Physics in schools
We run fun programs with primary and secondary schools to stimulate children’s curiosity about physics, as well as information days to help teachers stay up to date with the latest discoveries.
Programs run by the Schools
- In-school and on-campus demonstration lectures for primary and secondary schools (MUPPETS, WARP).
- Enrichment studies for secondary school students (Physics Gymnasium Lectures).
- Resources for science teachers.
- Telescopes in Schools run by the Astrophysics Group in partnership with the ARC Centre of Excellence for All-Sky Astrophysics, Quantum Victoria and Melbourne Planetarium.
- Work experience program for year 10 students.
Programs run by the University
- University of Melbourne Extension Program (UMEP) in which secondary students may take 1st year university-level physics subjects.
Physics Gymnasium Lecture Series
Are you interested in a career in science or engineering? Eager to find out more about the world around you?
The Gymnasium Lecture Series offers students the opportunity to experience the breadth and excitement of physics beyond the standard curriculum. Lectures may explore topics aligned with the VCE Physics syllabus, providing enrichment and deeper insight into concepts students are learning at school, or they may introduce cutting-edge research and emerging fields of modern physics.
Usually there are two small lecture series per year. The next lectures will be in September 2026.
Shading Light on the Mystery of Dark Matter?
Thursday, 3 September 2026
Presented by Dr. Daniel Marcantonio
5.15 pm refreshments
5.30 – 6.30 pm Lecture and 10 minutes of questions.
Hercus Theatre, David Caro Building, University of Melbourne, Parkville.
The matter we're made of, the stuff of atoms, life, the Earth and stars, accounts for only about 15% of the matter in the Universe. The rest consists of some mysterious, invisible stuff we call "dark matter". So far, we haven't been able to work out what dark matter actually is. In this lecture, we will explore what we know about dark matter so far, and see how physicists in Victoria are helping to unravel this mystery.
Join us for this fascinating Physics lecture.
Get your free ticket here so that we can estimate numbers.
Quantum Mechanics: Beginnings, Current, Future
Thursday 10 September 2026
Presented by Prof. Chris Chantler
5.15 pm refreshments
5.30 – 6.30 pm Lecture and 10 minutes of questions.
Hercus Theatre, David Caro Building, University of Melbourne, Parkville.
Abstract coming soon
Join us for this fascinating Physics lecture.
Get your free ticket here so that we can estimate numbers.
From Ohm's Law to Superconductivity
Thursday 17 September 2026
Presented by Prof. Stephan Rachel
5.15 pm refreshments
5.30 – 6.30 pm Lecture and 10 minutes of questions.
Hercus Theatre, David Caro Building, University of Melbourne, Parkville.
Abstract coming soon
Join us for this fascinating Physics lecture.
Get your free ticket here so that we can estimate numbers.
Explore past gymnasium lectures
Watch past lectures from the Physics Gymnasium Lecture Series in our video archive.
Contact the Physics Gymnasium Lecture Series team
Work experience at the School of Physics
The Year 10 Work Experience Program gives Year 10 students the opportunity to experience a week at the university from the perspective of both a research student and an academic. With three streams to choose from (Astrophysics, Particle Physics and Nanoscale Imaging), there is a specialism to suit any student's interest in physics. Students will undertake a wide variety of fun and educational activities and projects throughout the week that will both engage and inspire.
Find out more about the program and how to apply.
Teacher information days
Each year the School hosts an in-service day for secondary teachers. This year the focus is on how physics skills can shape careers and invites science/physics teachers and career practitioners. Spaces are normally limited so it is best to register as soon as possible (see further details below).
From Physics Skills to Careers
Professional Development Day for all Science Teachers and Career Practitioners
Every physio exercise, climate model, smartphone, and risk assessment relies on physics principles.
A fundamental understanding of physics equips students with powerful analytical and problem-solving skills that are valued far beyond science.
This day invites Science Teachers and Career Practitioners to
- Explore why physics is essential for a wide range of unexpected careers
- Gain concrete examples you can share with students and parents
- Rethink physics as a versatile foundation rather than a niche subject
- Hear from Alumni how physics has helped them in their (non-physics) career
From building bridges to brain scans, everything starts with physics.
