Request for Magnetism Outreach Proposals

GMAG invites proposals directed towards educating non-scientists and the general public about the role of magnetism. Funds up to $5000 per project (larger proposals may be considered) are available to cover supplies and expenses. These grants should foster new activities and are not meant to support ongoing programs. Examples of outreach activities include (but are not limited to) the development of magnetism kits that may be used at elementary schools and /or at museums and other public places, the development of a high school lab on magnetism, and the production of videos on magnetism that would appeal to the general public. Preference will be given to innovative activities that are documented so that they can be reproduced elsewhere.

GMAG will disseminate the outcome of the activities to the GMAG membership through the GMAG Newsletter and to the broader magnetism community through the GMAG website. For these purposes, proposers will be required to provide GMAG with appropriate material when requested. Proposers are encouraged to consider alternate avenues for dissemination. This should include presentation of the results at an APS meeting.

The GMAG Executive Committee will review proposals on an ongoing basis. Although partnership with a GMAG member is encouraged, all applications for projects related to outreach in magnetism will be considered. The GMAG Executive Committee can assist in identifying potential partners for outreach proposals submitted by non-members.

These funds cannot be used for salaries, stipends, etc. of the main participants, but can be used to hire a student, an intern, or professional services if that is essential for the project. An APS statement on indirect costs is available on the Physics Outreach website.

Application Process

To apply for these funds, please submit the following information as one PDF file to the GMAG Chair:

• Cover sheet clearly stating the name, address, phone number, and email of the main contact person for your application. Include the name of your program, and, if affiliated with an institution, the department and institution you represent.
• One-page CV for main contact person.
• Narrative description (no more than two pages) of your program. Include a description of the proposed activity or activities, the anticipated impact and the process of documentation to enable reproduction of the activity, details of other financial support (if any), and description of personnel working on the program (instructional lab technicians, students, professors, etc.).
• Rough budget detailing your plans for utilizing the funds.
• Letter of support from your department chair or similar administrative official (this can be sent separately, as long as it clearly identifies the main contact person and institution).
• Tax ID number or Employee ID number if part of an organization, Social Security Number if an individual.
• For universities, the organizational tax ID number can be obtained from the grants and contracts department.

Funded proposals

2016

Physics Youth Scholastic and Instructing Camp for Orlando Scientists, Prof. Enrique Del Barco, Department of Physics, University of Central Florida
For supporting a week-long summer camp for 40 high school students in the surrounding counties, organized by graduate students. This camp will take place in the summer of 2017. Details can be found here: http://sciences.ucf.edu/physics/physicos/. A report on this activity can be found here: GMAG PhYICOS Project Report del Barco 

2015

Stimulation of Human Brain Using Magnetic Fields, Prof. Ravi L. Hadimani, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Iowa State University
For supporting a workshop on Magnetic Stimulation of the Brain for 50 middle school students. The workshop consisted of demonstrations and presentations with 3D animations. Coverage of the event can be found at: http://amestrib.com/news/event-isu-inspires-local-kids-pursue-stem-disciplines

A Student Video Blog (vlog), Nanoscience and Magnetism, Prof. Axel Enders, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
For funding the hardware and software required to establish a science vlog about topics in nanoscience and nanomagnetism, produced by junior high students and coordinated through the Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience. Student videos can be found here: http://mediahub.unl.edu/channels/313

2014

A Transportable Magnetic Induction Levitation Apparatus, Dr. Roxanne Hughes, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
For funding the construction of a magnetic induction levitating coil that could be easily transported to various outreach events to demonstrate the concepts of magnetism to local populations.