Promoting Pre-College Science Education

The Fusion Education Program, with support from DOE, has begun its 12th year of interactions among scientists, teachers, and students. Recently, scientist visits to classrooms have become a major part of the program as the extensive DIII-D operating schedule has reduced opportunities for on-site facility tours. Educator workshops have grown to include hands-on construction of magnetic coils and plasma demonstration devices. Topical content in fusion, plasma, radioactivity, and the electromagnetic spectrum continue to provide a strong subject base to the program. During last year, workshops on some of these topics were given to teachers at local meetings, such as the annual SDSEA meeting in San Diego, STEP in Riverside, CA, the annual APS/DPP meeting, and at our summer Build-it Days workshops. Science stage shows for 4-8th grades have expanded to Kauai County, HI, following the Riverside STEP model. Materials distribution requests remain strong. New materials available for teaching and the overall program status will be presented.