Originally Published 09 March 2004

Scientists from the University of Warwick will ditch their laboratories and lecture halls to bring science to the people and present physics in action at West Orchard Shopping Centre, Coventry on Saturday 13th of March from 10.00am onwards, as part of National Science Week 2004.

Over Warwick 10 scientists from will deliver demonstrations that show the fun and fantastic side of physics.

In a demonstration on the first floor of the shopping centre scientists will use liquid nitrogen (which boils at minus 196 Celsius) to cool down or freeze a variety of materials from flowers to balloons, and show how their properties change. They will also use it to levitate a magnet and to set a Hero’s Engine in motion – with dramatic results!

Other demonstrations will include ‘Jacob’s ladder’ – a demonstration of a possible means of space transportation – and an insight into the amazing properties of that everyday substance, cornflour.

Everyone is welcome to come and watch, and ask questions about physics. National Science Week promotes public understanding of the valuable contribution science makes to the nation’s well-being. During National Science Week thousands of events are run by organisations and individuals throughout the country, all designed to show the relevance of science to everyday life.

For more information contact: Dr Liz Parvin, Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Tel: Tel: 02476 523 989 or Jenny Murray, Communications Office, University of Warwick, Tel: 02476 574 255, Mobile: 07876 21 7740