The Division of Physical Sciences encourages its faculty and research staff to publicize and communicate the significance of their work to the news media and public through press releases, lectures, workshops, classroom visits, on-line resources, television shows and other means. 

For news releases on forthcoming journal articles that have wide public appeal, please contact us at least two weeks before the publication date of the journal article.

For ideas about how to reach the public, see the listing of programs below (programs often need volunteers) or contact us.

We can also assist in developing the education outreach component of research grants and NSF center proposals.

Division Programs

Atoms to X-rays
A series of videos and accompanying on-line supplemental materials that highlight the applications of basic principles in chemistry, physics and mathematics for middle school and high school teachers and students and the public. 

Molecules for the Media
A series of press workshops and a multimedia resource about topical issues in the physical sciences for the press and public.

American Chemical Society Student Affiliates perform chemistry demonstrations for middle school students.  Contact: acs@chem.ucsd.edu

CSU/UC Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project helps mathematics teachers prepare students for further study in mathematics by identifying the strengths and weaknesses in critical areas of students' math skills and understanding. 

San Diego Math Circle provides an opportunity for eager and capable mathematics students in grades 6-12 to explore challenging areas of mathematics.  Instructors present an enriched mathematics curriculum and interesting problems for the students to discuss and solve.

 UCSD/GSDMC High School Honors Mathematics Contest provides recognition and encouragement to mathematically-talented high school students.  Each year it attracts more than 100 students from more than 20 high schools throughout the county to participate in a two-part mathematics competition held on the UCSD campus in late April. 

Physics

American Association of University Women Tech Trek is a week-long summer camp to encourage girls entering the 8th grade to aspire to careers in math, science and computer technology.

Reach for Tomorrow is a summer program for at-risk youth in grades five through ten to motivate them and expose them to career opportunities that build upon a strong education.

Preparing Future Physics Faculty involves graduate students in teaching outside UCSD, including local high schools.

California Teach is a program to put 1000 new mathematics and science teachers into California classrooms annually by the year 2010.  Students will complete the coursework and field experiences for their teaching credential as they work toward their undergraduate degree in mathematics or science.

COSMOS, the California Summer School in Math and Science, provides a 4-week residential experience at UCSD for high achieving high school students. Clusters of courses are taught by UC faculty or researchers.

Expanding Your Horizons is a one-day, annual conference to interest 6th to 10th grade girls in science and mathematics.  Presenters give a hands on/ minds on workshops to groups of approximately 10-20 girls.