Voluntary Activity Voluntary Activity (Institute of Physics)(Institute of Physics)

• UG & PG Students recruited from Physics Depts of Bath, Bristol & Exeter (via departmental emails)

• All welcome, take part for ½ or whole day• 3 different events in Science Week 2011

– Physics Busking at ‘Changing Perspectives’, Bristol– Hands-on Physics Stand at Bath Taps Into Science– Physics Workshop at North Wyke Research Station

Primary Science Week

Voluntary Activity Voluntary Activity (Institute of Physics)(Institute of Physics)

• All activities planned & kit provided by IOP• Short (1 hr) training sessions held beforehand• Supervised on day by IOP staff member• Costs of travel, subsistence etc covered• Mix of experienced and new volunteers• Participants encouraged to use experience for

Bath Award / Bristol Plus

? The student experience…

Voluntary Activity Voluntary Activity (Institute of Physics)(Institute of Physics)

PositivesGood mix of students

Generally very enthusiastic

Chance for them to try outreach – small commitment

ChallengesUsually 1 or 2 no-shows

Supervision & organisation required

Start from scratch each year recruiting

Now setting up a Physics Communicators Group at Bath Uni…