Time-traveling scientists. Mechanical mysteries. Journeys above the Arctic Circle. These are just some of the stories that caught our attention as we surveyed the landscape of the Society of Physics Students for this month’s chapter-themed issue.

ringing our focus back to the work on the ground—to individual contributions and chapter-wide efforts—serves as a reminder of how the society is enhancing the physics community, improving science literacy, and supporting local communities one activity at a time.

Since its formation in 1968, SPS has grown to more than 800 chapters in 18 zones around the country, plus international chapters. And while the overall mission and purpose are the same across the organization, each chapter puts a unique spin on outreach and member activities, influenced by current participants, location, and type of school, among other factors. When chapters share their successes—and failures—they inspire other groups to adapt ideas, grow their programs, and learn from mistakes.

How do chapters discover what others are doing? By attending zone meetings, connecting at professional physics meetings like PhysCon, reaching out to groups that share similarities, or even reading this publication, which profiles chapters in action every quarter. And if your chapter has met with a particular success—whether with recruitment, trivia nights, or interdepartmental collaboration—don’t be afraid to share what you’ve accomplished and expand the scope of your awesome idea.

The chapters featured in the following pages exemplify the spirit and mission of SPS. Whether they take creative approaches to public engagement or spearhead activities that foster internal inspiration (or both), they set an example for other chapters to follow, including those that are just getting started. And they prove that, no matter the weather, plummeting pumpkins and the Pleiades will always draw a crowd.

Is your chapter doing amazing things? Spread the word by emailing us at sps-programs [at] aip.org with your news and accomplishments.