Formal K–12 audiences are fertile fields for meaningful and innovative Broader Impacts. Any researcher wanting to effectively impact this field must first understand some fundamentals of formal education. Furthermore, the divide between K–12 and higher education, and their respective cultures, is likewise great. Thus, moving outside of our comfort zone into the K–12 world can be a challenge for those accustomed to the ivory tower of higher education.

Many academics are either clueless about K–12 outreach, or simply do not care to get involved. It is too much trouble when they feel that they should be doing more important things related to their jobs. Periodically over the years I have contacted school administrators and suggested programs that are out of their context and not relevant to the needs of their schools.