The van carries 80+ hands-on experiments, and a dedicated crew of Colorado State University undergraduate students who work with Brian to design and build all of our experiments.
Our goal is two-fold. Students working with our experiments discover some interesting and amazing things about physics, but they also learn that physics (and science in general) is something that is accessible, engaging, and even fun. The undergraduate students provide valuable guidance as the students work with the experiments, which is a good experience for all—the best way to learn about something is to teach it.
You can see hundreds of photos of the Little Shop crew working with the nearly 200,000 K-12 students we have visited at the Little Shop of Physics Web site. Check out the 3D photos from this year's tour, See the World in a Different Light.
The Little Shop of Physics works with other groups to make sure that we reach as diverse an audience as possible. This year, we have teamed up with Colorado State University's office of Native American Student Services to offer a series of programs to native American groups in the Four Corners region, supported by a grant from the American Physical Society for the World Year of Physics 2005.
Brian started the Little Shop of Physics traveling program in 1991.