The Physics Show: Engaging the Public in Physics Education and Funding Title 1 School Outreach

The Physics Show, founded in 2007, is a live performance during which two physics professors, the theater manager, and college students perform hands-on physics demonstrations with engaging and lighthearted commentary to educate the general public about basic physics principles. The professors volunteer their time, and the college donates the use of the facilities. With 24 sold-out shows a year for the general public, The Physics Show engages about 20,000 people annually. The revenue from ticket sales is used to bring about 4,000 students from Title 1 schools to the show each year. For many students, it is their only field trip of the year. In addition to the show, the college provides transportation, lunch, a t-shirt, and a tour of the college for each young learner. For nearly two decades, The Physics Show professors have been getting young students excited about science and encouraging them to pursue education. While the impact is immeasurable, one direct result is that most Foothill College STEM students who help with the Physics Show each year attended as kids. They embody the pay it forward community engagement spirit of the Physics Show.

Innovators

• Frank Cascarano, Faculty, Physics
• David Marasco, Professor, Physics
• Christy Moore, Coordinator, Campus Facilities