Physics Outreach To Our Neighbors (PHOTON)

Department of Physics
www.physics.ohio-state.edu
Richard Hughes, Vice-chair and advisor
614-292-3885
hughes@mps.ohio-state.edu

Members of Sigma Pi Sigma, Ohio State's undergraduate physics honor society, are encouraging an interest in physics among the general public, especially children, through a new outreach program they call PHOTON (Physics Outreach to Our Neighbors). For the past two years, the group has worked with Ohio Extension and provided hands-on physics demonstrations at the Ohio State Fair in the Lausche Building where 4-H members from around the state gather with their projects. PHOTON arranged numerous experiments, from dropping balloons in liquid nitrogen to putting CDs in a microwave oven. Each experiment was attended by a physics student who encouraged children to get involved and ask questions. On campus, PHOTON members have welcomed Big Brothers, Big Sisters to an event just for them, as well as working with students during Women in Science Day and Take Your Son or Daughter to Work Day. Demonstrations have also taken place at the African American and African Studies Community Extension Center well as local and rural elementary schools.