Fort Vancouver Chapter of

The Society of Physics & Chemistry Students

Physics & Chemistry Outreach

Physics & Chemistry Outreach is a travelling event which promotes interest in the physical sciences. Your classroom can be treated to an hourlong hands-on show, replete with lasers, giant sparks, and billowing plumes of liquid nitrogen.


Additionally: We are now putting some of our resources on the web.

What we do:

Demonstrations of physical concepts are performed for all grades, although the nature of the material is typically best received by students in grades 2 and up, can do kindergarten & 1st grade as special case of doing it myself (Kris Skrutvold). The program is available to both public and private schools; demonstrations for special groups or clubs may also be arranged. Topics are approximately 30 minutes each, so it is customary to perform two topics for a one hour class.

Topics Available:

  • Kinematics and Chemical Rxns
  • Forces, Energy, Momentum and States of Matter
  • Thermal Physics and Thermochemistry
  • Electricity and Magnetism and Electrochemistry
  • Waves, Solutions & Slimes
  • Optics and Acids & Bases
  • Others by special arrangement

    • Fees:

    There is no cost for this service. We do this as a means to deepen our own understanding, and a chance to share our interest in physics or chemistry with local youth.

    To Schedule a Demonstration:

    We will offer demonstrations beginning January 16th through the end of the school year. We recommend arranging a Tuesday or Thursday demonstration as most of our classes meet other days.

    When corresponding with us, please provide the following information:

  • Name
  • School
  • Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • Possible Dates
  • Possible Times
  • Topics (pick two)
  • Grade Level
  • Address of School
  • What you will or won't have covered up to that point
    • Apply by email:

    kskrutvo@pacifier.com

    Apply by mail:

    Society of Physics & Chemistry Students
    SkyLab HomeOffice
    517 NW 90th St.
    Vancouver, WA. 98665

    Apply by phone:

    360-513-1503
    This year's Outreach Coordinator is Kris Skrutvold. He will be in charge of scheduling for this year. Be prepared to leave a message with a student member or on voicemail, as he may be teaching a class when you call during the day.

    We will confirm with you the above information and discuss any special requests you may have for the demonstration.

    Who we are:

    The Physics & Chemistry Outreach Program was founded in 1985, originally in Minnesota and has moved around the World to locations such as Prague, Czech Republic, Cairo, Egypt, Taipei, Taiwan and now the Vancouver School District to provide quality demonstrations illustrating the basic principles of physics and chemistry to students in area primary and secondary schools. Members of the Society of Physics & Chemistry Students (SPCS) organize and perform the demonstrations. This non-profit volunteer program is partially supported by the parents and community volunteers, Vancouver, Washington.

    Kris Skrutvold