Schools

UCL’s Department of Physics and Astronomy inspires future physicists through engaging school activities linked to the National Curriculum and the department’s cutting-edge research.

The Physics and Astronomy department is committed to engaging and inspiring the young physicists of the future. We offer a number of activities to schools, linked both to the National Curriculum and to the exciting research undertaken at the University. We are happy to visit schools but can also host small school groups in order to give them an experience of University.

Contact

Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT

Outreach co-ordinator: mark.fuller@ucl.ac.uk

" The exhibitors were not only excited, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their subject; but also people who were actually fun and interesting to talk to  - blowing the idea of the stuffy mad scientist completely out of the water.

Visits

Our school visits are free of charge and cover a wide variety of topics from Physics and Astronomy research to careers advice and how to apply to university to study STEM subjects. These visits can comprise of a wide variety of activities from class-sized workshops to large, auditorium-based interactive lectures. All activities offered can be adapted to address specific points on the National Curriculum or to meet any specific requirements that your school may have.

You can:

  • arrange for one of our staff to speak at your school
  • bring a party of pupils to visit the department

We offer activities linked to the current research of each of our main Physics research groups and the national curriculum. One of our goals is to encourage more girls to engage with Physics. We run a 'Girls into Physics' project where female undergraduate and postgraduate students come into schools to give brief talks on why they did Physics, provide careers Physics advice and carry out activities with classes.

During a visit to the department we can organise for an academic to speak to your group about one of the many areas of cutting-edge research that takes place here at UCL. After a talk you will be taken on a tour of the department and may be able to take part in some lab based activities.

Activities can be adapted in length and content to your specific needs and we are happy to discuss ideas with you. All activities are offered free of charge.

Explore our Outreach via the discipline links and be sure to regularly check the events link for workshops, lectures and residentials hosted at the University.