Abstract:

In order to formalize Angelo State University Physics science outreach, we have partnered with a local elementary school to develop three hands-on labs for 5th grade students. The local elementary school was selected after a previous collaboration with the Angelo State Society of Physics Students (SPS) can roll service project. Project goals were aimed at helping with limited physical science resources available at the school and to encourage underrepresented groups to study science. Each lab was presented by Angelo State SPS undergraduate physics majors. Collaboration with the school science coordinator helped direct our efforts to those areas identified as in need of improvement, including motion, energy and optics. Labs were structured toward science criteria in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in order to supplement student instruction in these topics. Pre- and post-lab assessments were analyzed in order to gauge the effectiveness of our efforts.

Primary Author:

Jordan A. Sefcik
Student, Local SPS Officer, Angelo State University