exhibits by science-themed clubs in the TSC International Lounge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday. Among the groups presenting will be the Society of Physics Students and the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club, Watson said.
Club exhibits are designed to attract the interest of students regardless of whether they are studying science, he said.
“The lounge day is not geared toward science students,” Watson said. “Science students are already involved in that kind of stuff; they’re already doing lab work. The demos are for any age group and any person can do these demos.”
Tasha Prettyman, science senator in the Graduate Student Senate, said there will be a screening, in the TSC Auditorium at 7 p.m., Wednesday, of the 2011 comedy about two graduate students, called “Piled Higher and Deeper,” a play on the term Ph.D.
A rock wall will be set up on the TSC Patio, from noon to 2 p.m., Thursday to celebrate geology, Watson said.
A banquet commemorating the life of Sir Isaac Newton will be held for students of the College of Science, at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday in the Skyroom. The banquet is the only Science Week event not open to all students, Morgan said. Tuesday marks the 285th anniversary of Newton’s death.
– steve.kent@aggiemail.usu.edu