#  Key to Catalog Listings 

 



Each demo is listed in a quick reference format, followed by a link to an in-depth description. The quick reference section is a deliberately light diet of information. It allows you to scan rapidly through a topic area, picking-out demos that tie-in with your needs. Basically, you will find a demonstration's name and a brief one-sentence description, as well as code letters that indicate the size, setup time, and overall rating of the demo.   
  
**Size** is indicated by \[S\], \[M\], \[L\], \[XL\].   
**\[S\]** suggests a benchtop piece that will probably need an audio/visual aid to be seen by the audience.   
**\[M\]** will sit on a bench or a cart and will be fairly clear to the audience by itself.   
**\[L\]** will occupy a fair amount of floor space, so sheer bulk should be taken into consideration.   
**\[XL\]** will take up most of the hall.   
  
**Setup Time** is indicated by \[t\], \[t+\], \[t++\].   
Note: Even though a demo is listed as \[t+\], if it is to be accompanied by three other \[t+\] demos, the time may well be cumulative. Also, the apparatus for even a \[t\] demo may not be immediately available if it is already in use! A few days notice helps avoid such conflicts.   
**\[t\]** can be put up immediately (under 10 min).   
**\[t+\]** takes about 10-15 miutes to set up.   
**\[t++\]** requires more than 15 minutes or more and can be awkward if your class immediately follows another.   
  
**Rating** is indicated by the number of ★'s (from one ★ to four ★★★★).   
Note: Unlike restaurant ratings, a single ★ does not mean poor! Poor or flawed demos should simply not be done, and we do not bother to list them for that reason. Also, any demo rated with three ★★★ or four ★★★★ is highly recommended and considered "a must" if it fits your lecture topic.   
**\[★\]**: good   
**\[★★\]**: really good   
**\[★★★\]**: great   
**\[★★★★\]**: wow!   
**\[—\]**: not rated, in-depth description is not yet written up, at which time the demo receives a rating   
  
**Frequently Used Abbreviations**   
CRO: Cathode Ray Oscilliscope   
OHP: Overhead Projector or "Viewgraph"   
SHM: Simple Harmonic Motion   
SHO: Simple Harmonic Oscillator   
  
**An Example**   
**Superconductivity**   
\[S | t+ | ★★★\] \[Thermal Physics, Low Temperature Phenomena\]   
Meissner Effect suspension of magnet above supersonducting disc.   
\[<a>In-Depth Description</a>\]   
Explanations: Superconductivity is a small demo that requires a close-up camera and TV projection. It takes around 10-15 minutes to set up. We think it's a great demo. The experiment is also cross-listed in Thermal Physics, Low Temperature Phenomena. More detailed descriptions are available via the link at the end of the catalog listing.   
  
**The In-Depth Section**   
The In-Depth section includes details on what the demo shows, how it works, and (for the demonstrator) how to set it up. We conclude each write-up with comments, which may include relevant references, videos, film loops, computer software, and a rating.   
Note: The In-Depth section is forever in progress and is about 41% complete. The final version will be cross-referenced to the PIRA classification scheme. Appendices are also being added. They include a Tools of the Trade section and an annotated bibliography for further reference.



 

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