PERC 2021 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Physics Public Engagement in the COVID Era: Lessons Learned and Moving Forward |
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| Abstract: | Session Goal: confronting barriers to inclusiveness and participation in physics public engagement, by openly discussing the existing challenges in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. We present this session as an opportunity for the community to hear from and engage with expert researchers and research-practice partnership members on adaptations in methods and formats of informal physics education efforts. The pandemic has drastically changed the landscape of public engagement in physics, and many programs have developed sophisticated, top-down strategies for continuing activity. Such developments have obviously involved various challenges for program leaders considering the safety restrictions, limited guidelines and available resources. In this session we look to learn about how different programs have adapted and also discuss strategies for assessing the impact of the pandemic on their programs as they move forward. Speakers will give 10-minute talks on their efforts to adapt programming to COVID as well as preliminary research efforts to understand the impact of these novel formats of engagement. Following these talks, the session will break into a 15-20 minute panel discussion involving attendees on the question of research-based techniques for the COVID era, ideas and tips for program adaptation, and questions of institutional support and priorities as universities adapt to the new landscape of education post-pandemic. We look forward to hearing from attendees about their own experiences as well. |
| Abstract Type: | Talk Symposium |
| Session Time: | Parallel Sessions Cluster III |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Dena Izadi Department of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University East Lansing, MI |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Michael Bennett - JILA NSF Physics Frontier Center, & Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder Claudia Fracchiolla - University College Dublin Bryan Stanley - Department of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University Zach Constan - JINA-CEE Outreach Coordinator, Michigan State University Shannon Schmoll - Director, Abrams Planetarium, Michigan State University Joey Key - University of Washington Bothell, Physics and Astronomy Club |
Symposium Specific Information | |
| Presentation 1 Title: | Understanding the Roles of Informal Physics Personnel |
| Presentation 1 Authors: | Bryan Stanley, Michigan State University, MI |
| Presentation 1 Abstract: | Physicists, physics students, and public audiences gather in informal physics learning environments in a variety of formats like youth camps, public lectures, and demo shows. We are interested in understanding the roles, tasks, and interactions that program personnel have in these programs to determine what factors are important for the design and implementation of meaningful informal physics activities. COVID disrupted the way that many informal physics programs have operated, including personnel participation. In our qualitative research study, we interviewed lead program facilitators, administered surveys, and conducted site visits to multiple programs to investigate key themes and challenges of informal physics programs. This is a continuation of our work to identify the key components of informal physics programs that facilitators have influence over, such as recruitment, program content, and the distribution of tasks. Here, we discuss our current model of the key components of personnel, and consider the implications of COVID. |
| Presentation 2 Title: | STEM Public Outreach Team (SPOT) Impact and Adaptation |
| Presentation 2 Authors: | Joey Key, University of Washington Bothell, WA |
| Presentation 2 Abstract: | The University of Washington Bothell (UWB) STEM Public Outreach Team (SPOT) trains undergraduate students to give presentations and lead activities related to current STEM research topics. During 2020 and 2021 the SPOT program pivoted to online classrooms and events with adaptations that will carry forward. Access and availability for the SPOT Student Ambassadors as well as the participating schools and community groups has been expanded through online engagement options. The SPOT program collaborates with the UW Center for Evaluation and Research for STEM Equity (CERSE) on Evaluating the Impact of Participation in STEM Outreach on Persistence of Diverse Students in Physics, Math, and Engineering. |
| Presentation 3 Title: | The Resilience and Response of Planetariums during the COVID-19 Pandemic |
| Presentation 3 Authors: | Shannon Schmoll, Michigan State University, MI |
| Presentation 3 Abstract: | Planetariums have been hard hit by COVID-19. The very nature of the work done by planetariums is to use immersive spaces to help transport people to different locations. However, a majority of planetariums have found ways to still engage their audiences during difficult times. This has included using various softwares to recreate the night sky, 360 degree YouTube streams to stream planetarium shows virtually but still immersively, and relying on other informal learning programming from demos and talks to remain connected to audiences. In this particular presentation we will explore specifically how the Abrams Planetarium utilized softwares including Stellarium, WorldWide Telescope, and OBS as well as platforms such as YouTube and Facebook to engage with audiences while closed. Results from a rapid report on how planetariums were doing in the summer of 2020 will also be shared to offer a broader picture of how different planetariums handled the pandemic. |
| Presentation 4 Title: | Nuclear Science for Everyone |
| Presentation 4 Authors: | Zachary Constan, Michigan State University, MI |
| Presentation 4 Abstract: | National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory's outreach program normally serves 10,000+ in-person visitors each year for tours, talks, and events. Restrictions due to COVID proved an opportunity to reach an even larger audience through virtual tours, Facebook live talks, and online camps! The presenter will share methods for converting various activities so they are online-accessible and often asynchronous through the use of specific technologies and engagement strategies. |
