Tufts University has a really good book available online about the physics of music and musical instruments. It’s a nice balance between theory, examples, and hands-on projects. The Physics of Music and Musical Instruments covers the physics of waves, sound, music, and musical instruments at a level designed for high school physics. However, it is […]
The latest New Scientist has a piece on Ted Ciamillo, the machinist who invented the hydrospeeder (think: Bondian underwater motorcycle) and the Lunocet (a tail for divers modeled on dolphins). Ciamillo’s latest project is a human-powered mini-sub he plans to use to pedal across the Atlantic: Ciamillo designed his mini-submarine around a larger version of […]
The Optical Society of America has a very cool site about the science of light. I found instructions for making lenses from Jell-O and ice, with a great explanation of how lenses work.
Bluetoothkiwi documents his LEGO Mindstorms Swimming Pool Insect Terminator (SPIT) – it’s a great example of the process of problem-solving. Swimming Pool Insect Terminator (SPIT) is a special self powered autonamous floating robot that locates and destroys small clusters of bugs that float on the top of swimming pools. We used LEGO MINDSTORMS to build […]
Charles and Ray Eames were incredibly influential American designers – one of their most famous projects was a short film called Powers of 10. It was produced in 1977 and I was a little surprised to find that it’s still amazing to watch. It’s available for viewing on the Powers of 10 site – you […]
Environmental Graffiti has a roundup of amazing light phenomena photos, with nice pithy explanations of the science. Via Mr.Reid The collision of electronically charged particles in the earth’s upper atmosphere often creates magnificent light displays over the polar regions. The colour depends on the elemental content of the particles – most auroras appear green or […]
Birdchick lives in Minnesota, where it’s wicked cold right now! She shot this video of what happens when you spray hot water at -20 degrees F. So are those threads of ice dropping down, anyone know exactly what is happening?
