Dana Anderson, optical physicist and professor of physics at CU-Boulder, will explain the marvels of light and lasers to local children at the next CU Wizards show, "Fantastic Light," on campus on Saturday, May 29.
The free presentation, at 9:30 a.m. in the Duane Physics building, room G-030, is designed for children in grades five through nine. Reservations are not required.
Anderson will explore the use of light and lasers in everyday life, from compact disc players to suntans, in the one-hour show. He will demonstrate the light spectrum by changing white light into colors and colors back into white light. He also will display glowing optical fibers, a powerful laser beam and some of the tiniest lasers in the world.
Anderson is a JILA fellow and specializes in optical physics, which includes information processing, holography and laser physics. He has given demonstrations at elementary schools and is presenting "Fantastic Light" for the sixth year.
"I like to see the smiling kids faces . . . I like to hear their 'oohs' and 'aahs,' " he said.
Anderson said that while the students may not have a deep appreciation of science, after the show he would like them to be able to understand that light and optics are a crucial part of nature and technology.
He suggests that parents who attend the show should come with pen and paper ready to write down information they can share with their children at home.
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 in several areas of expertise.
Free parking is available in lot 378 east of the stadium, lots 396 and 169 north of the stadium and lot 436 east of the Engineering Center. Anyone with a disability or special need should notify the physics department at 303-492-6952 a few days in advance of the show.
American Sign Language interpretation will be available for those who are deaf or hearing-impaired. For general information about the CU Wizards program call 303-492-4318.