The UW Bothell STEM Public Outreach Team (SPOT) is a cadre of trained ambassadors who provide free presentations about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) topics to K-14 and community audiences. We have worked with schools and community groups throughout the greater Seattle area, including the Pacific Science Center.
Ambassadors share STEM topics in age-appropriate presentations, incorporating background information, exciting new research, and audience participation; it all comes together in a fun and educational show that lasts approximately 50 minutes.
SPOT presentations can be given online or anywhere that a screen or blank wall is available near an electrical outlet. All presentations include a question and answer session; related activities and educational materials are also available.
Available presentations
Cosmic Detectives
Astronomers are puzzled by a whole new class of cosmic phenomena called Fast Radio Bursts. Why are these bursts so powerful? Where do they come from? What causes them? How do we detect them? Analyze clues with a team of radio astronomers to help crack the case!
Tuning in to Einstein’s Universe
Building on the history of astronomy from Galileo’s time, discover how gravity can open a whole new window to our understanding of the universe. How are gravitational waves made by distant black holes? How do we use pulsars to detect them? Learn about this research happening at UW Bothell and how you can get involved.
Math Adventures: Tessellating with Polygons
Follow the story of an exciting discovery in mathematics, with a new shape that can tile the plane. Polygons can be used to cover flat surfaces and mathematics can be used to predict these shapes. The work of a team of researchers at UW Bothell adds the final piece to the puzzle of tessellating with polygons. Check out the Frontiers for Young Minds journal article here.
NASA LISA Ambassadors
The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission will observe gravitational waves from space in the 2030s, opening up a new band of the gravitational wave spectrum. The NASA LISA Ambassadors are available to give presentations about the future LISA mission and the exciting gravitational wave astrophysics it will enable.
- Educators: use the SPOT request form to schedule a visit.
- Ambassadors: report your SPOT activities here.
- Research teams: share your work with K-14 audiences through the UW Bothell SPOT program, see our sample proposal text.
Meet the SPOT Ambassadors
SPOT Alumni
