PhET Simulation: Fourier: Making Waves - Nov 16, 2009

Learn about many aspects of the physics of sound with these fun activities:

-- Download PhET Simulation: Fourier: Making Waves to learn how the mathematics of waves determine what you hear.
-- Build your own speaker out of a soda bottle at Soda Bottle Speaker. (Have an adult help you with the hot glue.)
--  Explore sound using just a rubber band at Echo in my Head.
-- For even more ideas, check out The Soundry. Their Interactive Sound Lab contains many more applets to explore the physics of sound.

PhET Simulation: Nuclear Fission - Nov 1, 2009

Explore nuclear fission through this set of simulations. You can create a chain reaction of uranium isotopes by setting the initial amount of uranium and the position of control rods within a reactor.

X-Ray Spectra Activity - Oct 16, 2009

Working with x-rays at home would be dangerous, so this activity from the Exploratorium provides a safer simulation. You can see the effect of x-rays using only household items.

Breaking Glass with Sound - Nov 16, 2009

You don't have to be an opera singer to break a glass with sound. Watch Breaking Glass with Sound from MIT TechTV, and be sure to watch the strobe light camera imagery at the end.

For more sound demonstration videos, see this Physics Demonstration Video page from Wake Forest University.

Basic Nuclear Science Information - Nov 1, 2009

There are two types of nuclear reactions: fission and fusion. Fission is used in nuclear power plants; fusion is the reaction process powering the sun. Learn about these processes and more at Basic Nuclear Science Information.

X Rays: Another Form of Light - Oct 16, 2009

X-ray astronomy helps astronomers see a complete picture of the universe. Find out more at X Rays: Another Form of Light, and explore the mission of the Chandra X-ray Observatory with this activity.

To learn more about the x-ray sky, watch the High-Energy Groovy Movie. (Be patient--it's a slow download.)