Physics Kiosks to Seed Scientific Curiosity

Science museums are ultimate outreach centers. A large number of beautiful science exhibits placed under one roof spark curiosity in any visitor. But, they can also be inaccessible due to the cost and required time commitment. What if science exhibits were part of our daily life? What if you bumped into an exhibit in your local coffee shop, library or train station? This APS/NEU funded project explores the idea of building physics themed kiosks and distributing them across the city as a way to reach out to the public in their daily lives. The currently designed kiosks feature a continuously running cloud chamber and an interactive display to inform the public about particle physics and the multiple benefits of pure science to society, such as spin-off-technologies. These kiosks will be installed at branches of Boston and Cambridge public libraries in Massachusetts. The cloud chambers and information kiosks will be available during operating hours and graduate students will provide periodic on-site Q{\&}A sessions and talk to the public about their research topics.