Physicists captivated audiences with hands-on experiments during the Summer School on Computational Cognitive Science and Natural Language Processing.
The Summer School on Computational Cognitive Science and Natural Language Processing demonstrated that science can be as entertaining as it is educational through The Physics Circus, an interactive showcase featuring experiments that brought fundamental physical principles to life.
Using everyday objects—including a bicycle wheel, aluminum tubes, springs, plastic bottles, flutes, and balloons—Luis Manuel Montaño Zetina, Ph.D., and Alfredo Martínez Uribe, Ph.D., researchers at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (Cinvestav), illustrated the principles behind gyroscopes, waves and oscillations, temperature, electromagnetism, and electricity through engaging live demonstrations.
The science communicators also showcased the remarkable effects of extremely low temperatures using liquid nitrogen, a substance so cold that it instantly forms a dense cloud of vapor when exposed to ambient air.
One of the event's most striking demonstrations took place at the auditorium of the Higher School of Computer Science (ESCOM), where the researchers used electromagnetism to make metal rings levitate above a vertical post, illustrating the technology behind high-speed magnetic levitation trains.
"Superconducting trains can lift off the tracks through electromagnetic fields, which support their enormous weight while dramatically reducing friction. That's why these vehicles can reach speeds of 460, 500, and even 600 kilometers per hour—they are essentially levitating above the rails," explained Dr. Montaño.
Communicating Science Effectively
The Summer School also featured a presentation by Manuel Tonatiuh Moreno Ramos, director of the popular science communication channel Curiosamente, who shared practical strategies for communicating scientific knowledge to broad audiences.
Addressing both researchers interested in sharing their work and aspiring science communicators, Moreno Ramos described the production process behind his educational content, emphasizing that the same principles can be applied to communicating virtually any area of knowledge.
He explained that successful science communication begins with a straightforward process of research, planning, and production, supported by a coherent script that presents complex topics in an accessible and engaging way.
After reviewing the evolution of communication theories—from the classic linear model based on source, message, and receiver to today's interactive digital media landscape—Moreno Ramos highlighted the importance of cultural frameworks, emphasizing that effective communication should remain connected to shared cultural memory.
He encouraged science communicators to begin with an emotional hook to capture the audience's attention, followed by a clear narrative structure consisting of introduction, development, and conclusion. He also stressed the importance of mastering audiovisual and cinematic language to create more compelling science communication products.
The Summer School is organized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Student Branch at the Research Center for Computing (CIC) of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN).
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