Rhodes College (Zone 10)

Chapter Website

Overview

The Rhodes College SPS Chapter did a half-time physics show at a recent home football game (Rhodes Lynx vs. DePauw University Tigers). They literally "crushed the Tigers" with the power of air pressure (see the photo at left—the word TIGERS is written on the barrel). The top frame of the photo is one second before the implosion, the bottom frame is one second after.

An excellent commentary was provided by SPS vice president Michael Towle, comparing the power of air pressure to that of 5 mighty Rhodes Lynx football players, etc. He had the whole crowd chanting "Crush the Tigers!". Unfortunately, SPS had more success against the Tigers that day than our football team.

We also have an amazing video (at left); the slow-motion shows some great physics principles in action with this implosion that we'd never thought about. Very cool.

The reaction from our college administrators: only at a liberal arts college can you have a physics show during half-time of a football game and it seems normal. The president of our university was impressed.

Other Events

The Rhodes SPS chapter is well-known for its many on-campus and community events.  Our annual favorites include such things as the Liquid Nitrogen Halloween Pumpkin Drop, Toothpick and Marshmallow Tower Building Contest, Easter Egg Drop, Physics Fun at local schools, Rites to Play Magic Show and much much more.

Chapter Officers: 2007-2008

President: Jennifer Thompson ′08
Vice-president: Michael Towle ′08
Secretary: Jenna Smith ′09 / Travis Rasor ′10
Treasurer: Andrew Foss-Grant ′10
Outreach Officer: Chase Sliger ′10