advertisement

Armchair quarterbacks can learn about the physics of football

Northern Illinois University invites you to its next STEM Cafe, "The Physics of Football," from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at O'Leary's Restaurant & Pub, 260 E. Lincoln Hwy. (Route 38) in DeKalb.

Newton's laws describe football players on the field just as well as carts on a track or balls rolling down ramps. Physics professor and armchair quarterback Mike Eads will discuss how an understanding of velocity, momentum, force, impulse, collisions, conservation laws, and even air resistance can lead to some interesting insights on the game.

Join the monthly STEM Cafés. They are fun, casual gatherings where adults can eat, drink, and chat with STEM professionals about the latest scientific research. These events are free and open to the public. Food and drinks are available for purchase from the host restaurant.

For information, contact Judith Dymond at (815) 753-4751 or jdymond@niu.edu. Visit niu.edu/STEM_Cafes/index.shtml.

NIU STEMfest: Save the date for the annual NIU STEMfest on Saturday, Oct. 18. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the NIU Convocation Center, 1528 W. Lincoln Hwy. (Route 38) in DeKalb. Admission is free, but there is a parking fee.

STEMfest celebrates innovations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

NIU STEM departments, student groups, regional corporations, museums, educators, and national labs join forces to present hundreds of activities that range in complexity to entertain people of all ages. It is designed to increase awareness of the critical role science and other STEM fields play in the world every day.

There will be: hands-on activities, such as navigating a laser maze; exhibitors such as NIU's Davis Hall Observatory; and demonstrations of technologies and intriguing science phenomena including the popular Creepy Chemistry and Haunted Physics Labs.

STEMfest is fun for people of all ages. For details, visit stemfest.niu.edu/stemfest/index.shtml.

Friday Photo Challenge: Join the #STEMfest2014 Friday Photo Challenge! Each week from now until STEMfest, post a photo in response to that week's prompt with #STEMfest2014. Post your picture by noon on Fridays and you will be entered to win a family four pack of tickets to the NIU football game on Oct. 18.

The upcoming prompts are: Innovate (through Sept. 19); Learn Something (through Sept. 26); Discover (through Oct. 3); Problem Solve (through Oct. 10); Create (through Oct. 17); and At STEMfest - Play (on Oct. 18).

You must use #STEMfest2014 with your photo post to win, but can post to any social media platform, as long as the post is public. Individuals may only win once, but are encouraged to continue posting through the event. Winners must pick up their tickets at the STEM Outreach booth at STEMfest 2014 by 11 a.m. Oct. 18.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.