Monday, February 17, 2025

‘Physics in Film’ Brings Hands-On Children’s Activities to W&M Science Festival

William & Mary physics students concocting a batch of liquid nitrogen ice cream, one of the offerings at PhysicsFest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday in Small Hall (Photo courtesy of William & Mary)
William & Mary physics students concocting a batch of liquid nitrogen ice cream, one of the offerings at PhysicsFest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday in Small Hall (Photo courtesy of William & Mary)

Liquid nitrogen ice cream, light sabers and a demonstration based on the Disney blockbuster “Frozen” are all included in this year’s PhysicsFest at the College of William & Mary.

The annual festival brings presentations and hands-on science for all ages from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in Small Hall.

This year’s theme is “Physics in Film,” giving guests the chance to test the magic of the big screen in real life.

The “Star Wars” room will feature the light saber show, while invisible ink, a laser maze and an infrared camera are the highlights in the spy movie room. For adventurers, there is also an “Indiana Jones”-themed obstacle course and hovercraft to test.

Weather permitting, visitors can take a trip to the Thomas Harriot Observatory on the roof of Small Hall to see sunspots, and aspiring astronauts can launch rockets.

PhysicsFest will also include tours of the research labs from noon to 4 p.m., presentations by professors, and an undergraduate poster session and competition for a glimpse at what the next generation of scientists is studying.

The public can also get involved through a photo and video contest, which comes with a prize pool of $200. Submissions are due by Wednesday. Click here to learn more about the criteria.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the PhysicsFest website.

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