Public Engagement

PhysicsQuest

Introduce Your Middle School Students to the Fun of Physics!

The aim of PhysicsQuest is to introduce students to the basic concepts of physics, through fun experiments that will sustain their interest in math and science. Whether for your science class, home school group, science club, or after-school program, PhysicsQuest can be a valuable tool to spark that interest.

PhysicsQuest experiment kits demonstrate the fun and relevance of science to middle school students as they learn more about the physical world. Although kits for past PhysicsQuest projects are no longer available, your class can still complete the projects. You can download all of the written materials and use the provided materials list to collect everything else you need.

View the latest—PhysicsQuest 2022: Physics Together—and discover that anyone can become a physicist and learn about amazing physicists working across many disciples in science, media, technology, and beyond.

PhysicsQuest 2022

PhysicsQuest 2022 image edit

PhysicsQuest 2022: Physics Together, a collaboration between APS and STEP UP


Physicists To-Go

Bringing Real Physicists to the Classroom

Physicists To-Go is a program designed to bring real physicists to classrooms across the country. The goal is to increase science literacy and inspire young minds to develop a passion for science. Sign up to become a Physicist To-Go or sign up to have your classroom paired with a physicist.

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STEP UP

Supporting Teachers to Encourage the Pursuit of Undergraduate Physics for Women

Drawing on research evidence, STEP UP will mobilize thousands of high school physics teachers to reduce barriers and inspire young women to pursue physics degrees in college. The goal is to increase the representation of women amongst physics bachelor’s degrees and begin to shift deep-seated cultural views about who does physics.

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Public Engagement Webinars

The APS Engaging the Public through Science series is focused on communicating science and physics-based issues to our communities. Watch videos of past webinars for topics of interest.

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Why Study Physics

Want to Know How and Why? Learn Physics

Are you 5 years old? 105? Want to learn about physics or share physics with others?

Physics is crucial to understanding the world around us, the world inside us, and the world beyond us. It is the most basic and fundamental science.

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Wiki Scientists Course

Elevating the Visibility of Minorities and Women Physicists on Wikipedia

With approximately 500 million views a month, Wikipedia is one of the most popular and best-known websites in the world. However, you may be surprised to learn that fewer than 18% of the biographies on the site are about women. APS encourages you to take an active role in raising that percentage. Give a voice to the voiceless and impact your field by applying to our upcoming Wiki Scientist Course, Highlighting Women and Minorities in STEM on Wikipedia. Dates will be announced shortly.

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Science Trust

Equipping physicists with the skills necessary to address scientific misinformation

Scientific denial and misinformation are rapidly approaching a boiling point and affecting our work-potential, future funding, public opinion, and the wellbeing of society. The last few years have presented unique and complex challenges on misinformation and disinformation with regard to issues such as COVID-19 and climate change.

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Joint Network for Informal Physics Education and Research (JNIPER)

Connecting people involved in designing, facilitating, or studying informal physics learning activities and programs

Joining the JNIPER Community allows you to learn effective ways to engage with the public on physics topics and to assess and advocate for your informal physics education work. In addition, JNIPER members will play a role in shaping the direction of public engagement in physics.

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