As a physics graduate student, I have an exposure to the field of physics that most people do not experience. After years of studying concepts through calculus, coding and specialized terminology, it can be easy to forget how daunting physics can appear to someone encountering it for the first time. My goal as a Wonders of Physics fellow has always been to make physics approachable. I want people to leave an outreach event feeling that physics is not something reserved for experts, but something they can observe, question, and understand for themselves.
Participating in the Wonders of Physics fellowship has been a rewarding experience that has allowed me to share physics demonstrations at several events this year, including Science on the Square, the Wonders of Physics Workshop, the Weird Science Fair, and Science Expeditions. The audiences at these events have ranged from the general public to undergraduate and graduate students to middle school-aged children. Speaking with such a diverse group of people has taught me that effective science communication is not simply about understanding the material; it is about finding a way to connect that material to each audience.
Some of my favorite demonstrations involve light and sound because they allow people to experience physics firsthand. For example, students are always fascinated by the fact that sound cannot travel through a vacuum. As anyone around young children knows, it can be difficult to keep them still and quiet. However, after placing a ringing bell inside a jar and using a vacuum to remove the air, the room suddenly becomes quiet. The students are immediately intrigued by how a bell that was previously very loud can become nearly silent without any obvious physical change to the bell itself. This simple demonstration gives them an opportunity to ask questions about what sound is, how it travels, and why a medium is necessary. More importantly, it shows them that they can investigate and understand a physical phenomenon without needing advanced mathematics or physics knowledge.
I am also motivated to participate in outreach because of the value it provides to the community. Women and other minority groups are historically underrepresented in STEM. As a young student, I greatly appreciated seeing role models who were pursuing careers in science and mathematics – careers I also wanted to pursue. Now that I have reached milestones in my own education, I believe it is my responsibility to provide that same sense of possibility to future generations.
Ultimately, I hope my participation in physics outreach encourages students to see science and mathematics as interesting, exciting, and accessible. Whether someone eventually becomes a physicist or simply leaves an event with a new appreciation for how the world works, I consider that a meaningful impact. I am grateful for the opportunity to interact with so many people through the Wonders of Physics fellowship and to encourage curiosity wherever I can.