Celebrating over 40 years of inspiring young scientists

On 28 October, the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Department of Physics celebrated more than 40 years of Phenomenal Physics, an outreach programme that has been igniting curiosity and excitement about science since the 1980s. Each year, the programme brings high school learners to campus for an afternoon of live demonstrations that bring science to life. The programme aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and encourage learners to consider science-related studies beyond matric and perhaps even pursue physics at UCT.

The 2025 edition of Phenomenal Physics coincided with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and featured special demonstrations highlighting the surprising effects of quantum phenomena. Support from the South African Quantum Technology Initiative (SAQTI) enabled learners from schools without their own transport to attend, which ensured that the programme reached a diverse audience across the Western Cape.

Engaging learners across the Western Cape

This year, around 300 Grade 11 learners from schools like Aloe High, COSAT, ISCT, and Joe Slovo Engineering High, to name a few, attended. The event was presented by a team of UCT academics, technical staff, and postgraduate students from physics, astronomy, engineering, and oceanography. Throughout the afternoon, learners were encouraged to make predictions, explain outcomes, and participate in hands-on experiments, bringing theoretical concepts to life.

The department also acknowledged the remarkable contribution of Gregor Leigh, whose creativity and enthusiasm have helped shape the programme over the years. A former senior lecturer in the department, Leigh is renowned for his bold and captivating demonstrations, often among the most daring of the programme. Even in retirement his spirited presentations continue to inspire both students and colleagues alike.

Debbie Rowe, a teacher at the German International School Cape Town, said her students enjoyed it “immensely” and didn’t want to leave – particularly the waves demonstration with burning gas, the liquid nitrogen experiments, and the ping-pong ball chain reaction. She added that every demonstration was fun, engaging, and inspiring, and that they are already looking forward to next year.

Inspiring future scientists

The organisers emphasised that the programme’s goal is not only to entertain but to show learners the relevance of physics in the world around them. Beyond sparking scientific curiosity, Phenomenal Physics reflects the department’s commitment to broadening access to science. By offering learners from diverse schools the opportunity to engage with live, hands-on experiments, the programme helps bridge gaps in exposure to laboratory-based learning. Demonstrations spanned fundamental mechanics and electricity to quantum phenomena, with highlights like superconducting levitation and liquid nitrogen water rockets.

Didintle Kela, a pupil at Hout Bay International School, found the demonstration brief yet highly informative, noting that each experiment offered insight into the deeper laws that govern the world – from motion to the Bernoulli effect. She was particularly impressed by how these key scientific ideas could be demonstrated with simple setups, adding that the event reminded her how much more there is to learn and encouraged her to continue exploring.