Home - Melbourne University Physics Promotion, Education and Teaching Service / WARP

If the answer to these questions is YES then we need your help ! For many years the School of Physics has run a variety of outreach programs, ranging from the very young to the..., well let's call them not-so-olds..

You have an opportunity to help shape our next endeavour. Specifically, we would like to focus on encouraging young students to take on higher level physics in Years 11 and 12. (we have many existing programs aimed at younger ages). How can you help ? Well by sharinhg with us your idea of what we could do to help you -- ie is it equipment, it is labs, is it access to facilties that you don't have in schools. Please Contact Us with your initial idea and provide a contact number. We'd love to hear from you.

Cheers Roger, Max and Nick.

Last Updated ( Feb 02, 2009 at 02:36 PM )

International Year of Astronomy

Aug 03, 2008 at 11:08 AM

In case you haven't heard, the UN has declared 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy. You can visit the official website for the celebration here at http://www.astronomy2009.org/

A brief History of Telescopes*
In July 1609, Galileo was in Venice, when he heard of an invention that allowed distant objects to be seen as distinctly as if they were nearby. In October 1608, a Flemish spectacle-maker by the name of Hans Lipperhey had already applied for a patent (which was refused), and news of the gadget was widespread in Europe by the time Galileo had heard of it. Around the same time, a foreigner turned up in Padua with the instrument; Galileo rushed back to Padua, only to learn that the foreigner had gone to Venice to sell his instrument. Galileo's friend, Paolo Sarpi, had advised the Venetian government against purchasing the instrument from the foreigner, since Galileo could at least match such an invention. By then, Galileo had worked out the principle of the telescope and returned to Venice himself with an eight-power telescope. The Venetian government doubled his salary, though Galileo felt that the original conditions were not honoured.Galileo gradually improved the power of his telescope, grinding lenses himself, and began observing the heavens. and in just 400 years !!.... IYA2009) is an ideal opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the many contributions made to society by Astronomy. During the year we are planning several public events with local and international experts. Be you student or researcher, professional or amateur there will be plenty of opportunity for you to take part. * Courtesy of Sachiko Kusukawa, Dept. of History and Philosophy of Science of the University of Cambridge.

Last Updated ( Feb 02, 2009 at 02:33 PM )

Welcome to the Melbourne University WARP Home

Jan 17, 2007 at 11:49 PM

Welcome to the Melbourne University Physics Promotion, Education and Teaching Home Page, and the online presence of WARP.

Presenting physics in an exciting and informative way is the aim of this highly popular program. The program consists of a fascinating production by outstanding presenters led by Dr Roger & Patch of the School of Physics, of carefully selected demonstrations of basic physics phenomena. There are two forms of the program: visits to individual schools and a theatre production that includes a fascinating laser show. The events are available to schools both in the metropolitan area and in country areas

Why not arrange for your school (yrs 5-8) to be part of the 2009 MUPPETS program. To arrange a visit, please Contact Us.

Teachers, feel free to download our worksheets for use in class, and please don't hesitate to contact us to find out more.

We are really grateful for the generous support of Colonial Foundation. Their financial support allows us to continue to provide all of our services at no charge. So far, we have performed 100s of shows to more than 15,000 students - and they all know that Science can be Fun! Thank you to all of the people who helped make this support come through.

The MUPPETS/WARP Team

Last Updated ( Feb 02, 2009 at 02:21 PM )