ERIK HERMAN
Inspiring and facilitating connection to the physical world, through direct interaction, toward a positive mindset, a conscientious culture, and a healthy planet.
Sensory Phenomena
RETRO OSCILLOSCOPE
The Retro Oscilloscope is a fun way to visualize audio. It also approximates what a cathode ray oscilloscope does behind-the-scenes. Aside from the UV laser, the effect is captured--as usual--with recycled or readily-available materials.
DOLPHIN RINGS
Different types of cetaceans have been observed in the wild, in different parts of the world, creating and playing with air-entrained ring-vortices. This was first publicized in an article in Scientific American by Marten, Shareef, Psarakos, and White, and then video captured at aquariums reached even wider audiences through YouTuber smellsliketoast in 2006 and jahalu in 2008. I discovered in 2013 that dolphin rings could be created at home with simple materials (pictured above on display at the Rochester Mini Maker Faire in 2014). Dolphin rings represent how physics can be: understood outside of symbolic means to explain and communicate it, enjoyed for its fun, and appreciated for its beauty.
THE FOG TORNADO
The Fog Tornado is a wonderful example of how creating exhibits has multi-layered benefits. During a summer internship with me, Cornell Engineering student, Anton, used available materials--through multiple iterations--to create an eight-foot-tall fog tornado. Allowing the visualization of a vortex in air, eight refined versions of this piece are now on display in Community Science Workshops, Physics Buses, and Classrooms.
SPARKY
Now on display at the Science Discovery Center in Oneonta, "Sparky" is a favorite for all ages. It has been created and re-created 17 times since 2004...and there are still six of them reportedly still working!
To learn more about these exhibits and more, contact me by email.