February 22 1999

DISASTERS, SCIENCE TO STAR AT KU'S SCIENCE FESTIVAL

LAWRENCE -- An asteroid hurtles towards earth and the only way to save mankind is by sending astronauts to the sphere of rock and ice. They place a nuclear device in the right spot and blow the asteroid into two pieces that just miss the planet.

Sound familiar? This story line was used in the popular movies "Armageddon" and "Deep Impact." But is that really how scientists and researchers would save our planet if faced with the crisis?

Find out at the 8th Annual Show of Natural Magic and Science Festival at the University of Kansas. "Movie Makeovers" is just one of the many demonstrations and exhibits aimed at teaching students about science.

The science festival, earmarked for students kindergarten through sixth grade, but fun for children of all ages, is at KU's Malott Hall on Feb. 28 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

The festival is sponsored by KU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the departments of physics and astronomy, chemistry, geology and atmospheric science. Students from Free State High School and Lawrence High School will take part in the exhibits.

"The theme this year is disasters," said Philip S. Baringer, associate professor of physics and astronomy. "We'll take a look at famous disaster movies and see if the science they used was right and if those disasters could really happen."

Participants in the festival will learn about the infamous Tacoma Narrows Bridge disaster: an architectural failure, the bridge swayed in the wind and collapsed four months and seven days after it opened in 1940.

"The students will be able to build a bridge and learn what makes the bridge steady," Baringer said. "They'll also learn what makes them fall."

There will be a "Titanic" room, where students will try to sink a model ship.

Demonstrations of severe weather will be hosted by Atmospheric Science (Meteorology) faculty. There will also be discussions on earthquakes by faculty with the Geology Department.

"Seismographs will be set up in the building and students will be able to jump around and see how earthquakes are measured," Baringer said.

Nondisaster-related events include a tour of KU's electron microscope and hands-on experience with electricity.

For more information, contact Baringer at (785) 864-3953 or at baringer@kuhep3.phsx.ukans.edu.

Story by Dann Hayes, (785) 864-8855 or at dhayes@ukans.edu

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