Physics in the Public Square: University Extension as a Strategy for Integrating Physics Education and Science Communication

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Marinho, Andre A. A., Freitas, Gisele B., da Silva, Camila B. C.
Format: Preprint
Published: 2026
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author Marinho, Andre A. A.
Freitas, Gisele B.
da Silva, Camila B. C.
author_facet Marinho, Andre A. A.
Freitas, Gisele B.
da Silva, Camila B. C.
contents University extension activities play a fundamental role in bridging the gap between academia and society by fostering the socialization of scientific knowledge. This study reports and analyzes an outreach activity conducted in a public space, involving undergraduate students enrolled in Physics I, Physics III, and Physics IV courses within the Physics Teacher Education Program at the State University of the Tocantina Region of Maranhao (UEMASUL). The activity was developed through the design and presentation of didactic experiments using low-cost materials. Its main objectives were to disseminate fundamental physics concepts to the community, stimulate public interest in science, and provide pre-service teachers with a formative experience integrating theory, practice, and social responsibility. Data were collected from questionnaires adminisvelopment of communication skills, and the strengthening of the university's social role, while also fostering scientific curitered to visitors (n = 52). The results indicate that the activity significantly contributed to student learning, the deosity among participants.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2605_18384
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Physics in the Public Square: University Extension as a Strategy for Integrating Physics Education and Science Communication
Marinho, Andre A. A.
Freitas, Gisele B.
da Silva, Camila B. C.
Physics Education
Statistical Mechanics
Popular Physics
University extension activities play a fundamental role in bridging the gap between academia and society by fostering the socialization of scientific knowledge. This study reports and analyzes an outreach activity conducted in a public space, involving undergraduate students enrolled in Physics I, Physics III, and Physics IV courses within the Physics Teacher Education Program at the State University of the Tocantina Region of Maranhao (UEMASUL). The activity was developed through the design and presentation of didactic experiments using low-cost materials. Its main objectives were to disseminate fundamental physics concepts to the community, stimulate public interest in science, and provide pre-service teachers with a formative experience integrating theory, practice, and social responsibility. Data were collected from questionnaires adminisvelopment of communication skills, and the strengthening of the university's social role, while also fostering scientific curitered to visitors (n = 52). The results indicate that the activity significantly contributed to student learning, the deosity among participants.
title Physics in the Public Square: University Extension as a Strategy for Integrating Physics Education and Science Communication
topic Physics Education
Statistical Mechanics
Popular Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2605.18384