The 11th annual Physics Open House is expected to draw hundreds of people to Weber State University for demonstrations, lab experiments and planetarium shows on Oct. 6 from 6–9 p.m.

The Department of Physics in the College of Science will host the open house in various rooms of the Tracy Hall Science Center and in Lind Lecture Hall. This free event is open to the public and suitable for all ages.

“I see it as a way to say thank you to the community for supporting WSU and the Department of Physics,” said John Armstrong, physics professor. “But if we also get some students interested in physics, I'd be thrilled if they, one day, come to study at Weber State.”

The open house will feature presentations and interactive activities conducted by WSU physics faculty and students. Returning this year are shows in the planetarium at Lind Lecture Hall, a build-your-own-air-rocket activity, tours of the observatory on the roof of Tracy Hall and outdoor activities from WSU’s Science in the Parks. New this year is a discussion on extraterrestrials titled “I’m not saying it was aliens, but …”

Additional Physics Open House activities include:

  • Lab experiments
  • Physics displays in the atrium of Tracy Hall
  • Scanning electron microscope demonstrations
  • Stump the physicist panel 

Since its inception in 2007, the Physics Open House has had strong community interest and participation. The event has attracted as many as 1,600 people in past years.

“I've always been shocked by the number of visitors we get at the open house,” said Armstrong. “I think people are generally interested in science. Cool equipment and scientists have always surrounded us; we just sometimes take them for granted. If you are interested in science, this is a great opportunity to see physics demonstrations up close.”

Armstrong credits the event’s success to its engaging and unique activities.

“It is a way to celebrate science and physics and share our excitement,” said Armstrong. “Physics is fun, and this department knows how to put on a show.”

For a complete schedule of events, visit weber.edu/physics/open-house.html.