IoPP on-screen PowerPoint slides

Physics Outreach Workshop

Caitlin WatsonHead of Public Engagement, Institute of Physics Outreach & Widening Participation in Practice2 November 2011

caitlin.watson@iop.org, www.iop.orgNotes for first body slide21/11/2011Page #

OutlineIOP activityImage of physics and gender awarenessParticipants Post-itsWhat do you think about?60 second soap boxOpportunity to tell everyone about your thing

Image of PhysicsSemiotics researchWhat are peoples existing perceptions of physics?What deeper symbolism underpins these images?What can we take away from this to make physics intriguing and attractive to students?

Done in 200721/11/2011Page #

Symbolism of PhysicsA triumph of enlightenmentReverenceMakes us see the world anewOrder/ChaosTheory of everythingPure intelligenceMystery and masteryInfinite progress

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Physics in Popular CultureMad scientistCold, calculating, contemptuousNot athletic / not sexy / not hip

Rogue heroGeek chic, outsider, mythbusterPower with responsibilityEntrepreneurial / free

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Branding PhysicsDont pretend its easy intellectual rigourDifferentiate the world of physics from other studyOffers challenge and intrigueCreative energyImagination, radical, courageous, futureThe everyday and the infinite; big and smallUniverse is a strange placeMind expansion21/11/2011Page #

Gender awarenessPost-16: only 22% of girls choose physicsPhysics has a highly gendered imageMessages may need to be more nuanced for girls

AS Physics entries 2002-1121/11/2011Page #

Top five items boys and girls would like to learn about in science (English ROSE data)BoysExplosive chemicalsHow it feels to be weightless in spaceHow the atom bomb worksBiological and chemical weaponsBlack holes, supernovae and other spectacular objectsGirlsWhy we dream and what the dreams may meanCancer what we know and how to treat itHow to perform basic first aidHow to exercise to keep fit and strongSTIs and how to protect against them21/11/2011Page #

Managing GroupsThink about whether single sex or mixed groups are most appropriate for the activityAssign roles to people and change during the activity if possibleThink about whether groups take account of ability or are deliberately mixed abilityThink about group size does it allow for all to actively engage?21/11/2011Page #

Role model guidelinesEnsure role models have adequate prior infoAllow students to interview themEncourage role models to personalise experiences and be open to questions related to having a familyDiscuss the nature and purpose of scientific research as well as detailsDont over-simplifyUse accessible language, images, examples and analogies

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Girls continue post-16 whenActivities are managed to ensure active participation by allFocus is on learning is ideas rather than unconnected factsStudents understand the contribution physics makes to society and their livesExpectation that anyone can do physics

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Engaging with Girls Action PackIncreasing the participation of girls in physics - an action pack for teachersAction research bookletResources sheetsLearning activity sheets

www.iop.org/education/teacher/support/girls_physics/page_41593.html 21/11/2011Page #

IOP careers materials

physics.org/careersmyphysicscourse.org 21/11/2011Page #

Further resourcesAshfield Music FestivalPhysics in the Field Lab in a LorryPostersSOS Networkwww.iop.org/education www.iop.org/activity/outreach

For physics For physicists For all

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Participant Post-itsOne idea/thought per Post-it note:Good examples you know/want to copy

Bad examples of things to avoid

What do you wish you knew?

What barriers do you face?Participant Post-itsOne idea/thought per Post-it noteGood examples you know/want to copyExtract bits to copyBad examples of things to avoidExtract bits to learn fromWhat do you wish you knew?Extract answers from the groupWhat barriers do you face?Extract solutions from the group

For physics For physicists For all

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60 second soapboxWhat do you want to tell us all about?Promote an activity / resourceAsk for / offer helpPose a questionMake a suggestion

For physics For physicists For all

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