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Physics students wow kids at New Hartford Public Library
"An excellent reminder that physics is everywhere — not just in a textbook."
Kids found more than books at the New Hartford Public Library, as they were greeted by members of Utica University’s Society of Physics Students showing off magic tricks made possible through the wonder of science.
“I love doing outreach because it lets me combine teaching with hands-on fun,” said Sydney Kinsella, a Physics minor and President of the Society. “Watching people discover something new is incredibly rewarding. I loved seeing the students’ faces light up as they experimented with the demonstrations themselves. Moments like that remind me why sharing physics is so important.”
Kinsella was joined by fellow Physics students and Society members Lilia Monsalvae and Norris Edwards, who conducted many demonstrations for children at the library, such as experimenting with static electricity by rubbing a balloon on your head, where it can stick to the wall, and rubbing a plastic stuck with fur to make a can move towards or away from it. They also experimented with electrical energy by hooking up batteries and wires to a light bulb to make it light up, along with many other physics demonstrations.
“One father told their child they could go check out the other toys on display at the library and the kid insisted ‘no, I wanna do more science!’” said Associate Professor of Physics Dr. Hava Turkakin. “That’s the spirit we love to see!”
Seeing hands-on demonstrations like those provided by Utica University students, brings physics from just a concept, to something real and accessible.
“When kids can actually see forces, motion, light, or energy happening right in front of them, it helps them connect the ideas to their everyday life,” Kinsella said. “As physics students, we spend a lot of time learning the theory behind these concepts, so getting to break them down into simple, visual activities is an excellent reminder that physics is everywhere — not just in a textbook. I think it helps spark curiosity and shows them that science is something they can explore, not something to be intimidated by.”
All year-long and for several years now, Utica’s Physics Department offers a variety of outreach activities to libraries and schools in the Greater Utica area through the Society of Physics Students (SPS), promoting public understanding to the benefit of physics education and research.
“We do all sorts of community outreach activities, such as library visits, physics demos at local schools, movie nights, and JEDIS Seminars (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion in Science),” Kinsella explained. “All these events allow us to share our passion for physics and encourage others to learn and become more interested in Science!”
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