Outreach Programs
STUDENT SCIENCE FAIR
For many years, the OSC has offered an award to the "Best Project in Optics" at the Chicago Public Schools Science Fair. The OSC also gives out awards at the annual North Suburban and South Suburban Regional Student Science Fairs.
SCIENCE EDUCATION
The OSC is always investigating new opportunities to reach out to science teachers & students to promote the study of optics. Members of the OSC developed a plan for teachers to teach light and optics to elementary and middle school students. The lesson plans are provided free to teachers. Members of OSC donate their time to provide optics demonstrations and hands-on activities at local schools and career fairs. The OSC feels strongly that we need to encourage the teaching of optics to primary & secondary students. There are a number of events where members help set up and explain optics exhibits at schools and libraries. Members of the OSC also serve as Science Fair judges. See the Future Events Page. Please let us know if you can volunteer for any of these events. It is a rewarding experience for both the presenter and the students.
Congressman Foster with Fred Foss, George Magerl, and Al Brunsting at Meadow Glens Elementary School.
Members of our Education Committee: (from left to right) Fred Foss, Julie Leahy, George Magerl, Curtis Harkrider, and Howard Lang.
Student looking at a HUD field flattener, and Fred Foss showing an array of Fresnel lenses. Photos courtesy of Careers in Search of Women Conference (SCSW) Argonne National Laboratory
High school student examining prism.
Photo courtesy of Careers in Search of Women Conference (SCSW) Argonne National Laboratory
http://www.anl.gov/articles/program-has-inspired-women-science-careers-last-25-years
High school students looking at the spectrum of a lamp with a diffraction grating.
Photo courtesy of Careers in Search of Women Conference (SCSW) Argonne National Laboratory
http://www.anl.gov/articles/program-has-inspired-women-science-careers-last-25-years
Jamie and George showing visitors OSC's demos at MSI's Science Works event.