Description: A large scale ticker-tape demonstration. The prof drives a child's motorized car across the lecture hall with a flashing and buzzing helmet on his head whilst marking position.

This demonstration has been designed for theatre B9200. It has been done in a smaller theatre but this description will assume B9200.

The number line from -5 to +5 meters (see another demo) is attached to the blackboard with small rubber magnets. A strip of paper towel is taped to the floor far enough from the board that the car may be driven between the board and the towel. Position is marked on the paper towel by means of bingo markers taped to a meter stick. Use one colour for forward motion, the other for reverse. The helmet has a flashing light and a buzzer which repeat every second or so. This time interval may be adjusted. The car has two forward and two reverse speeds.

The car is left outside the theatre so that the prof may leave the room briefly, then make a dramatic reappearance wearing the helmet and driving the car.

Position the car near the -2 or -3 meter mark. Turn on the helmet. Make a few practice taps with the marker, then start driving. Stop before the end of the towel, flip the meter stick over to use the other marker, then reverse to a position different from the starting point. The towel may then be mounted on the blackboard by means of small magnets above the number line.

Measure the positions of the dots on the towel and have the students record them on their worksheets. Practice beforehand to ensure that the time taken matches the times printed on the worksheet. See Neil's web pages for further information.

Cautions: The demonstration requires a lack of concern for personal dignity to be performed successfully. The car has a nominal weight limit of 65 pounds.

Concepts demonstrated:

Setup Time: Medium

Difficulty/Commitment: Involved

Visibility: Visible

Related demonstrations:

References: