OAPT C O N F E R E N C E
25 - 27 May 2006		 Perimeter Institute

 

Damian Pope

Practical modern physics for the classroom: The GPS and relativity

To many students, relativity and quantum physics are both fascinating and exciting. But, most of them also view these theories as being esoteric and impractical. They typically see them as irrelevant to their daily lives and only of use if one intends to become either a research physicist or a physics teacher.

During this talk, I will discuss how the Global Positioning System (GPS), a navigational tool centred around a network of satellites, relies crucially on Einstein’s theories of general and special relativity.

The GPS is used extensively throughout society today. Construction workers utilize it when building new shopping centres and appartment complexes, pilots rely on it to help land their planes and taxi drivers use it when employing "satellite navigation" to name but a few examples. All up, it has been estimated that the GPS has had an economic impact of at least $US35 billion globally.

In addition to the physics, I will also report on student reactions to a variety of teachers using the GPS to illustrate time dilation in special relativity while teaching the Matter-Energy interface unit in Grade 12 physics.

Biography

Damian Pope is the Director of Scientific Outreach, Perimeter Institute, having recently arrived at PI from Brisbane, Australia. He completed his PhD in 2002 at the University of Queensland under Professor Gerard Milburn, focusing on the foundations of quantum mechanics and quantum information theory. He has also held a Postdoctoral Research position at Griffith University, appeared on Australian television to discuss physics, led high school presentations and continuing education courses, and was a member of the planning committee for Queensland’s International Year of Physics events.

At Perimeter, he reaches students, teachers and the general public across Canada to educate and inspire them about all aspects of theoretical physics research. He oversees activities including in-class lectures and teacher workshops across Canada, monthly Black Hole sessions, Einstein Plus and the International Summer School for Young Physicists, plus a variety of related activities.

Damian's hobbies include long-distance running, hiking, reading and playing unicycle hockey.


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