Spectra's Quantum Leap (2014)

Spectra's Quantum Leap was sent for free to those who registered for the Spring semester of 2014. If you would like to purchase Spectra's Quantum Leap PhysicsQuest kit, you can do so here. If you would like to register for this year's FREE kit, please visit the main PhysicsQuest page.

About Spectra's Quantum Leap

Tesla Junior High is in ruins after H. Toueaux destroyed the gym during the big swim meet. The gang is scattered between 3 different middle schools as they wait for their school to be rebuilt. When Lucy’s mom takes their ancient mini-van to Black Body Repair, she gets a little more than she bargained for. Owner and chief mechanic Pauli Black gives the van more than new brakes, she gives it a quantum kick. With the gang so spread out, Spectra will have to use both her laser powers and the quantum additions to her mom’s mini-van to stop the Quantum Mechanic's super-powered machines.

Learn about topics in modern physics including what’s hidden in a rainbow, why physicists sometimes claim there are 10 dimensions and why Wint-O-Green lifesavers spark in the dark while helping Spectra!

Prize Winners

Congratulations to our PhysicsQuest: Spectra’s Quantum Leap winners for 2014!

Grand Prize:
Wendy Goodwin
Discover School
Huntersville, NC

The grand prize winners will receive:
A class set of iPods and a class set of autographed comics. The class will also be receiving a $500 Educational Innovations gift certificate and prize pack.

Second place:
Christine Stewarts Gamma Rays C
Governor French Academy
Belleville, IL

Second place winners will receive:
A class set of autographed comics. The class will also be receiving a $300 Educational Innovations gift certificate and prize pack.

Third place:
Caleb Rohler
Homeschooled
New Oxford, PA

Third place winners will receive:
A class set of autographed comics. The class will also be receiving a $100 Educational Innovations gift certificate and prize pack.

Answers:

Activity 1: Color Blockers
Answer: 3, Everything but green.

The only color that both blue and yellow let through is green. Blue water absorbs red and yellow light and yellow water absorbs blue and violet light. However, neither color of water absorbs green light so it is transmitted. Many people got different answers for this question because everyone’s eyes see color differently and people may have been picking up on more subtle colors.

Activity 2: Hidden Rainbow
Answer:1, More with the UV diode which has more energy than the other colors of light.

UV light has more energy than violet light. When the UV diode is added to the white flashlight you should see part of the glow-in-the-dark square glowing past the violet end of the visible rainbow.

Activity 3: Losing Your Shirt
Answer: 2, Both when the hands are apart and together, but not when the stick person is hugging a pole.

For a great explanation of this answer, check out the video below:
 

Activity 4: Ball vs. Donut
Answer: 2, A donut but not a sphere.

No matter how many different ways you try, it is impossible to connect all the utility lines to houses without crossing the lines at one point or another. However, on the donut if some of the utility lines are wrapped through the center hole of the donut it can be done without ever crossing the lines.

If you weren't able to receive a kit this year you can still be part of the fun. Download the manual and create your own kit!

Download the teacher's manual for Spectra 6: Spectra's Quantum Leap format_pdf

Quantum mechanic small