Recruitment & Job Placement

Recruitment a Necessity

Look at who is taking physics in the typical high school course:» mostly males

» mostly white

» mostly higher socioeconomic status students

» mostly college bound students

We are disenfranchising:» females

» minorities

» the poor

» “terminal” students

The disenfranchised (77%) miss out on physics altogether.

Physics is useful for everyone.

Good for achieving general scientific literacy. Good for creating a knowledge base of

physical phenomena. Useful in all areas of life -- from the kitchen,

to the shop, to the work place. (We’re back at the “Why study physics?”

stage.)

Ideas for Physics Recruitment

Best form of recruitment is word of mouth. Perform class activities in the public arena. Promote a qualitative view of physics. Advertising and good advising can be effective

also. Avoid the lock-step sequence of biology, chemistry,

physics. Promote in physical science courses. Promote to elementary school kids with a “Physics

Road Show.” Promote through open house or association with

JETS, science club, and competitions.

Who Needs Physics? (in the work place)

Electricians Opticians Machinists Mechanics Police Officers Accident scene investigators Nurses & Doctors Medical Technicians Teachers Plumbers