Science Train

We board the Metro and hold up signs encouraging people to "Ask an Astrophysicist" with some sample questions. Usually we hold the signs at a high-visibility location in the train car in groups of two. If we have an extra "floater" person, they can come and start a conversation about astronomy to indicate to the public that we're legitimate. Train destinations can include Union Station, East LA, or Santa Monica Pier. Try to go to areas with underrepresented groups, but also go to places with lots of people on the train, typically around Union Station. Big stations are a good place to camp out too, as you get lots of passersby.

Motivation

Traditional outreach events, like lectures and stargazing, have a tendency to become "inreach" events where many of the attendees are already very educated and excited about scientific research. While these events form a good core for an outreach program, additional efforts should be made to reach out to community members with neutral or ambivalent attitudes towards science. Educating in this way can be difficult without coming off as heavyhanded or proselytizing.

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