Book the Light Express Roadshow to visit your school
Experience a live laser show in your school or college.
The roadshow includes laser demonstrations, activities and a talk covering topics linking to the national curriculum.
The show can be tailored to suit GCSE Physics and Applied Science students.
What happens in the light demonstration?
The light laser show is powered by photonics equipment not usually accessible outside of a research lab.
The audience will see a series of visual demonstrations followed by hands-on activities with laser light.
The team will demonstrate the mesmerising optical engineering that drives modern telecommunications. There are a range of experiments in the show which illustrate the physics of light, such as; 'total internal reflection', 'Tyndell's experiment', and transmitting music down a laser beam.
What is covered in the talk?
As part of the experience, the team deliver a lecture style talk to students, covering the following topics:
- how a laser works
- diffraction
- refraction
- reflection
- total internal reflection
- white light
- the electromagnetic spectrum
- the interaction of light and matter
- optical fibres
- telecommunications
This segment will also give an insight into studying physics at university and career paths in research.
How long will the session last?
A typical show lasts approximately 45 minutes with some additional time needed for questions. We can adapt the session to fit with your timetable.
- introduction and laser show (5 minutes)
- the science of light talk (35 minutes)
- second laser show (5 minutes)
- questions and discussion
Who is it aimed at?
This is aimed at GCSE Science and A Level Physics students.
The Light Express covers key areas of the National Curriculum for Key Stage 4 Double Science, including:
- characteristics of waves
- the electromagnetic spectrum
Booking information
Who can book it?
Schools and colleges within one-hour drive time of the University of Southampton
How do I book it?
- Schools and colleges within one-hour drive time of the University of Southampton
- Please submit an enquiry and detail multiple date options and we will get in contact with you.
Light Express extra
For smaller groups wanting hands-on activities, we offer workshops in Optics and Holography. We have given workshops in museums, art galleries and science centres and to community groups.
Submit an enquiry