Detecting the Building Blocks of Matter

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Electron-Ion Collider

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Scientists use many different types of detectors to “see” subatomic particles. In this session, students will learn about how some of those particle detectors work and see how a diffusion cloud chamber can help them discover subatomic particles all around us. They will then practice their particle detection skills by competing against each other in a game based on the Rutherford scattering experiment.

Vocabulary: atom, subatomic particle, cloud chamber, Rutherford, detector

Session Information: This activity is available in-person or virtually.

In-Person Session Information	Virtual Session Information
1-hour session, times are flexible One class per session, maximum 30 students per class Can book multiple activities in one day $400 (BOCES-aidable) per session	1-hour session, times are flexible One class per session, maximum 30 students per class Secure link to Zoom.gov videoconferencing platform will be provided To get the most out of this virtual experience, students should have their own devices with internet access (or work with 1-2 other students on a shared device) $ 400 (BOCES-aidable) per session

NYS Learning Standards

New York State Science Learning Standards

Disciplinary Core Ideas	Crosscutting Concepts	Science and Engineering Practices
PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter	Systems and System Models	Developing and Using Models

Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards

Speaking and Listening	Language
Comprehension and Collaboration Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas	Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

Intermediate Science Core

Process Skills	Major Understandings
Standard 1, S2.1 Use conventional techniques and those of their own design to make further observations and refine their explanations, guided by a need for more information. Standard 1, S2.1a demonstrate appropriate safety techniques Standard 1, S2.1b conduct an experiment designed by others Standard 1, S2.1d use appropriate tools and conventional techniques to solve problems about the natural world, including: measuring, observing, describing, classifying, sequencing Standard 1, S2.3a use appropriate safety procedures Standard 1, S2.3b conduct a scientific investigation Standard 1, S2.3c collect quantitative and qualitative data Standard 6, 2.2 Use models to study processes that cannot be studied directly (e.g., when the real process is too slow, too fast, or too dangerous for direct observation).	3.3a All matter is made up of atoms. Atoms are far too small to see with a light microscope. 3.3c Atoms may join together in well-defined molecules or may be arranged in regular geometric patterns. 3.3e The atoms of any one element are different from the atoms of other elements.

Process Skills

Major Understandings

Standard 1, S2.1 Use conventional techniques and those of their own design to make further observations and refine their explanations, guided by a need for more information.

Standard 1, S2.1a demonstrate appropriate safety techniques

Standard 1, S2.1b conduct an experiment designed by others

Standard 1, S2.1d use appropriate tools and conventional techniques to solve problems about the natural world, including: measuring, observing, describing, classifying, sequencing

Standard 1, S2.3a use appropriate safety procedures

Standard 1, S2.3b conduct a scientific investigation

Standard 1, S2.3c collect quantitative and qualitative data

Standard 6, 2.2 Use models to study processes that cannot be studied directly (e.g., when the real process is too slow, too fast, or too dangerous for direct observation).

3.3a All matter is made up of atoms. Atoms are far too small to see with a light microscope.

3.3c Atoms may join together in well-defined molecules or may be arranged in regular geometric patterns.

3.3e The atoms of any one element are different from the atoms of other elements.

Teacher Information

These programs are registered with Eastern Suffolk BOCES Exploratory Enrichment.

Program Topics

ATLAS EIC exploration labs physical science physics RHIC

Program Audience

6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade

Detecting the Building Blocks of Matter

NYS Learning Standards

Teacher Information

Contact

Ashley Blydenburgh

About Us

Program Topics

Program Audience

Brookhaven National Laboratory

Brookhaven Science Associates