Brainstorming Session: Plasma-focused activities and impact assessment for K-12

Multiple reports on the status of plasma science and engineering in the US have recognized the need for outreach programs at all educational levels, emphasizing the need for improved pre-college education and public engagement. The recent NAS decadal assessment of plasma science found that plasma-specific educational and research programs that also provide opportunities to diverse and less advantaged populations are needed to ensure a critically populated plasma science and engineering workforce. In this discussion session, we invite the DPP attendees to share experiences and lessons learned from involvement in K-12 science education and plasma-focused activities in the classroom. Questions of interest include: (i) adapting trusted STEM strategies to plasma-specific activities, (ii) supporting the needs of K-12 educators, (iii) engaging students from less-developed areas and under-represented groups, (iv) conducting coordinated impact-assessment across programs, and (v) storing and exchanging impact assessment data. The ideas considered in this discussion session will be summarized and made available to the DPP community.