Tuesday, June 16th, 2026
9 am - 3 pm
Parkville, School of Physics, University of Melbourne
Cost: AUD 100.-
(Online Participation AUD 50.-)
Support for under-represented and disadvantaged schools available,
please inquire via email: marion.umbach@unimelb.edu.au
Be informed – Inspire your students
Program - From Physics Skills to Careers - 16 June 2026
| Everything in the Hercus Theatre | |
|---|---|
| 9:30 | Arrival and Welcome |
| 9:45 Talk | Welcome - and Prof. Andrew Melatos: What Happens to Physicists |
| Lecture 10.30-11.00 | From Physics to Disease Control Prof. James McCaw How a physics-based education supports public healthJames McCaw is Professor of Mathematical Biology at the University of Melbourne and an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow (2024-28). James was originally trained in theoretical physics, he pivoted to infectious disease epidemiology in 2005—bringing a physicist’s lens to the dynamic world of disease modelling. His work bridges disciplines, uniting experts in mathematics, biology, computer science, and public health to build quantitative models that reveal how infectious diseases spread and how interventions shape outcomes. His expertise became vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, where James advised Australian government bodies as an invited expert, contributing to key public health decisions—from border closures to quarantine policies—using quantitative models grounded in dynamical systems theory. |
| Coffee break | with networking opportunity |
| Lecture 11.15-12.00 | Physics meets Neuroscience Dr. Daniel McCloskey From whole brains to single cells: The physics (and some ethics) of reading mindsDaniel McCloskey is a McKenzie postdoctoral fellow in the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne. His main research focus is the application of quantum and optoelectronic sensors for detecting bioelectric signals with high spatial resolution, with the end goal of facilitating new knowledge in fundamental neuroscience as well as enabling better understanding of neurological and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. He also conducts experimental research in surface and materials science, semiconductor physics, and photonics with a focus on developing and enhancing these sensors. Daniel received B. Eng (engineering physics) and B. Sc (applied mathematics) degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, in 2017, and is a recipient of the Canada Governor General’s Academic Medal. He received his PhD (physics) from the University of Melbourne in 2021. |
| Lunch | 12-1 |
| 1:00-1:30 | Lab tours (1st lab: First year student labs, 2nd lab: Research labs) |
| Lecture 1:30-2:00 | Physics and the Bureau of Meteorology Dr. Caroline Poulsen From Neutrinos to Clouds: A Physicist’s Unexpected Path to the Bureau of MeteorologyCaroline Poulsen is a University of Melbourne‑trained scientist whose career has traced an extraordinary arc across physics, satellite science, climate and weather research. After completing a science degree in Melbourne, Caroline pursued a PhD in particle physics working on the NOMAD experiment which aimed to detect the appearance of tau neutrinos at CERN. Her career then took her to the United Kingdom, where she joined the UK Met Office as a satellite scientist, working at the interface of Earth observation, weather prediction, and space‑based instrumentation. Caroline later moved to the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire contributing to the creation of long‑term satellite climate records, with a particular focus on cloud properties and their role in the global climate system. Her work there supported international climate monitoring efforts and advanced understanding of how satellite data can capture subtle atmospheric changes over decades. Returning to Melbourne, Caroline now works in the Satellite Section at the Bureau and is leading efforts to advance AI Nowcasting and Forecasting for aviation weather warnings. |
| Panel Discussion 2.00-3.00 | Alumni talk about how physics has shaped their career outside of physicsDr. Rachel Challis - PhD in high energy physics is now working as Director, Strategy, Governance and Risk at the Victorian Auditor-General's Office Dr. Mitchell Knight - did his PhD in Physics in 2025 and is now working as Manager in the Government Incentive Team at EY Prof. Alicia Oshlack - did her PhD in Astrophysics and is now working as Head of the Computational Biology Program at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Dr. Ascelin Gordon - PhD in Physics, now working in the Sustainability and Urban Planning program in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT |
Laby VCE Physics Teacher's Grant
The Laby Foundation is offering grants with the aim of building capacity in physics teaching across Victoria, specifically targeting (but not solely limited to) disadvantaged and rural schools. The grants are available to help fund teachers to attend the Focus on Physics In-Service event.
We invite applications from interested schools/teachers. Funding up to $500 per school is available, depending on circumstances. Funds are to cover the registration fee and CRT cost. The number of grants is limited and will be assessed in the order they are received.
Provide your case for sponsorship (a substantiated statement) based on the following selection priorities:
- Geographical and/or socio-economic disadvantage
- Access to high-quality professional learning to strengthen capacity in teaching physics
- Low uptake of science subjects at VCE level, particularly physics, and/or low science profile in the school
- Other disadvantage identified by the applicant.
Complete and submit the online application form, which includes your response to the selection priorities. Your statement addressing one or more of the selection priorities must be concise, totalling no more than 500 words. We are looking for key factors supporting your application, with brief substantiation (e.g. school data, the web address to evidence, a clear statement of fact). A letter advising of the outcome of the grant will be sent to applicants. Successful applicants will be advised on how to arrange payment of funding (CRT and/or travel costs only), which will be paid after the event.
Contact us
If you would like to contact us regarding a school trip, borrowing equipment, or anything physics-related, please get in touch - outreach@physics.unimelb.edu.au