Geek party tricks: learning science and engineering through hands-on activities

This article discusses simple hands-on activities and demonstrations to provide a way to engage a class and to promote in-depth understanding of basic physics and engineering concepts. Also, the authors presented their repertoire of geek party tricks used in "mechanics and materials" and other courses at MIT as well as activities and demonstrations that were developed. Likewise, handouts and worksheets are provided that clearly explain how to do each of the tricks and also describe the concepts that the tricks illustrate and how they can stimulate deeper exploration into the subject material. Lastly, the workshop is closed with a session in which participants have the opportunity to share their own geek party tricks.