CASPER's Second Physics Circus to be Held Dec. 14-19 in Waco

by LoAna Lopez

The Center for Astrophysics, Space Physics and Engineering Research (CASPER), a joint venture between Baylor University and Texas State Technical College, will join a growing nationwide effort to attract students to science through entertaining, educational demonstrations with its second Physics Circus for four area middle school students and their teachers Dec. 14-19 on the TSTC campus. A limited number of tickets is available for the event.
"Area students who participated in the first Physics Circus showed so much enthusiasm that we decided to expand the format for more participation," said Dr. Truell Hyde, CASPER director and associate professor of physics and director of graduate studies at Baylor.
CASPER's Physics Circus, one of many GEAR UP Waco Grant initiatives, will feature a multimedia laser light show combined with vivid production events demonstrating waves, optics, sound, color and electricity. The students also will enjoy hands-on activities.
Through CASPER, Baylor and TSTC conduct space and dusty plasmas research while sharing knowledge, facilities and expertise. CASPER students have participated in a National Science Foundation undergraduate research program focusing on how space debris can damage equipment orbiting the earth, such as satellites, the space shuttle or the international space station.
GEAR UP Waco Grant participants include Baylor, TSTC, McLennan Community College, the Waco Independent School District, Communities in Schools/McLennan County Youth Collaboration Inc., the City of Waco and the Waco Foundation. The $6 million program, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, focuses on enabling more young Central Texans to stay in school, study hard and take the courses that can open the doors to college. GEAR UP Grant programs strive to assist communities in creating plans that strengthen their schools and provide enrichment opportunities to help all students gain a pathway to a college education.
For more information about the CASPER Physics Circus at TSTC, or to purchase tickets, contact Beverly Clark at (254) 867-3128. For more information about CASPER research projects, contact Hyde at (254) 710-6717 or visit www.baylor.edu/~CASPER .