Making a Physics Club at Community College

[Nano-Passion]

As of this moment I am at a community college, definitely not best known for its physics department hehe.

They have an "engineering-physics" club but it didn't feel like the thing for me. It was interesting but the projects worked on were too simplistic in theory and had nothing to do with physics. It felt like child play and I slowly became hesitant to be heavily involved.

I had an idea of having a physics club, but it would be a huge undertaking to have a significant amount of people to join. There aren't many physics majors at all so I pretty much gave up on the idea.

But for curiosity's sake, what would be some ideas to make a somewhat worthwhile physics club base? Though, I see great limitations because its a simple and humble ol' community college.

 

[mege]

As of this moment I am at a community college, definitely not best known for its physics department hehe.

They have an "engineering-physics" club but it didn't feel like the thing for me. It was interesting but the projects worked on were too simplistic in theory and had nothing to do with physics. It felt like child play and I slowly became hesitant to be heavily involved.

I had an idea of having a physics club, but it would be a huge undertaking to have a significant amount of people to join. There aren't many physics majors at all so I pretty much gave up on the idea.

But for curiosity's sake, what would be some ideas to make a somewhat worthwhile physics club base? Though, I see great limitations because its a simple and humble ol' community college.

I think picking a special topic that has more application than just 'physics' may be the way to go. The CC near me has a fairly active Astronomy club that is the defacto Physics club and also attracts other students because of the interesting subject matter. However, I cannot think of another Physics topic that is of more general interest than Astro.

 

[Nano-Passion]

I think picking a special topic that has more application than just 'physics' may be the way to go. The CC near me has a fairly active Astronomy club that is the defacto Physics club and also attracts other students because of the interesting subject matter. However, I cannot think of another Physics topic that is of more general interest than Astro.

I apologize, I should have noted that I have never been in a physics club before (there wasn't one in my high school >.<) As a result, I would need a more detailed idea than that.

 

[chiro]

If you want to put in the effort that is required and are genuine about it I think it's a great idea.

You'll learn a lot from it and I think it is a good thing to use in later situations in your life like in job interviews or other endeavors.

In terms of rewarding experiences, in my view, nothing comes closer than having created something and see the results of your hard work in a tangible form. It's one of the reasons why you have a lot of entrepreneurial people working their guts out and being so happy with something that they have created (possibly and most likely with other people) and see its success.

 

[Nano-Passion]

If you want to put in the effort that is required and are genuine about it I think it's a great idea.

You'll learn a lot from it and I think it is a good thing to use in later situations in your life like in job interviews or other endeavors.

In terms of rewarding experiences, in my view, nothing comes closer than having created something and see the results of your hard work in a tangible form. It's one of the reasons why you have a lot of entrepreneurial people working their guts out and being so happy with something that they have created (possibly and most likely with other people) and see its success.

I would but I haven't the slightest idea of what to base the physics club around. That is one problem, if I can get that out the way it would be more tangible.

 

[jowens1988]

You should start by thinking about what you wany to get out of the club. Would you prefer it to be a casual thing, where people with interest in physics can meet up and hang out? Maybe a place to form study groups and discuss future class planning. Perhaps you could pick research papers and have people read and discuss. You could build things that demonstrate physical phenomena that aren't done in your labs.

The hardest thing you need to do is figure out what you would prefer to get out of the club and how to balance it with finding things that others want to do. You could have a first meeting and figure out the interests of those who show up.

Be aware that clubs are difficult to start, and harder to maintain.

 

[Nano-Passion]

You should start by thinking about what you wany to get out of the club. Would you prefer it to be a casual thing, where people with interest in physics can meet up and hang out? Maybe a place to form study groups and discuss future class planning. Perhaps you could pick research papers and have people read and discuss. You could build things that demonstrate physical phenomena that aren't done in your labs.

The hardest thing you need to do is figure out what you would prefer to get out of the club and how to balance it with finding things that others want to do. You could have a first meeting and figure out the interests of those who show up.

Be aware that clubs are difficult to start, and harder to maintain.

Thank you very much!

 

[Herricane]

I know there is a University Physics Competition. A team consists of three students and it is not limited to physics students. YOu have 48 hours two solve one of the two problems and submit a paper online. the registration fee is around $30 and you do need an advisor to register you. Registration is simple though.

edit: It requires one year of physics but it is still challenging enough for upper division students.