Weather Tracking Devices
We purchased a digital weather station that has been very successful in allowing students to monitor all aspects of the weather with great accuracy from the classroom. We also established a video weather station that is always on display in the main hallway, and is connected to two TV monitors that can be accessed in the classrooms. The physics teachers often utilize this system in their classes to demonstrate different weather patterns. For example, during the approach of a cold front or a storm, they turn on the regional radar displays and show their students the physics behind the weather that they are personally experiencing. In addition to being an engaging teaching tool in the classroom, Dr. Burgess, the head of the Physics Department, reports that the weather station is extremely popular with the students and faculty. Many people stop and check out the weather throughout the day, and appreciate the continual readouts provided.

Physics Demonstration Equipment
Physics demonstration equipment is being displayed prominently in the Arts and Science Center. The items include blackboard mechanics, blackboard optics, a system demonstration St. Louis motor, a spectrum display with gas discharge tubes, a Geochron, a nuclear laboratory system, and a holography demonstration set. In addition to being part of a display, these materials are often used as part of the junior high school and high school physics and chemistry classes for hands-on demonstrations of scientific principles. Every physical science class has used one or more of these items as teaching tools.

The Geochron is a map of the earth whose shape changes with the seasons. It indicates where the sun is shining at any given moment through the illumination on its surface. This sunrise and sunset pattern changes continually as the seasons change. The geochron has been used extensively by all of the physical science classes. Its applications to astronomy have been especially popular with the students.

Telescope
Alan Dressler '66, astronomer and galaxy expert, decided to donate a new state-of-the art telescope to WHHS after participating in our Lecture Series and touring the new Arts and Science Center last October. Physics and Astronomy Students will begin using it this Spring. Pictured with the telescope is Dr. Burgess.