Outreach

Community Outreach

Physics Outreach Committee

The Physics Outreach Committee aims to illustrate the role which physics plays in everyday life to inspire students to look more favorably at physics and science in general. Our hope is to show students that they can use physics to understand the world around them. In particular we try to tailor our demonstrations and hands-on activities toward their areas of interest (music, sports, etc.).

The Physics Outreach Committee hosts several Physics Family Fun Day events each year for the community.  The committee also brings classroom experiences, performs demonstrations and offers hands on activities to local students, both within schools and to home-schooled groups.

 

Featured Outreach Activity

Physics Family Fun Day

The Physics Outreach Committee aims to illustrate the role which physics plays in everyday life. Our hope is to show students that they can use physics to understand the world around them. In particular we try to tailor our demonstrations and hands-on activities toward their areas of interest (music, sports, etc.).

See All Upcoming Outreach Events

Astronomy on Tap

 

Astronomy is even better with beer! Scientists, educators, writers, artists & more reveal how they explore the universe at Urban Chestnut Grove Brewery! Each FREE event features accessible, engaging science presentations on topics ranging from planets to black holes to the beginning of the Universe. Presenters are from research and educational institutions like Washington University in St. Louis, NASA Jet Propulsion Lab, and more. Each event consists of two 10-15 min talks, followed by questions and comments. There will also be a trivia session with questions related to astronomy. At the end of the night prizes will be handed to the winners! There is always lots of time to ask questions and interact with the presenters and other scientists who tag along for the beer.

 

SEE EVENTS PAGE FOR UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS

For more information, contact: 

Andrés A. Plazas Malagón
plazas@physics.wustl.edu
@plazasmalagon1 (twitter)

Young Scientist Program

The Young Scientist Program Teaching Teams promote science literacy among students and encourage the pursuit of careers in science by introducing students to areas of scientific study through interactive demonstrations brought into the classroom. Teams of graduate students present the curricula in small groups, fostering a comfortable atmosphere for scientific discussion.

If you would like to request the physics teaching team, visit the Young Scientist Program page.

YOUNG SCIENTIST PROGRAM
Physics Family Fun Day

Crow Observatory

Crow Observatory is open evenings to the public in the fall and spring semesters.

Visitors can check here or phone 314-935-6278 during viewing hours to see if the Observatory is open.

Observatories

Saturday Science Public Lectures

Fall 2020

The Department of Physics and University College, in conjunction with Washington University’s Center for Quantum Sensors, will sponsor a series of public lectures in Fall 2020, to be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday mornings. The lecture series begins on October 3rd and ends on November 21st. All lectures will be held on Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent via email to our email list before each lecture. Those wishing to join the email list should email a request to physics@wustl.edu. You should download the Zoom app to your computer, tablet or phone before the first lecture to make sure Zoom is working correctly. These lectures, which are free and open to the public, will be presented by world renowned experts in quantum foundations, materials, and technology and are tailored for the general public. More information may be obtained from Mary Sullivan (physics@wustl.edu, 314-935-6276) or Zohar Nussinov.

The Center for Quantum Sensors at Washington University in St. Louis brings together scientists working on the development and engineering of quantum technologies and materials and scientists using quantum technologies for cutting-edge research in physics and related disciplines. Members of the Center are currently involved in projects related to quantum information, quantum optics, quantum materials, quantum measurements, quantum sensors for astrophysics, and quantum sensors for fundamental physics. The center leverages the members’ experience with the fabrication of quantum sensors and the deployment of the sensors in extreme environments, e.g. on balloons, satellites, in remote geographical areas, and in underground laboratories.

UPCOMING SATURDAY SCIENCE LECTURES

Previous Saturday Science Lectures

To be added to the Saturday Science mailing list, please contact physics@wustl.edu

Garv Chauhan

"The WashU Physics Department has helped me integrate into the physics research community over the past two years through their PhD program. The welcoming environment and the vibrant graduate student community helps you maintain a healthy balance in your work-life. This place makes me feel excited about the cutting edge research in other fields, too, in addition to mine. As physicists, I believe it's our duty to contribute to our society by illustrating the importance of physics. As a member of the outreach initiative from the department, I help organize and demonstrate physics in everyday life to school students through our "Physics Family Fun Day" events. It's great fun and a wonderful experience to be a part of this!"

―Garv ChauhanPhD Candidate

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