Physics Professor Turns Classroom Into a Stage of Wonder
SALT LAKE CITY — In an extraordinary blend of education and entertainment, University of Utah professor Adam Beehler transforms his classroom into a vibrant showcase of physics, demonstrating concepts that might seem like magic to his students. His latest workday featured captivating demonstrations including shrink-wrapping a student in vacuum-sealed plastic and levitating another using a leaf blower-powered hovercraft.
Beehler’s role encompasses managing a vast collection of demonstration equipment, conducting live demonstrations for fellow instructors, and guiding students through his engaging course, "The Way Things Work," a unique twist on traditional physics education. This approach sparks curiosity and excitement among students as they experience firsthand the wonders of scientific principles.
One of Beehler’s standout demonstrations illustrates atmospheric pressure. He ensconces a student within a plastic bag, evacuating the air to visually show the effects of pressure. Such vivid examples help students grasp concepts like Pascal’s Principle, where pressure in a confined liquid is transmitted equally in all directions, illustrated by another student floating effortlessly across the classroom on a hovercraft powered by a leaf blower.
As Beehler draws his demonstration to a close, he channels a touch of theatricality by holding two fluorescent tubes near a large Van de Graaff generator, summoning crackling bolts of purple lightning. The bulbs ignite, and with the dramatic score of "Also sprach Zarathustra" playing in the background, Beehler stands akin to a modern-day Zeus, completing the spectacle with a show-stopping flourish.
“Sometimes the students will think, ‘Oh, that’s magic,’ but physics seems like magic,” Beehler emphasizes. “It’s just the magic of the universe. It just naturally works that way.” This enthusiasm for understanding the laws of nature mirrors a profound biblical principle: the universe is filled with intricacies pointing to a Creator who designed it all.
In Romans 1:20, it is written, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” Just as Beehler reveals the mysteries of physics, the world around us offers a glimpse into the greater truths of existence, encouraging us to ponder our place within the divine tapestry of creation.
As students engage with the remarkable principles of physics, they are also invited to reflect on deeper spiritual truths. Just as the students experience awe through scientific phenomena, we too are called to marvel at the wonders of creation and the underlying truths of our faith.
In this blend of science and inspiration, there lies an invitation: Explore the world with curiosity, and seek to understand not only the physical laws that govern it but also the spiritual truths that uplift our existence. Embrace the mysteries that surround you, for they may reveal profound lessons about the nature of life itself.
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