The Physics Show -- A community college delivers BIG on community outreach

TL;DR

The Foothill College Physics Show has successfully engaged nearly a quarter of a million attendees over two decades through performances and educational outreach, involving students in hands-on activities and community engagement.

Contribution

This paper documents the development and impact of a community college physics outreach program that actively involves students and serves a large public audience.

Findings

Served nearly 250,000 attendees over 20 years

Engages local schools and community through demonstrations

Involves students in both performance and educational roles

Abstract

Founded in 2007, the Foothill College Physics Show has served nearly a quarter of a million attendees in the two decades that have followed. This demo show features both performances for the public and field trips for students from local Title 1 schools. The college's students play an important role, acting as both on-stage talent, leading tours of the college, and helping build equipment. From a small beginning, it now hosts over twenty-five thousand attendees a year, and is an important part of the college's outreach efforts.