Educational Outreach at the University of Houston Houston, Texas Physics Department University of Houston

December 12, 2005Dr. John Wilson, University of Houston Educational Outreach at the University of Houston2 Introduction Principal Collaborators Mission, Goals, and Strategy Demographics–Greater Houston, TX (Region IV) Areas of Research Interest

December 12, 2005Dr. John Wilson, University of Houston Educational Outreach at the University of Houston3 Current Program Overview Early Inclusion of Students in Research Introduction to Particle Physics Research Opportunities for Teachers Web Pages for Teachers and Students

December 12, 2005Dr. John Wilson, University of Houston Educational Outreach at the University of Houston4 The Vision - Web Interactivity- Student Research LeadAssociate- Research Experiences- Middle Schools & TeachersTeachers- Cosmic Ray Analysis Science Fairs Students!Students!- Saturday Physics- Elementary - GRID Schools & Simulations First YearSecond Year Years 3-5Years 5 & Beyond Researcher Teacher Collaborative Student Community Physics Comes to Life for Students and Community

December 12, 2005Dr. John Wilson, University of Houston Educational Outreach at the University of Houston5 Results Teacher Activities and Resources University Faculty, Teacher, and Saturday Physics Participation Heightened Interest in Physics 1 Includes one private school.

December 12, 2005Dr. John Wilson, University of Houston Educational Outreach at the University of Houston6 A Student Responds 05 Mar 2005 …I have come to Saturday Physics all year, and these discussions have really interested me in learning more about Physics and possibly considering it as a future career. Saturday Physics has really shown me how important Physics is to the world and how imperative it is that we continue to make headway with new scientific discoveries. I especially enjoyed last Saturday's discussion over the expansion of the universe. It is hard to believe that discoveries like dark matter are still puzzling to even the Smartest scientists. This summer I was hoping to find a job, and I would love it if I could work with a Physicist… A Student in Houston

December 12, 2005Dr. John Wilson, University of Houston Educational Outreach at the University of Houston7 i2u2 Collaborate with Dr. William J. Llope, Rice University in the Development of Processed Star Data for Excel Analysis Introduce New Data Analysis Program in Summer Workshops Extend to Live Data When Feasible Include Houston Museum of Natural Sciences for Further Community Outreach Include New Senior Citizens Centers 1 Includes one private school.

December 12, 2005Dr. John Wilson, University of Houston Educational Outreach at the University of Houston8 Conclusion Strong Opportunity for Empowerment of Teachers in Secondary Education Increased Educational Outreach from University to Secondary Education Significantly Increases Impact of and Interest in Science Education Rapid Acceptance of Quarknet by Both Teachers and Students Demonstrates Need and Benefit for Increased Educational Outreach in the Houston Community