aapt 2009 winter meeting - feb. 15, 2009 the particle physics masterclass shane wood...
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AAPT 2009 Winter Meeting - Feb. 15, 2009
The Particle Physics Masterclass
Shane [email protected]
Irondale High School – New Brighton, MN
www.wordle.net
What is the Masterclass?
Analogous to a Masterclass in the arts: a student works with an expert Expert = particle physicist Topic = particle physics data analysis
Well-developed in Europe (EPPOG) Students work with physicists from universities
and labs (5-6 across Europe/day) End of day – all participants connected by
videoconference to CERN Happens for several days over several weeks Each year: over 5000 students in over 20
countries
US Masterclasses
Organized through QuarkNet In 2006-2007, a small number of “Masterclass
Institutes” participated with Europe In 2008, US Masterclass Institutes were
created in collaboration with EPPOG In 2009, there will be 20 US Masterclass
Institutes meeting 23-28 March QuarkNet follows program design and
evaluation
US Masterclass Agenda:
Prior to Masterclass: Students take pre-test, then 1-5 hours of instruction
Day of Masterclass:
See table
After Masterclass:Students take post-test
TIME: ACTIVITY:
8:30-10:00 Tour
10:00-11:00 Particle Physics Presentation
11:00-12:00 Masterclass Intro for Students
12:00-13:00 Lunch
13:00-15:00 Student Data Analysis
15:00-15:30 Prep. for Videoconference
15:30-16:30 Videoconference on EVO
16:30-17:00 Closing
Data Analysis
Most Institutes – real LEP Event Displays
Look at Z-decays to determine branching ratios:
Z0 e+e-
Z0 μ+μ- Z0 τ+τ-
Z0 2qZ0 3qZ0 4q
Data Analysis
Collaboration
Students meet in CERN or Fermilab-moderated videoconference
Compare/Discuss Results, Post Questions Discussions continue – Blogs
Connection to LHC
Connected to the LHC through H Z0 Z0
Channel Z – decays are basic background Understanding Z-decays are important to
identify possible Higgs Some institutes will be using simulated LHC
data this year Future: Students will analyze real LHC data
Goals for Students
Analyze real particle physics data Learn particle physics and how research is
done Experience science collaboration across the
US and the world Become part of the LHC-community – for a
day or long-term
Become involved
Participate in a Particle Physics Masterclass in your area
Use the resources and data available online to have your own Particle Physics Masterclass within your own school, district, or region See links at end of presentation for data,
resources, etc.
Thanks…
Ken Cecire and the other QuarkNet Masterclass Fellows, including Michael Wadness, Michael Fetsko, and David Trapp
More Information:
Shane Wood, Irondale High [email protected]
Ken Cecire, Hampton University/[email protected]
Links:
http://www.quarknet.us/library/index.php/Masterclass_Library
http://www.physicsmasterclasses.org