The UConn STARs group visited Hartford Public High School (HPHS) to teach physics for a total of eight class periods from May 6th-9th, 2024. UConn brought 16 undergraduate students from the STARs program to HPHS for our annual outreach program, during which we interacted with about 100 high school students. We collaborated with physics teacher Dr. Thomas Longyear to develop four lesson plans on topics of: 1) Phases of Matter, 2) Waves, 3) Electrostatics, and 4) Gravity over the course of the academic year. During our visit to HPHS, the STARs participants led these engaging lesson plans with hands-on demos and activities, over the course of four days. The goal of the STARs program is to improve the retention of students from Historically Excluded Groups (HEGs) in physics at UConn by addressing key factors responsible for their attrition. We have academic year events that focus on social engagement, professional development, and community building. The STARs program just concluded its 3rd year, with consistent progress and growth, and is looking forward to continued growth in our fourth year!
Pictured below are the STARs participants and the HPHS students during our May 2024 visit.
