There are many physics and astronomy Penn research groups that are involved in community science outreach including the Drndic lab and the Aguirre lab. In addition there is an organized Penn Astronomy Education & Public Outreach group whose members consist of astronomy and physics graduate students, faculty, and staff.
Other groups at Penn based in the Physics & Astronomy Department include the Women In Physics club and the Diversity and Inclusion in Physics group.
See below for more information about these groups and how to join.
Penn Physics & Astronomy Education & Public Outreach Group
The Penn Education and Public Outreach in Physics & Astronomy (PEPOPA) group organizes annual involvement in large community programs such as the Franklin Summer Science Camp and the Philadelphia Science Festival. PEPOPA also manages an email listserv to recruit volunteers for outreach opportunities that arise, such as the need for a speaker at a high school career day or volunteers to perform a demo at local event. PEPOPA meets regularly and is always open to new ideas for outreach events in the community. Students, faculty, and staff from all fields of physics and astronomy in the department are all welcome to join.
To be added to the listserv to be updated about meetings and upcoming outreach opportunities, or ask for more information, please email penn.phys.astro.epo@gmail.com.
Diversity & Inclusion in Physics (DIP)
The goal of the Diversity and Inclusion Group in the Physics Department is to promote diversity. We aim to teach awareness of issues faced by demographics of people who experience discrimination in STEM fields (with a focus on the field of physics). We invite speakers to talk about these subjects and to address how these issues manifest themselves in physics and the other sciences. We also aim to create a community of support in the department for those that may encounter these issues.
For more information and/or to be added to the DIP email listserv to hear about their upcoming events, contact Johanna-Laina (jofis@sas.upenn.edu).
Women In Physics
The Women in Physics Club aims to advance women in the scholarly and professional pursuit of Physics and related scientific fields. We connect female undergraduates, graduates, faculty, and industry professionals in a supportive community that is based on honesty, fellowship, and mentorship.
The WIP website can be found here. You can email penn.wip@gmail.com for more information or check out their Facebook page for news & events.