By Serena Dai

Thinking about adding some kick into the curriculum? Needing a supplement to an already superb physics speech? Brad Armen is your man.

Armen creates and collects various models for lecture demonstrations, all of which are organized in Nielsen 305.

“[In physics] we deal with things that are, in theory, related to the real world,” Armen said. “We can actually embellish lectures with examples from the real world.”

The models can be as simple as Newton’s cradle, but “handled right, they can be an educational thing. Even if you don’t [handle it right], it’s a good psychological boost for the class.”

There are approximately 130 demos for use in all aspects of physics. For convenience, lecturers just have to visit the Web to locate an example that will fit the curriculum. Once lecturers have picked out the needed demo, they can go to Nielsen 305 and find the “canned” lecture demos through labels.

“Basically it’s a bunch of stuff these guys can put together to elucidate some fascinating principle of nature,” said Armen.
While the use of demos is personal to individual lecturers, the resources are certainly available if they want them. Visit www.phys.utk.edu/demoroom and Nielsen room 305 to get the kick to your curriculum.