Session Number
D-4
Grade Level
Science, Grade Levels: 11-12
Start Date
27-2-2015 12:30 PM
End Date
27-2-2015 1:30 PM
Description
Particle physics is generally seen as far too difficult, too abstract and mathematical, to teach at the high school level — which is a pity, since particle physics is most likely to get students interested in the subject (witness the response to the discovery of the Higgs boson). However, the day-to-day work of experimental particle physicists is remarkably understandable, even for high school students willing to do a little work. We will examine assignments given at IMSA in this vein, including a class-wide analysis that simulated the search for a super symmetric Higgs boson, and discuss how they worked. Attendees will receive materials for these assignments for use as independent projects or group work.
Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Physics Commons, Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons
Session D-4: Particle Physics
Particle physics is generally seen as far too difficult, too abstract and mathematical, to teach at the high school level — which is a pity, since particle physics is most likely to get students interested in the subject (witness the response to the discovery of the Higgs boson). However, the day-to-day work of experimental particle physicists is remarkably understandable, even for high school students willing to do a little work. We will examine assignments given at IMSA in this vein, including a class-wide analysis that simulated the search for a super symmetric Higgs boson, and discuss how they worked. Attendees will receive materials for these assignments for use as independent projects or group work.