The Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI) December 2024 newsletter (received via email) features a gift guide, information about their Black Hole episodes, etc.
First, the gift guide, from the December 12, 2024 PI newsletter,
2024 Science Nerd Gift Guide
From quantum-inspired games to cosmic reads, explore our picks for the science enthusiast in your life. Highlights include Battle of The Big Bang, a hoverpen that floats, and Earth, a game to build your own ecosystem.
Science lovers with a green thumb will adore this levitating planter pot. Using the power of electromagnetism, the planter floats above its base and will even slowly rotate, the perfect hypnotic object for when your mind needs to wander.
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Earth
The award-winning Earth lets you build your own ecosystem using the plants, animals, and habitats that populate our pale blue dot. There are thousands of possible combinations to making your tableau ecosystem and the game gives you a whole new appreciation for the world around us. If you know someone who likes the game Wingspan, then they’re love Earth.
Players: 1-5. Playing time: 45-90 min. Age: 13+
Cat in the Box
We couldn’t resist a game involving a quantum cat! Cat in the Box is a trick-taking game like Euchre or hearts but with a quantum twist: a card’s colour isn’t declared until you play it. Fast paced and perfect for early teens and up, it’s easy to learn but offers lots of replayability.
Players: 2-5. Plating time: 20-40 min. Age: 13+
SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Life – (available for pre-order)
Released this year, SETI puts you in charge of a scientific institution searching for traces of life beyond our solar system. The game draws inspiration from current and emerging technologies and efforts in space exploration. Explore nearby planets, collect valuable samples, and direct your telescopes to gaze into distant star systems, all to try and detect traces of alien signals and undiscovered exoplanets. This is the perfect game for anyone who loves a more complex and rewarding board game and is curious about alien life.
Players: 1-4. Playing time: 40-160 min. Age: 14+
Botley 2.0 the Coding Robot
Botley is the perfect screen-free way to introduce kids to the wide world of coding. Kids use the supplied coding cards and remote to program Botley to move, light up, and more. There are even “secret” codes you can input to turn Botley into a ghost, train, and police car. Perfect for kids above five, Botley is a fun way to spark creativity and curiosity while teaching problem-solving and sequential thought.
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JWST mirror earrings
From the rings of Uranus to the farthest reaches of the observable universe, the James Webb Space Telescope has been capturing incredible images for over three years. A major reason for the scope and clarity of its images is its unique, 18-panel hexagonal mirror. Now, you can get that mirror as a pair of earrings, the perfect accessory to a love of physics and the cosmos.
The physics is theoretical but the fun is real mug
There’s so many physics and science-themed mugs out there but this one takes the cake here at Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. It may just be our unofficial slogan!
Now, here’s the rest from the December 12, 2024 PI newsletter,
Black Hole Mysteries – New Episodes Released!
Continue your journey into the enigma of black holes with two more captivating episodes. You asked black hole questions, and we went to PI experts for answers!
Perimeter Institute: A quarter-century retrospective — Chapter One
Founded in 2000 by Mike Lazaridis, Perimeter Institute has evolved into a global hub for theoretical physics, advancing our understanding of the universe and inspiring future scientists.
From Orion’s Belt to the Andromeda Galaxy, there’s plenty to see even without a telescope. Learn about the science behind stars, constellations, and cosmic phenomena to make your stargazing adventure unforgettable.
Revived intensity interferometry could revolutionize cosmic imaging with modern photodetectors, offering unprecedented resolution and insights into the universe’s expansion and distant phenomena.
Our Emmy Noether Initiatives foster diversity and collaboration, empowering female students to thrive in STEM. Support the next generation of innovators.
