COSAM News Articles 2024 09 Tailgaters mesmerized by Gameday Physics activities

Tailgaters mesmerized by Gameday Physics activities

Published: 09/24/2024

Auburn's homecoming pre-game festivities were electrified by the second annual Gameday Physics event, held Saturday, September 14, from 3 – 5 p.m. at the Academic and Classroom Learning Complex (ACLC). More than 650 enthusiastic tailgaters flocked to the event, where interactive physics exhibits and demonstrations turned the wonders of physics into an exhilarating experience.

“Building on the excitement and success of last year’s inaugural event, we knew we had to make Gameday Physics a tradition,” said Allen Landers, Department Chair of Physics. “It’s a fantastic way to engage the Auburn family, fostering intellectual curiosity and discovery.”

Families were attracted to the event by the smell of popcorn and the fog-like mist of evaporating liquid nitrogen that froze ice cream in front of their eyes, but then were delighted to find captivating, educational exhibits to investigate.

Attendees of all ages explored nineteen hands-on activities demonstrating fundamental physics principles. Exhibits showcased the marvels of acoustics, the sun, plasma and magnetic fields and more! One of the highlights included the Biophysics Dome; a planetarium dome that shows the molecular building-blocks of life at work. Many families stayed the entire duration of the event.

“This is the perfect tailgating experience for kids,” said Sam Pendergrass, an event attendee. “They don’t always care about the traditional activities that entice adults, but this allows them to be engaged, and it is something they will ask their parents about for years to come.”

Some of the youngest attendees put it in their own words. “I love learning about all the different parts of science and how they work together,” said 11-year-old Arden Banus. 12-year-old Caroline Fahringer added, “I like how hands-on the event is. It gives you a different learning experience than school.”

Thirty-one faculty and university students from the Department of Physics, including students from the Society of Physics and Physics Graduate Student Association, provided interactive demonstrations stemming curiosity in attendees. This free event brings the Department of Physics together for a common objective.

Gameday Physics was hosted by the Department of Physics in collaboration with Sciences and Mathematics Outreach.