Group Begins Quest to Give Hartford Youth Greater Access to Science

What: The Society of Physics Students (SPS) at Trinity College welcomes Hartford Magnet Middle School students to the first-ever physics fair hosted by the campus group.  Middle school students will be presenting science projects on any topic related to the physical sciences. Funded by the Trinity College SPS Chapter, winners of the fair will receive prizes which include a high-quality optical telescope, season passes to the newly-opened Connecticut Science Center, and a dynamics kit. In addition, all participants will receive certificates as well as packets of physics-related novelties and toys donated by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine and SPS Nationals.  The Society of Physics Students members at Trinity College will be on-hand and available for mentoring.  The event, which is free and open to the public, will also be catered.

When: Saturday, May 2, 2009 ~ 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Washington Room, Mather Hall, on the campus on Trinity College
300 Summit Street, Hartford, Conn. 06106

Background: The Physics Fair is an initiative of the Trinity College SPS with the goal of fostering and ultimately facilitating an enthusiasm for learning physics among Hartford youth. While the subject of physics is often viewed as a daunting challenge for young students, SPS recognizes that physics is a foundational science and finds it necessary to actively engage in community service in the Hartford area in order to promote interest in the physical sciences. In addition to simply giving the students a setting to exhibit their scientific ideas and curiosity, SPS also plans to use this opportunity to stimulate increased engagement in physics by connecting students with faculty members and undergraduates engaged in physics studies and research.

Examples of the projects undertaken by these students indicate the sophistication of their science even at this level, including cosmic rays, bridge design, roller coaster design and forces, and the effect of weight distribution on velocity. This is the first such event the Trinity SPS Chapter has hosted.  Trinity College SPS is committed to engaging the surrounding community through outreach programs, with the intention of establishing a tradition of such events and expanding upon its reach.

This event is free and open to the public.  For more information, please Adam Katcher at adam.katcher@trincoll.edu. 

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