K-12 PhysAstro Outreach with Dr. David Sederberg

The Outreach philosophy in Physics and Astronomy at Purdue focuses on creating opportunities for Indiana K-12 students and teachers to engage with and develop enthusiasm for science, providing high-quality professional development for K-12 teachers, and collaborating with faculty to leverage resources and expertise to enhance science education in classrooms and community.

Saturday Morning Astrophysics at Purdue (SMAP) is a premier outreach program that offers live monthly Zoom sessions for students in grades 8-12, not only locally but around the globe. Physics and Astronomy faculty present background and breakout room activities on space, the cosmology, historical and cutting-edge discoveries, exploring engaging topics beyond the typical classroom curriculum.

Students at Towne Meadow Elementary School in Carmel, IN. (Photo Courtesy/ Jonathan Sullivan-Wood)

Some of the latest videos from the PhysAstro K-12 Outreach Program

How Far for a Total Eclipse

This video demonstrates a hands-on student experiment to model a total solar eclipse to scale. Using proportionally sized representations of the Sun, Moon, and Earth, students walk the path to totality, count their steps, and calculate the scaled distance to the Sun. This interactive outdoor activity combines astronomy, earth science, and math to engage learners in understanding solar eclipses with no eclipse glasses required!

My Summer at Yerkes 

 This video follows Purdue Physics and Astronomy undergrad Dylan Caudill as he embarks on a summer internship at Yerkes Observatory. From working with historic hundred-year-old glass plates to exploring the cutting edge of astronomy, Dylan shares his experiences and daily life as an astronomer in this exciting cosmic adventure.

Making Your Own Sun Projector 

This video features SMAP teaching assistants demonstrating how to create pinhole viewers for safely observing the Sun. They start with a simple cereal box version and scale up to a 60-inch shipping box that projects images large enough to characterize sunspots. Learn how the size of the pinhole affects resolution and discover the best materials to use for a clear solar image that makes it perfect for eclipse viewing.

How to Measure Earth

 This video guides you through recreating Eratosthenes' famous 2,000-year-old experiment to measure the Earth’s circumference. Using just a vertical pole, a measuring tape, and the noonday sun, you’ll record shadow lengths and latitude to calculate Earth’s size with surprising accuracy. Collect and share your data with others, across the country and world-wide.

Interested in Knowing More?

Purdue Physics and Astronomy Outreach makes Classroom Calls, providing resources and expertise for the K-12 classroom teachers. Whether we provide a "Scientist on Site" for a classroom talk and demonstration, support for lesson design and implementation, or work with teachers to provide a novel learning experience, Physics and Astronomy Outreach is eager to spread our enthusiasm for learning science.

Physics Inside Out

Physic Inside Out is a five-day summer program at Purdue’s West Lafayette campus designed for students in grades 7 and 8. Through interactive, hands-on lessons and activities, young learners explore fundamental principles of physics and their real-world applications, fostering curiosity and a deeper understanding of the physical world in an engaging and immersive environment.

Check out our Physics Inside Out video: