Educational Outreach

Radon in Air and Water

Radon in Air and Water is a public service program helping to answer the following questions Mainers have about this potentially deadly gas:

  • What is radon?
  • How does radon get into homes?
  • Where is radon found in Maine?
  • How does radon affect health?
  • What is the risk of illness?
  • When should I take action?
  • How does risk from radon compare with other risks?
  • What control measures can I take?

For more information, please contact: Dr. C.T. Hess

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Mainely Physics Road Show

The Department of Physics and Astronomy takes an active role in educating younger students with a traveling road show. The Road Show includes material, equipment, and educational modules for use in public schools. Department staff demonstrate science concepts with fun and entertaining procedures. Contact David Sturm for more information about bringing this exciting program to a classroom near you!

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Physics Education Research

Sharing our results with other researchers and educators is central to the mission of the UMaine PERL. We have given workshops in a variety of areas, have led discussion and seminar sessions at national meetings, and are strongly involved in the Center for Science and Mathematics Education. In addition, we host an annual meeting of Maine high school physics and physical science teachers. If you would like to be involved in any of these, please contact Michael Wittmann or John Thompson.

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Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium & Observatory

Located on the second floor of Wingate Hall since 1954, the planetarium has a 20 foot dome suspended over 45 seats that shows approximately 1000 stars, planets, and other celestial objects to over 8,000 visitors every year. The planetarium’s audio system provides music and narration for most presentations while a battery of special effect machines enhance each adventure. This technology is computer controlled to create a presentation many may mistake for “a movie”.

The Observatory has been a fixture at the University of Maine since 1901, when the original refractor telescope was installed. Since then, the telescope has been modified with an additional refractor and an electronic clockdrive, enabling it to accurately track the stars. Classes and observational labs are taught here, as well as public star parties.

Public Schedules are available on-line for the Planetarium and the Observatory. Planetarium programs are designed for age-appropriate audiences. Private shows and field trips can also be arranged for a fee. Fees and target ages are also available here. Program descriptions can be found here.

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