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physics posts

Selling random numbers News

by David Shaw, 23 June 2022 | 0 comments

A scientist standing behind a complicated laser experiment

It sounds like a perfect way to make money – scientists from The Australian National University (ANU) are now selling random numbers over the internet! But before you start your own business writing whatever number pops into your head, there’s something special about these numbers.

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Balancing acrobat Activity

by David Shaw, 23 September 2021 | 4 comments

a paper person, balancing on its head

This simple toy can balance on a table edge or a fingertip. So get your craft on and have some physics fun!

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Make a reed switch Activity

by Mike, 10 June 2021 | 0 comments

By Mike McRae and David Shaw Attracted to doing some hands-on science? Why not use a magnet to create a ‘reed switch’?

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15 fabulous science activities to do indoors Activity

by David Shaw, 3 April 2020 | 1 comments

White t-shirt with circular dye patterns

Staying home to slow the spread of COVID-19? We’ve got some ideas to help you pass the time, even if you’re stuck indoors. Time to gather up materials from around the house and do some science!

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Four fantastic facts about Stephen Hawking News

by David Shaw, 29 March 2018 | 6 comments

Stephen Hawking was widely regarded as one of the best physicists of our age, so it was a huge loss when he died on 14 March this year. Here are a few things you might not know about one of history’s most celebrated scientists.

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A hole in the heart of Egypt’s greatest pyramid News

by David Shaw, 12 January 2018 | 1 comments

Image of a pyramid with tiny people in the foreground.

Built more than 4500 years ago, you’d think there was nothing left to discover inside Cairo’s Great Pyramid of Giza. Think again. Scientists have recently discovered a new chamber deep in the heart of the tomb, all with the help of starlight.

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Green eggs Activity

by David Shaw, 13 April 2017 | 0 comments

An egg with a green yolk in a bowl

Time for an Easter trick! There are lots of eggs around at this time of year, but this one is sure to raise some eyebrows. And when you’re finished, you can get your parents to help you cook your green egg, so you can gross out your entire family!

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Friction frog Activity

by Jasmine Fellows, 6 July 2015 | 0 comments

A paper frog attached to two strings in a tree.

Written by Beth Askham Make your own climbing frog, using the power of friction. You will need A 20 cm x 20 cm piece of cardboard Two 5 cm long pieces of drinking straw String Sticky tape Scissors Coloured pens, pencils, crayons, paints or textas Other decorations What to do On your piece of cardboard…

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Robots explore underwater volcano News

by David Shaw, 20 March 2015 | 0 comments

A piece of pumice covered in spnges and molluscs.

Written by Beth Askham When mysterious lumps of pumice stone washed up on beaches in Tasmania, Australia, Rebecca Carey knew that they must be coming from an underwater volcano. Rebecca is a Tasmanian volcanologist (someone who studies volcanos), and she had been tracking the travelling pumice for more than a year.

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Southern Cross clock Activity

by David Shaw, 27 January 2015 | 0 comments

A drawing of a driveway and the Southern Cross.

As the Southern Cross moves across the night sky, learn how to use it as a clock. Safety: This activity asks you to head outdoors at night. Ask an adult for permission, and make sure they know where you are. Check the weather forecast and dress for the conditions.

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