Developing an organizational framework for informal physics programs

Abstract

Characterizing the landscape of informal physics learning is a necessary and important endeavor that requires an in-depth study of the different types of existing programs.In this project we focus on informal programs sponsored by physics departments in academic institutes and physics national labs.We seek to understand the structural elements and cultural practices within the diverse array of informal physics spaces.Thus, we are developing a framework based on organizational theory that is contextualized for informal physics programs.We have collected data using survey and interview protocols for different informal physics activities.Here, we present an in-depth case study in which we have analyzed a "science cafe"-style event facilitated by volunteers from a physics and astronomy department.Applying organizational theory to the data set allows us to determine the fine-grained details of the program and the interconnections between the key elements of programming, personnel, resources, audience and institution.We further characterize and discuss the challenges the program faces from the facilitator's perspective.From these findings, we will be able to look at larger data sets in the national study.

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