The Saturday Morning Physics program introduces local students and community members to current topics in the physical sciences, presented by scientists active in research. We seek to educate, entertain, and inspire. We offer this program as a community service free to the participants; it is completely funded by Florida State University. Over the years, thousands of students of all ages have enjoyed this program, learning and benefiting from the opportunity to interact directly with working scientists.
The Fall 2023 schedule is now posted!
Fall 2023 Schedule
The presentations will be held in room 101 of the Richards Building (UPL) on the campus of Florida State University (map). The one exception is the
Materials Research for Energy Conversion Applications presentation, which will be held at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, a.k.a., the MagLab (map). Parking is located near both locations. Note that hard-toe shoes are required for the MagLab lab tours - no sandals!
All presentations will begin at 9:30 am and last approximately between 90 minutes and two hours. Refreshments will be provided.
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| 10/7/2023 |
Physics + Art: Waves Catch the wave with these spectacular demonstrations of the physics of all types of waves, from the ocean to the radio, and learn how to visualize them! |
Dr. Sean Dobbs Dr. Sara Shields |
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| 10/14/2023 |
Particle Physics: Understanding the Universe from the Subatomic Scale Learn of the discoveries that informed our understanding of the fundamental forces of nature, and what the future may hold! |
Dr. Ted Kolberg Dr. Daniel Pershey Dr. Kohsaku Tobioka |
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10/21/2023 |
Materials Research for Energy Conversion Applications The search for clean and renewable energy production methods is directly related to discovery of novel materials and composites with desired structural and electronic properties. Thermoelectric devices, which allow for direct energy conversion between heat and electricity, have a unique place in this effort. Learn about the characteristics that make them ideal for applications including electricity generation in extreme and remote environments. Please note that hard-toe shoes are required for the tour. |
Dr. Guangxin Ni Dr. Kaya Wei |
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| 10/28/2023 |
Forging Elements in Exploding Stars and in the Lab Discover how exploding stars made us all, and how we study nuclear processes here on Earth. Additionally, a tour of the accelerator lab at Florida State University will be given. |
Dr. Kevin Fossez Dr. Mark Spieker |
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| 11/4/2023 |
From Quantum Weirdness to Next-Generation Technology Join us for an engaging exploration of the enigmatic world of quantum mechanics. From the curious properties of quantum superpositions and entanglement to the groundbreaking potential of quantum computers, prepare to step into a realm where traditional physics principles are defied, paving the way for the next generation of technological innovations. |
Dr. Nicholas Bonesteel Dr. Cyprian Lewandowski Dr. Peng Xiong |
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| 11/11/2023 |
How the James Webb Space Telescope and Other Observatories See the Universe Explore the Universe from sub-atomic particles to black holes to clusters of galaxies. See how tools like the James Webb Space Telescope, microwave-frequency telescopes, and the LIGO gravitational wave detectors test the extremes of natural laws. |
Dr. Kevin Huffenberger Dr. David Collins |
Want more information?
Professor Sean Dobbs
Saturday Morning Physics Committee Chair
Physics Department
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4350
phone: 850.645.3812
E-mail: sdobbs@fsu.edu