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So many possibilities depending on the wow factor desired and the interaction...why not do a Pulfrich Pendulum (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulfrich_effect).  Everyone gets a one-eyed set of sunglasses (purchase-able with two eyes from Oriental trading - $6 / dozen but since an dozen gives you two lenses, it costs $6 / 24 - probably cheaper elsehwere).  And everyone looks at a pendulum that swings straight back and forth (include a yo-yo at each table and people can do it at their tables, or just do it with a pendulum at the front).  The one-eyed sunglass makes one eye see the pendulum a bit dimmer than the other eye.  This causes the nerves in that eye to respond slower to the object.  The brain then typically makes the pendulum seem to swing around in a circle instead of in a straight line.  Switch which eye has the covering and the swing will seem to reverse in direction.  Note:  most people, but not all will see this effect (if you have a very dominant eye, the brain may disregard the non-dominant eye).  Second note: if people fail to see the circular motion, then it is easier to see the effect if you tell people to look at your hand that holds the string, but pay attention to the pendulum (so they don't directly follow the pendulum with both eyes).  Third Note:  for those who "are slow" and insist on looking with just one eye (instead of both eyes), actually swing the pendulum around in a circle (and if you're cruel, then let it go as it is aimed at their heads, and see how alcohol impairs reaction time)...




On Oct 11, 2012, at 11:15 AM, Eric Siegel wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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> 
> Hello, all:
> 
> Every year during our gala we have a science moment, a five minute (ten tops) activity that 500 moderately inebriated and distracted people can undertake at their table with minimal instruction from the person standing at the podium.  That person would be...me.
> 
> We have done fine with this for the past several years, but as part of my research I am looking to the ASTC hive mind for ideas.  I know, I should have a whole repertoire of these things in my back pocket, but I am no Eddie Goldstein or Steve Spangler.  So I am cheating by asking my friends and colleagues...
> 
> Anything cool you have seen or done in similar settings?
> 
> See some of you at ASTC!
> 
> Best
> 
> Eric
> • • • •
> Eric Siegel
> Director and Chief Content Officer
> New York Hall of Science
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