About the Department of Physics & Astronomy (PHAS) Outreach Programs

What is interesting and exciting in physics and astronomy? What is the relevance of physics and astronomy in our everyday lives? What kind of innovative research is happening within the Department?

Faculty members in the UBC Department of Physics & Astronomy have organized outreach activities for several decades. Together we are dedicated to engaging the public in exploring the excitement and wonder of physics and astronomy. Our outreach efforts focus mainly toward K-12 students and teachers, as well as toward the community.

PHAS Outreach Programs

PHAS Outreach includes programs, activities and events that run across the academic calendar and through the summer. Take a look at our Outreach programs here: https://outreach.phas.ubc.ca/

History & Overview

The department's Outreach Program started in 1995, and now runs many events throughout the year including local and national science competitions (the UBC Physics Olympics, our undergraduate Science Slams and the Canadian Physics Olympiad), summer camps, public science shows like our Faraday show for kids, teacher’s professional development workshops, and development of online teaching resources. In additional to the departmental Outreach Program, many of our faculty members are involved in events such as the Vancouver Public Library science discovery series, "How the Universe Works", the Engineering Physics Open House, and Triumf Saturday Morning Lectures. Other public lectures include presentations through UBC Alumni events and the UBC Celebrate Research Week.

Additional print and online materials are available to the general public. UBC cIRcle offers a collection of open access digital materials (podcasts, videos, presentations from meetings and conferences) created by PHAS members and partners as well as theses and dissertations searchable by subject area. The Physics Teaching for the 21st Century website is a resource for teachers who are interested in teaching physics concepts in real world contexts.

For upcoming public events, visit our Event Calendar page. Feel free to contact the Communications Coordinator at communications@phas.ubc.ca if you have any questions regarding our outreach events and activities.