Fun With Cosmic Rays - Making the Invisible Visible

Scientists use cloud chambers to see subatomic particles emitted during radioactive decay. Students will assemble cloud chambers, then observe and study particles by analyzing trails left by naturally occurring cosmic rays that regularly shower the Earth. As students discover that cosmic rays are all around them, they will be introduced to the world of particle physics, a Brookhaven Lab specialty.

Program Cost

$225

Contact Information

For more information about this program, contact:

Menzel Smith-Jones
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Bldg.400C – P.O. Box 5000
Upton, NY 11973-5000
631-344-4495 (phone)
631-344-7098 (fax)
slc@bnl.gov

Objectives: Students will be able to define the Big Bang Theory; assemble and operate a diffusion cloud chamber; be able to identify and discuss high energy particles associated with cosmic rays by observing patterns in a diffusion cloud chamber; and explore science, technological, and societal aspects of particle physics by learning about the BNL research facility RHIC and BNL’s contribution to the ATLAS project for the LHC in CERN.

Audience for This Program

Grades 6th, 7th, and 8th