We have introduced phenomena, concepts and materials in the fields of optics and materials science to students of secondary and primary schools.
Activities have been carried out both at schools and at University of Calabria and in both cases they have been divided into (i) simple experiments and demos and (ii) simple lessons.
Some lessons have been necessary in order to give them the minimal background in order to understand the simple experiments. However, we have started with experiments since we have noticed that in this way the lessons are found more interesting and funny by the students. In other words, the students are more interested in understanding what they have just seen that the reverse. In any case, the lessons to explain the concepts behind physical phenomena have been organized with in mind the requirement to be interactive and funny.
The first experiments organized directly at schools were focused on light (light-emitting devices and light propagation). In the last meetings, we have even introduced the nanoworld with simple demos.
Some new experimental apparatuses for outreach have been shown at students and successively described in most basic details, with a particular emphasis for the potential application fields of the topic. We have used also some videos in order to stimulate the visual memory of the students.
For the case of primary schools, we have shown how colors are formed with very simple considerations to support the experiment.
A discussion with students of secondary schools about the prospect of nanotechnology and nanoscience has been also organized. During the visit at University of Calabria, we have presented with simple words the new facilities on nanospectroscopy and nanomaterials recently installed at our University and their possible connection to the technological applications. In this case, we have formulated in a much simpler way (for secondary schools) the most intriguing concepts that have been discussed in the Seminar Activity of our EPS-YM section, instead oriented toward undergraduate and PhD students.
During the visit to the University, the students have been invited to participate actively to a low-energy electron diffraction experiment unveiling the position of atoms at surfaces of topological materials. Subsequently, a short and simple discussion to understand why the last Nobel prize for Physics has been awarded to studies on topological materials.
Refreshments with some beverages and snacks have been offered after each meeting to the students and to teachers. We acknowledge both teachers and local administrations who have nicely supported us in all the phases of the project.
