Dr. Carlson's Science Theater

Lasers and bacterial cells - they go together like peanut butter and jelly. Prof. Ken Ritchie, Professor of Physics at Purdue uses lasers to "light up" individual molecules on the surface of cells. By taking pictures and videos of these cells he can study cellular processes that help single cell organisms build their membranes and orient themselves in their environment. Science Theater Interview 04: Ken Ritchie

Mirrors don't let you see things that aren't there, they let you see things from an entirely different position! Your image in a mirror is what someone else would see if they were standing behind the mirror. It's all a matter of tracing the path of light from your eye to an object, or from the object to your eye. Science Theater Episode 28:Mirrors and Images If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to visit my new home page at: www.ScienceTheater.net!

When cars go screeching by your ear, their pitch changes due to the Doppler Effect. See and hear the Doppler Effect explained before your very eyes! Learn how the Doppler Effect even helps astronomers look at stars. Science Theater Episode 27:Doppler Effect Also, check out our new home page at: www.ScienceTheater.net!

Waves of light, waves of sound, waves of water, waves of fire. Wait, waves of FIRE? Check out the three main categories of waves, and try to guess where waves of fire fit into the mix... Science Theater Episode 26: Waves

What does a condensed matter physicist study? Floating magnets for one. In our second interview segment, Dr. Carlson meets Professor Carlson to discuss her research. Prof. Erica Carlson discusses her research on one-dimensional electron gasses (and how it applies to superconductivity!) Science Theater Interview 03: Erica Carlson

Electrons and protons are tiny, but they can move large objects! Watch several demonstrations showing the power and behavior of electrons, electricity, and their response to electromagnetic waves. Science Theater Episode 25: Electricity

Ice skaters spin faster by hugging themselves tight, but what does that have to do with riding a bicycle? In both cases, the law of conservation of angular momentum is in effect. Watch a few more angular momentum examples! Science Theater Episode 24: Angular Momentum

Sure, Spiderman can stop a block of falling metal, but so can science! Find out how magnets force electrons to move around in little circles, which can cause a falling piece of metal to slow down and nearly stop. Magnetic brakes on your roller-coaster, anyone? Science Theater Episode 23: Eddy Currents

Prof. Bortoletto gives us a tour of her lab where they construct tiny chips used in particle accelerators to detect high energy particles. You've heard the theory, now see the hardware! Science Theater Interview 02: Daniela Bortoletto (part 2)

Tune in to hear an interview with a real, live high energy physicist! In the first of an occasional series, Dr. Carlson sits down with an actual Physics professor to discuss her research. This week, we meet Prof. Daniela Bortoletto and discuss her search for heavy particles (including the Higgs particle and heavy Quarks). Science Theater Interview 01: Daniela Bortoletto (part 1)

Dr. Carlson shoots a monkey in this classic demonstration of two dimensional motion. If you want to hit an object that is about to be dropped, do you aim above, at, or below it? The answer is a few short minutes away. Science Theater Episode 22: Shoot the Monkey (No animals were harmed in the making of this film...)

If you can drop it, you can throw it. Dr. Carlson throws stuff around to show how projectiles fall. (Also known as 2-dimensional motion) Science Theater Episode 21: Motion in Two Dimensions

Dr. Carlson faces down fear and speeding bowling balls in an effort to demonstrate his faith in Physics and Pendulums. Science Theater Episode 20: Pendulums

Ever boil water in a paper cup? The power of fire and flames is harnessed to explain how heat can move around in: Science Theater Episode 19: Thermal Conduction

Why do you feel "lighter" when you are floating around in a tub of water? What does that have to do with bringing home balloons in your car? Find out the answers in: Science Theater Episode 18: Buoyancy