Preface:

This seminar explores the role that physics and related sciences play in various forms of artistic expression. According to the interests of the participants, topics may include:

* The physics (and mathematics) of music: why are musical instruments designed the way they are?
* The physics (and chemistry) of painting: pigments, colors, and the spectrum.
* The physics (and engineering) of sculpture and architecture: what are the practical constraints on making a statue or building?
* The physics of movies, especially cartoons: when, where, and why are the rules broken?
* The physics of dance, especially ballet: how do ballerinas appear to defy gravity?

In each case, we explored the physical principles underlying that particular medium. We then moved on to discuss whether it “matters”. Does understanding the physics principles behind the sound of clarinet destroy the magic or enhance our appreciation? Does an understanding of Newton’s Laws help a dancer or just get in the way? These curriculum units will be most appropriate for teachers of Physical Science or Physics looking for different approaches to their classroom activities, but may also be useful for teachers in the arts looking for a deeper understanding of the scientific basis for their fields.