k-12 outreach at the psfc

The Mr. Magnet Program

A young student’s rendering of Mr. Magnet.

This program has been popular with local elementary schools since 1992, providing an in-school, hands-on introduction to the principles of magnetism and electricity.

For scheduling assistance or to learn more about the Mr. Magnet Program contact Mary Pat McNally

Traveling Plasma Lab

This program introduces middle and high school students to plasma, the fourth state of matter, by involving students in plasma experiments. Students become engaged with the topic by using magnets to manipulate colorful, glowing plasmas, changing the color of a plasma with nail polish remover, and using the plasma from a glowing pickle to identify its sodium content.

To schedule either of these two programs or obtain more information contact Mary Pat McNally

Tours of PSFC Facilities

• May include Alcator C-Mod, Versatile Toroidal Facility and Levitated Dipole Experiment
• Please schedule at least two weeks in advance; maximum 40
• Contact Paul Rivenberg

High School and Middle School Outreach Days

Students and teachers from schools in Massachusetts are invited to learn about current research at the Center through a first-hand look at ongoing experiments.  For more information about Outreach Days, contact Paul Rivenberg

• Middle School Outreach Day - Late April
• High School Outreach Day - Early December

Other MIT Educational Outreach Programs

For further information about other MIT educational outreach programs for students, parents, and educators at the pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade level, see MIT's Outreach Resources

Learn about National Outreach.