In 1984 the University of Wisconsin began an outreach program called
The Wonders of Physics. The program initially consisted of a series of
public lectures intended to generate interest in physics through a series
of fast-paced demonstrations suitable for a diverse audience. The demonstrations
are organized around the areas of classical physics, including motion,
heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and light. The presentations include
music, costumes, skits, and surprise appearances of special guests. The
presentation has been given about 160 times on the Madison campus, nearly
always to capacity crowds totaling over 50,000. Each year the program is
videotaped and distributed to individuals, schools, and cable TV stations.
In 1990, a Lecture Kit was produced and is widely distributed. A traveling
version of the show was developed in 1988 and has been given about 800
times to a total audience of approximately 100,000, mostly school children
in nineteen states and provinces. The program is funded by the Office of
Fusion Energy Sciences of the Department of Energy and by donations from
those for whom the presentations are made as well as a few corporations
and benefactors.