PLANETAMOS, A Physics Show Musical (Phyusical)

TL;DR

This paper introduces PLANETAMOS, a unique physics musical combining live experiments, songs, and orchestral music to educate audiences about planetary science and the physical requirements for life.

Contribution

It presents the first known physics show musical with live experiments, songs, and orchestra, developed by university physics students to engage the public in science education.

Findings

First physics show musical with live experiments and orchestra.

Successfully staged in German at the University of Bonn.

Educational impact on audiences about planetary physics.

Abstract

We present a physics show musical with live physics experiments and live performed songs with live orchestral accompaniment. The musical was first put on stage in German at the Physikalische Institut, University of Bonn, on the 24th of March, 2019. Here we present the original German script as well as an English translation, including a translation of the songs. We also give brief descriptions of all the experiments employed, with photos as well as how we present the experiments. The musical tells the story of a couple, Life and Death, nicknamed Vita and Mortis, who want to buy a planet where they can settle down and raise a family. They arrive at the store Planetamos, run by the manager Luna Callisto and the scientist Jupi Mercury. The latter two present to Vita and Mortis what is required for life on a planet, as well as all of the extra features for sale, to make it that very special place for their family. Through Vita and Mortis the audience learns about the physical requirements for life on a planet orbiting a star. The show involves 14 live physics experiments. The four actors sing 7 songs, which are to well-known tunes with new lyrics, in German. During the show the singers are accompanied by a small live orchestra, consisting of a flute, an oboe, a piano, a violin, a cello, a harp and percussion. The show was developed by the University of Bonn physics students, who have all been very active in the University of Bonn Physics Show (Physikshow der Universitaet Bonn) the past few years. To the best of our knowledge this is the first physics show musical with live experiments and live song and orchestra.