Particle Physics Masterclass
A one hour talk that explains the standard model of particle physics and the principles behind particle acceleration. It describes the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and teaches students how to analyse data from the ATLAS detector. It can be accompanied by the workshops below.
Hunting for Higgs
Image credit: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
The workshop teaches students how to recognise collision events and allows them to discover the Higgs particle. Students use real data from the ATLAS experiment at CERN. Suitable for KS4 and KS5 students (resources credit: ATLAS experiment).
Duration: 1 hour
Student ages: 14-18 years old
School must provide: computers with java and MINERVA software provided by speaker, installed beforehand
Number of participants: 30 students maximum
Skills gained: data analysis
Measuring the mass of the Z boson
The workshop allows students to apply fundamental physics equations on the conservation of energy and momentum in order to program a spreadsheet and calculate the mass of the Z boson. Students use real data from the ATLAS experiment at CERN. Suitable for KS5 students (resources credit: ATLAS experiment).
Duration: 1 hour
Student ages: 16-18 years old
School must provide: computers with Java and MINERVA software provided by speaker, installed beforehand
Number of participants: 30 students maximum
Skills gained: data analysis using a spreadsheet
Image credit: pinterest
Testimonial
“Our particle physics masterclasses were a real hit with our Yr 12 students, they loved the way that Maria explained the work that real Physicists do at CERN and the chance to do the same sorts of calculations that Particle Physicists do. This really suited our need to stretch and challenge the strongest of our students in tackling material beyond the A-Level specification in a short time that pushed their understanding of relativistic energies. We were all amazed in the way that Maria was able to explain the most intricate details of particle physics in the simplest way possible. All in all, well worth the time, thank you very much Maria!” Michal Hnatek, Head of Physics, Malvern College