The goal of the PIRA Demonstration Classification Scheme is to create a logically organized and universally inclusive taxonomy giving a unique number to every lecture demonstration. The structure of the classification system is as follows:
1
Area
(mechanics)
D
Topic
(motion in two dimensions)
60
Concept
(projectile motion)
.10
Demonstration
(howitzer and tunnel)
Example: 1D60.10 howitzer and tunnel
The topic and concept divisions of the structure loosely follow the standard textbook organization of chapter and section, although they were created to organize existing demonstrations, not cover the entirety of elementary physics, and therefore skip some areas of the curriculum covered by standard textbooks. The standard curriculum has changed over the years and categories have been created to contain the many demonstrations rendered obsolete by modern textbooks. Some single concept films, videos, and computer programs are sometimes included but such resources have not been systematically identified.
Disclaimer: All demonstrations are posted for the convenience and benefit of faculty and staff in the Department of Physics at Simon Fraser University and are not intended for outside use. The author(s) assume no responsibility or liability for the use of information contained on this site. Warnings and precautionary measures listed on this site assume normal operation of equipment and are not inclusive. Demonstrations may pose a significant hazard and can, in some instances, result in death; reasonable safety precautions must be taken. Demonstrations should be performed by qualified individuals only.
Prepared by Jeff Rudd, 1999
Revised by Laura Schmidt, 2007
