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 aims to bridge the exciting research and study happening in our department to the greater public, running programs and activities for youth, teens and adults that reach across the academic school year and through the summer. 

• For High School teachers and secondary students: take a look at:
  • UBC Physics Olympics - the largest high school physics competition in Canada!
  • UBC Physics Olympiad - bringing together the top physics high school students in Canada to train and compete in annual International Olympiads around the world
  • Science Slam! We run two science communication competitions/year, inviting high school students to participate!
  • Physics Circle: a mini-lecture/study session series open to all secondary students interested in developing their physics skills!
• For Elementary School teachers, youth leaders and elementary school youth: take a look at:
  • Our Youth Outreach program: we train student volunteers to instruct Embers, Girl Guides, Pathfinders, Cub and Scouts with physics & astronomy lessons
  • Faraday Show! An free annual science show for kids and those who are 'young at heart'
• For Adults and parents,
  • How the Universe works: A monthly science discovery series hosted by the Vancouver Public Library
  • Saturday Morning Lectures: a science series run by TRIUMF, SFU and the UBC Physics & Astronomy Department

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.