Local children will have the opportunity to learn about music during spring break at the next CU Wizards show on Saturday, March 27, at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Jim Faller, who is a JILA fellow, chief of the Quantum Physics division of NIST and CU-Boulder physics professor, will present "The Physics of Music" at 9:30 a.m. in the Duane Physics building, room G1B30. NIST is the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The event is free and open to the public.
Faller will explain the science concepts involved in sound and music. He will use musical instruments that he built from bamboo, a garden hose, funnels and wood to demonstrate how the two concepts are related to one another.
A curiosity about music, a love of teaching and a hobby of making handmade classroom props are reasons Faller enjoys presenting "The Physics of Music."
"Physics is a way of thinking which is virtually applicable to everything," Faller said. "I would like the kids to realize they can also think about music in a scientific way."
Faller says the CU-Wizards series offers a great benefit to the community, but he would like to see more children from outside of Boulder take advantage of the program.
The CU Wizards series is an annual program that provides an informal introduction to astronomy, chemistry and physics. It includes presentations by CU-Boulder faculty representing various fields of expertise.
While the programs are recommended for children in grades five through nine, all ages are welcome. Reservations are not required.
Free parking is available in Lots 169, 378 and 396, north, east and south of Folsom Stadium respectively, and in Lot 436 east of the engineering center. Paid parking is available in the Euclid Autopark.
People with a disability or special need should notify the physics department at 303-492-6952 a few days in advance of the show. For general information about the CU Wizards program and schedule call 303-492-4318.
The next program in the series, "Chemical Reactions, Forward and Backward," will be presented by chemistry professor Tom Cech on April 24 in the Chemistry building, room 140.