Empowering Students as Scientists: Fostering Inclusion and Engagement*

For 20 years the PhysicsQuest (PQ) program has provided educators and students with high-quality, hands-on physics experiments. Recently, PQ has undertaken an important shift in focus, aiming to highlight scientists who are typically underrepresented in physics. To achieve this, PQ has incorporated APS STEP UP program best practices and counter-narratives, amplifying the voices of young women and minority populations in STEM classes. Moreover, PQ has embraced the Next Generation Science Standards practices, DEI strategies, and research-based discussion methods to redesign its kits with contemporary physics topics that showcase the work of our members.

In this talk, we will present our new model that has modernized the content of the PQ kits. By leveraging APS's network of members, we have bridged the gap between students and role models in science, fostering excitement and engagement. Through collaboration with APS members and APS STEP UP, we have developed new criteria to guide developers in presenting current physics topics and showcasing the achievements of modern scientists.

Join us as we share our insights, demonstrating how partnerships and contemporary educational practices can transform the landscape of science education and inspire the next generation of scientists.