The Wonders of Physics annual show

Physics outreach benefits early career physicists by developing effective communications skills while also fostering the growth of the next generation of scientific leaders. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW), The Wonders of Physics (TWoP) annual show has for decades provided an energetic environment to cultivate interest and excitement in physics. Over the past 40 plus years, the UW physics department puts on 8-10 shows annually and wows audiences with flashy physics demonstrations and corny jokes. Each hour-long performance reaches hundreds of local community members, showcasing several small group sketches all within a common theme. Most of the demonstrations in TWoP have been built at UW and provide a hands-on experience with key physics concepts. These demos include using large Tesla coils to explain Faraday cages, exploring water wave tanks to describe wave interference, and building vortex cannons to show the creation of vortices in the air. Comprised of graduate students, faculty, and community members, TWoP is free and open to the public every year. TWoP, an example of public engagement in a non-academic setting, is key to empower thinkers at every level and background to join the physics conversation, and as we look to the future, we cannot wait to continue to share our passion for physics with curious minds.