SCIENCE TEACHERS, STUDES CONDUCT DEMOS ON PHYSICS AND OTHER RELATED DISCIPLINE WITHIN SCHOOL-BASED LEVEL
By: Elizabeth Illustrisimo

    As what Albert Einstein said, “a pretty experiment is in itself often more valuable than twenty formulae extracted from our minds,” this means that the teaching of Physics is clearly enhanced by the use of demonstrations. These provide an opportunity to illustrate the scientific method and teach the students to relate experimental observation to scientific theory. Experiments represent the means by which scientific knowledge has advanced so rapidly in modern times. Finally, no to be underestimated, demonstrations make the learning of physics much more enjoyable.

    Last September 16, 2006, the 4^th year students of Minglanilla National Science High School conducted several demonstrations. Examples of these were the, Burning of Water, The Match Missile, Detergent Propelled Boat, The Singing Glass, Magic Come-Back Can, Funny Reflections, and many more! All of the demonstrations have been thoroughly tested in the classroom setting. The students selected demonstrations that are especially striking or provocative, and some of standard demonstrations that can be presented in unusual ways.
     The apparatus required for each demo varies considerably in complexity. Some of the demos with equipment available at home or from a local hardware store. Others are best conducted from components found in a well-equipped physics laboratory or available form specialized vendors.
     As one of the presenters and, at the same time, one of the viewers, I could say that Physics demo does not only arouse the interest of students but also help them in their studies in order to enrich their knowledge about the subject