1 SMK Taman Sejahtera

Highlights
• Date: 24th June 2025
• Number of students: approximately 530
• Lecturers involved: Dr. Edmund Loh Wai Ming, Dr. Rabie Omar, Dr. Afiq Aminuddin, Dr. Ahmad Rujhan Mohd Rais
• Focus: Electromagnetism, sound resonance, medical imaging
• Audience: Primarily Form 4 and Form 5 students

The outreach session at SMK Taman Sejahtera was held on 24th June 2025 and involved approximately 530 students. The exhibition was conducted by four lecturers—Dr. Rabie Omar, Dr. Afiq Arif Aminuddin Jafry, Dr. Edmund Loh Wai Ming, Dr. Admahd Rujhan Mohd Rais and a postdoc Dr. Nik Noor Haryatul Eleena. This secondary school session was particularly lively, with strong engagement from Form 4 and Form 5 students who posed insightful questions, especially during the demonstrations on magnetism and medical physics. Teachers expressed appreciation for the depth and clarity of the content delivered.

On the day, students were introduced to replicas of MRI and CT scanners, providing insight into non-invasive medical imaging techniques. They explored sound wave interference and resonance by observing how two identical glasses vibrated at the same frequency using straws. The aluminum leaf electroscope sparked interest in electrostatics by visibly detecting charge. A spark generator was used to demonstrate early electromagnetic experiments, while a simple DC motor using a battery and magnets illustrated the connection between electricity and motion. Concepts such as Lenz’s law and the Lorentz force were also discussed, giving students a dynamic introduction to electromagnetism. Students responded enthusiastically, asked meaningful questions, and many expressed a desire to pursue science in the future.

Dr. Afiq explains how fiber optics works to SMK Taman Sejahtera students.

Figure: Activities at SMK Taman Sejahtera. (Left) Dr. Edmund is explaining how resonance phenomenon can be taught at school by using a simple glass and straw setup. (Right) Dr. Rabie is explaining some basic Physics concepts to the students.

2 SK Taman Senangan

Highlights
• Date: 25th June 2025
• Number of students: approximately 600
• Lecturers involved: Dr. Rabie Omar, Dr. Afiq Aminuddin, Dr. Ahmad Rujhan Mohd Rais
• Focus: Interactive primary-level experiments
• Audience: Years 4 to 6

The outreach event at SK Taman Senangan took place on 25th June 2025 and reached an estimated 600 students from Years 4 to 6. The exhibition was conducted by four lecturers—Dr. Rabie Omar, Dr. Afiq Arif Aminuddin Jafry, Dr. Edmund Loh Wai Ming, and a postdoc Dr. Nik Noor Haryatul Eleena. This session was marked by high energy and excitement, particularly during hands-on activities. Teachers remarked that the event significantly boosted interest in Physics among younger students, many of whom had not previously encountered such demonstrations.

Demonstrations were simplified to match their level of understanding while maintaining strong visual and interactive elements. The students were introduced to sound resonance using a pair of drinking glasses and straws, producing vibrations that matched the tone of a speaker. A static electricity demonstration using spark generators fascinated the students as they observed chargeinduced repelling effect by aluminium leaves. They also saw how a spark generator could produce safe, visible electric discharges. A basic motor setup using a magnet, battery, and copper wire showed them how magnetic forces can generate motion. The approach was tailored to be fun, exploratory, and curiosity-driven. Teachers reported high enthusiasm and commented that many students continued discussing the experiments long after the session ended.

Figure: Activities at SK Taman Senangan. Demonstrators from the School of Physics emphasizes more on the hands-on experience to spark creativity.

3 SMK Tanjung Bungah

Highlights
• Date: 2nd July 2025
• Number of students: approximately 450
• Lecturers involved: Dr. Rabie Omar, Dr. Edmund
• Focus: Fundamental and Applied physics, and career pathways
• Audience: Secondary students

Held on 2nd of July 2025, the STEM visit to SMK Tanjung Bungah reached approximately 600students. The session was conducted by Dr. Rabie Omar and Dr. Edmund Loh Wai Ming. This visit emphasized on the unexpected phenomenon in physics such as how a remote spark can light up a neon bulb and resonance phenomenon. Students were especially drawn to discussions surrounding future STEM pathways and the use of physics in real-world technology. Teachers noted the ideas of using simple do-it-yourself (DIY) setups to demonstrate fundamental phenomenon in Physics.

Alongside exhibitions of MRI and CT scan replicas and 3D printed materials, students learned how scientific concepts such as resonance, electromagnetism, and energy conversion are applied in the real world. Demonstrations such as Lenz’s law using a solenoids and the Lorentz force setup with a live wire and magnetic field captured the attention of the audience. A simple DC motor built from batteries and copper wire illustrated engineering principles in action. Students were encouraged to consider how these concepts apply in fields like biomedical engineering, and electronics. The vising teachers from other schools also observed strong student interest and expressed appreciation for sparking their ideas through demonstrations by using simple setups.

Activities at SMK Tanjung Bungah. (Left): Dr Edmund explaining CT and MRI Scans to visiting students. (Right) Dr. Rabie is trying to explain in simple words to a Year 5 student—how plasma is formed by just using the spark generator.

4 Equipment and Demonstration Overview

As part of our outreach initiative, the School of Physics prepared a selection of simple demo setups that showcase the physics phenomenon that we never thought of—aimed at making key physics concepts come alive for students. Among the highlights were our custom-built replicas of MRI and CT scanners, which helped students connect classroom science with real life medical applications. We also showcased 3D-printed models to introduce students to modern design and fabrication techniques, as well as an electroscope using aluminum leaves inside a glass jar to show how electric charge can be detected.

To explore waves and magnetism, we used a range of hands-on setups. These included glass resonance with straws to demonstrate natural frequency, speaker-generated beat patterns for wave interference, and classic demonstrations of Lenz’s law and the Lorentz force. One of the most popular items was a small DC motor built from a battery, magnet, and wire—simple, yet effective in showing the principles of electromagnetic motion. We also brought along a solar-powered car to demonstrate how sunlight can be converted into motion, linking sustainability to mechanics and energy conversion in a format accessible to both primary and secondary school students.

5 Improving Our Kits and Expanding Impact

Moving forward, we plan to improve our demonstration kits to make them more portable, robust, and suitable for frequent school visits. We’re working on modular designs with safer components, better visuals, and the possibility of digital integration, such as sensors linked to tablets or simple augmented reality (AR) overlays to enrich explanations. We’re also exploring new materials that can withstand repeated handling by students, especially in larger school settings.

To make this happen, we’re actively seeking support. Whether through funding, partnerships, or donated materials, every contribution will help us inspire more students across Penang and beyond. If you believe in hands-on science education and want to help us make a difference, we’d love to hear from you. With your support, we can reach more schools, spark more interest, and help the next generation see science as something exciting, practical, and within reach.