Physics is all around us, but sometimes it’s hard to notice because we take it for granted! Are you having some trouble thinking of what physics to record for the Wonders of Physics Video Competition? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Below in each physics topic, we have some questions that could kickstart your curiosity, materials in your home that could spark your science imagination, some inexpensive products that could lead to great demonstrations, and even a few simple experiments that you could start filming!
We hope this will help you get started on your video, and of course, we encourage you think of even more physics to film!
The Physics of Motion
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Ever wonder…
- How does a rocket propel itself into space?
- How do objects balance?
- How does the classic tablecloth trick work?
Maybe you can explain the answer to one of these in a video!
Some materials around your home that could spark your curiosity
- Lego wheels
- Windup toys
- Various athletic balls
- Metal chain
Some things you could buy that can get you started
Some experiments you could try at home!
The Physics of Sound
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Ever wonder…
- Can we hear things in space?
- How do our ears work?
- How do instruments create different notes?
Maybe you can explain the answer to one of these in a video!
Some materials around your home that could spark your curiosity
- Rubber bands
- String/rope
- PVC tubes
Some things you could buy that can get you started
Some experiments you could try at home!
The Physics of Heat
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Ever wonder…
- How does a pressure cooker work?
- Can you cool your kitchen by opening your fridge?
- Why does hot air look wavey?
Maybe you can explain the answer to one of these in a video!
Some materials around your home that could spark your curiosity
- Water and ice
- Wooden and metal spoons
- Thermometer
Some things you could buy that can get you started
- Mood ring
- Drinking bird
- Nitinol wire, the memory wire
Some experiments you could try at home!
The Physics of Electricity
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Ever wonder…
- What causes lightning and thunder?
- Why you shouldn’t put metal in a microwave?
- How do we build up static electricity?
Maybe you can explain the answer to one of these in a video!
Some materials around your home that could spark your curiosity
- Wire
- Batteries
- Balloons and carpet
Some things you could buy that can get you started
Some experiments you could try at home!
The Physics of Magnetism
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Ever wonder…
- Why are only certain metals magnetic?
- How are magnets used in an electric motor?
- How is the Earth’s magnetic field created?
Maybe you can explain the answer to one of these in a video!
Some materials around your home that could spark your curiosity
- Fridge magnets
- Magnets in your laptop or speakers
- Magnetic compass
Some things you could buy that can get you started
- Neodymium magnets and magnetic viewing film
- Ferrofluid
- Rattlesnake eggs
Some experiments you could try at home!
The Physics of Light
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Ever wonder…
- How do polarized sunglasses work?
- Why are sunsets red?
- Why do things look small in the passenger mirror of a car?
- What does Isaac Newton have to do with color?
Maybe you can explain the answer to one of these in a video!
Some materials around your home that could spark your curiosity
- Polarized sunglasses
- Curved reflective surfaces (metal spoon, make up mirror, car passenger mirror)
- Eyeglasses or magnifying glasses
Some things you could buy that can get you started
Some experiments you could try at home!
Quantum Physics
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Ever wonder…
- How does a neon sign work?
- What does an atom actually look like?
- What’s a qubit?
- How will quantum computers be different from normal computers?
Maybe you can explain the answer to one of these in a video!
Some materials around your home that could spark your curiosity
- Glow in the dark stickers
- Cat laser toy
- Tinsel
Some things you could buy that can get you started
Some experiments you could try at home!
Want to see some examples of videos? These aren’t submissions to our contest, but they still are great examples of videos explaining physics in an awesome way!
Here are a few more resources:
- Physics Demonstrations by
- More demo ideas from the Wonders of Physics team
- Find some inspiration from these physics demos from the UW Physics Department