The physics outreach group: A how to guide

Abstract

In less than two years in existence, the Liverpool Physics Outreach Group has developed and delivered physics workshops to over 3000 school pupils. The Group is voluntary and non-credit bearing, meeting once per week to share good practice, develop new ideas and obtain feedback on their communications skills. Funding to run projects, such as Photons in the Classroom has been awarded from the Science and Technologies Funding Council, and the Institute of Physics. After some collaboration with Chemistry and Mathematics, we have put together a business case for a School of Physical Sciences Outreach Group.

Collaboration with other Departments has begun in which we introduce students who require an understanding of physics, but often have no background in the subject (e.g. Radiotherapy). By incorporating the hands-on „fun‟ elements of outreach activities, these students have found physics more accessible, and a thorough evaluation of benefits to their learning is underway. The Ogden Trust have provided funding for a Women in Physics Outreach event which will be run by girls, for girls This approach is considered effective for the recruitment and retention of girls in physics and engineering in other countries (notably Germany).

Benefits to our students involved include everything from a huge increase in confidence to an improvement in their motivation to learn physics. The schools involved and the Physics Department benefit from opening the lines of communication. Evaluation indicated that the pupils in all schools visited thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and have an improved attitude toward science, and in particular, physics. The uptake of Triple (separate) Science in all schools visited has increased since our visits began. We would like to share our experience of setting up and running so many successful events on order that other departments might develop their own without having to re-invent the wheel.