Outreach

Particle physics faculty initiated an outreach program in 2001 which was dubbed the Frontier Physics Program to reflect the research that goes on at Fermilab and Argonne. Activities have included visits to schools and community organizations, a Haunted Physics Lab each Fall for families, a Physics Olympics for high school students in the spring, and science camps during the summer. In 2008 this program was expanded to include other science departments at NIU.

Since 2003, the Department of Physics has had an annual Haunted Physics Laboratory (HPL), originally located  at Faraday Hall on the DeKalb campus of Northern Illinois University. Due to its overwhelming popularity, HPL was expanded in 2010 to include other STEM* disciplines and became the backbone of STEMfest, which is located at NIU's Convocation Center.  The HPL and related LaserFest displays are still some of the most popular parts of STEMfest which is still held in late October each year. Check the STEMfest website for this year's date and parking information.  The event remains a free, family event. 

Come check out the science behind the mysterious!Up to 100 HPL interactive displays are also available to schools wishing to partner with NIU STEM Outreach to host their own hands-on event.  Check out the possibilities at http://www.niu.edu/stem/PDF/Physics%20Phun%20Lab%20Info.pdf.  Haunted Physics Labs have become a popular way for physics departments across the nation to reach out to the community.  Pati Sievert has lead several workshops, locally and nationally, on the topic.  

Contact Pati at 753-1201 for information on future professional development related to increasing student enthusiasm for physics through active engagement.

*STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Check out the STEM OUTREACH web page for an extensive list of on and off campus activities.

The department also sponsers a number of programs with high school teachers and students including the Quarknet week during the summer.

For information on the Frontier Physics Program contact:

Pati Sievert, STEM Outreach Coordinator
(815) 753-1201
psievert@niu.edu

This effort is in coordination with NIU Outreach and CLAS External Programming and has received support from the DeKalb County Community Foundation and the NIU Foundation.