The Greatest Physics Circus on Earth!

Scientists within the STEM (and particularly, the plasma) communities have long been active in the development of programs reaching out to levels K through 12th in an attempt to spark interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and the professional and financial rewards such fields bring. The CASPER Physics Circus (funded for the past eleven years by a grant from the United States Department of Education) is designed to not only attract students into a STEM field but also to act as a launching pad into other CASPER opportunities such as its High School Scholars program, REU/RET programs and undergraduate / graduate programs. At each step along this ``seamless'' pathway, CASPER Fellows work alongside research scientists, technicians and faculty as a valued member of an integrated research team. Specific results, curriculum and assessment data will be discussed.