Below is some information that will (hopefully) eliminate many of the physical problems that we've seen arise.
  
If you find that you don't have something, don't worry about it. We'll figure something out - that's what physics is all about, problem solving.
 

First off, before we arrive:

We need a map to your school, indicating where we will be unloading our vehicle.  Since we have lots of equipment (some of it rather heavy!), should we need to transport up or down levels, we will need to utilize whatever ramps/elevators you have.

We normally don't do a contract unless the school has one they want to use.  As for the donation, write a check out to the "Wonders of Physics" and give it to us the day of your show.  If you need an invoice, we can write one up on letterhead and bring it with us or fax it to you.

We ask that you provide me with an adequate number (two or three) of responsible helpers.

LET THE CUSTODIAN KNOW WE ARE COMING, and that we might need their help. 

Remember that we like to present the show in a large room, preferably a lecture hall, gym, or cafeteria, and we don't need a stage.

It usually takes us 90 minutes to set up the equipment and another 90 minutes to take it down.  (And that's cutting it close!)  Since an average show lasts about an hour, that makes a four hour time block for the one show.  Two or more shows just add the hour of the additional show along with 10 to 15 minutes between each show to refill and reset the equipment.

We try to arrive about two hours before the first show just in case something unexpected comes up.

For example, suppose you ask for two shows, one right after the other, and you want the first one to start at 8:00 am.  We will arrive by 6:00, and will have to be in the building by 6:30 to begin setup.  The first show will end about 9:00, and we will then need about 10 to 15 minutes before the second show starts.  The second show will start about 9:15 and end about 10:15.  Then 90 minutes to pack everything back up, and we will be ready to leave your school at 11:45 am (if everything goes smoothly).
 

Now, here is what we need from you:

• Three large and one any size tables - the standard 8 foot ones are great.  At least one must have a smooth surface on one end, and at least one must have no metal touching the table's top surface.  If you're going to use cafeteria tables (the ones with the seats/benches attached), try to supply one table without the seat/bench.  And please try to have the tables out when we arrive.
• A place in the overhead from which we can suspend a bowling ball.  That place should be a good anchor, not moving freely.  If the show is in a gym, we can hang it from a basketball hoop.  If not, we can probably figure something out.
• Standard 110V outlets,
• Access to water to fill a bucket with water
• It is also nice to have a one or two people around while we are setting up to help with any alignments or unexpected situations that might arise.
• And finally, during the Light portion and some of the Electricity portion of the presentation, the room needs to be DARK (as in no light entering the room from overhead lights or windows), so we'll have to coordinate the best way to do that.

• AV equipment - If you don't have it, we will  bring it. If you have it, it is often easier to use what is already in place.
  
• A video projector with screen to project some of the smaller demos so that they can be seen by those sitting at the back of the audience.  The projector will need to have an "S-Video" connection.
• If you feel we're going to need a microphone, it should be a lapel mike. If you  have a sound system, we can probably hook our mike into your system.

We hope this helps!

(608) 262-2927
(608) 262-7205 fax
wonders@physics.wisc.edu

Page Updated 8/30/07