SNIPPETS · Practical Physics Demos

Practical Classroom Physics Demos

Photoelectric Effect and Quantum Superposition

With Fernand Brunschwig & Mark Schober
STEMteachersNYC Physics Working Group

Wednesday, November 11, 20268–9 p.m. EasternOnline via Zoom · 1 hourNo CTLE credit

Two demonstrations. A bridge to quantum theory.

Fernand Brunschwig and Mark Schober will present two demonstrations that bridge classical physics and quantum theory.

Mark uses a simple soda-can electroscope and UV light to demonstrate the photoelectric effect, exploring how Einstein’s explanation required a shift from the wave model of light to its particle nature. Fernand presents a set of light polarizers he developed to explore quantum behavior and superposition.

Together, these demonstrations offer practical ways to help students understand the limits of classical wave models and explore the quantum nature of light.

In this session

The photoelectric effect, demonstrated with a soda-can electroscope and UV light
Quantum operators and light polarizers
Classical and quantum models of light
Practical demonstrations to support classroom teaching

Who should attend?

Physics, chemistry, and other teachers working with middle school, high school, and college students are welcome. This session will be especially helpful for educators teaching quantum concepts, including classical and quantum models of light.

Explore the demonstration resources

Fernand’s Quantum Operators — Explore the teaching tool and resource toolkit.
Photoelectric-effect demonstration article — Read the article in The Physics Teacher.
Download photoelectric-effect instructions (PDF) — Adam Beehler’s Simple Photoelectric Effect demonstration from AAPT.
Exploratorium: Photoelectricity — Explore another photoelectric-effect demonstration.

Meet the speakers

Fernand Brunschwig

Fernand Brunschwig began teaching physics in 1964 after graduating from Harvard, later earning a master’s in physics and a PhD in science education at UC Berkeley under Robert Karplus. He joined the founding faculty of SUNY Empire State College and retired in 2012 after decades of educational innovation. In 2011, he helped establish PhysicsTeachersNYC, which grew into STEMteachersNYC, a nonprofit dedicated to professional learning for teachers, by teachers, about teaching.

Mark Schober

Mark Schober teaches high school physics and astronomy at Trinity School in Manhattan, and has led teacher workshops for the St. Louis Area Physics Teachers, the American Modeling Teachers Association, the American Association of Physics Teachers, and STEMteachersNYC, from Introduction to Modeling Instruction workshops, to Make-n-Take workshops, to rethinking assessment and feedback to improve student learning. He also leads students in astrophotography, flying airplanes, launching rockets, knitting, and coached the 2011 World Champion Quidditch team.

Explore the demonstration resources

About SNIPPETS

SNIPPETS stands for STEM News, Innovation, and Professional Practice, an Educator and Teacher Series.

SNIPPETS is a series for STEMteachersNYC members to talk with researchers, scientists, and technicians about current projects. Learn about exciting people and projects to share with your students and colleagues.