Outreach

One of the longest and deepest traditions surrounding the University of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Idea signifies a general principle: that education should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom. Synonymous with Wisconsin for more than a century, this “Idea” has become the guiding philosophy of university outreach efforts in Wisconsin and throughout the world.

Whether it’s hosting the longest-running hands-on science museum or introducing new programs like the Wonders of Quantum Physics, our department has a long and proud tradition of fulfilling the Wisconsin Idea through physics outreach. The initiatives below are just a few of the ways in which members of the department engage with the public.

Physics outreach is overseen by the department’s Outreach & Museum and Communications & Web Content committees, which includes: (Outreach) co-chairs Prof. Lu Lu and Haddie McLean, Prof. Elio König, staff members Cierra Atkinson, Alessandro Cunsolo, and Sarah Parker, and graduate students Mitanshu Thakore and Priya Rajkumar.

several young students watch in the physics museum as one student holds a spinning bike wheel while standing on a rotatable platform

The Ingersoll Wonders of Physics Museum

The Ingersoll Wonders of Physics Museum exhibits give our guests a hands-on experience of physical concepts ranging from mechanics to modern physics in a demonstrational, kid-friendly environment.

a man in front of an illuminated state capitol with pie plates "floating" around him

The Wonders of Physics

The Wonders of Physics includes annual in-person shows and a traveling show that comes to you! Shows are fast-paced, engaging, and educational physics programs, filled with demonstrations that help people better understand the physics in the world around them while having fun at the same time.