General Lab Information

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Detecting the Building Blocks of Matter

image of students engaged in lab activity

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. Then, they’ll 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
  • 1-hour session, times are flexible
  • One class per session, maximum 30 students per class
  • Can book multiple activities in one day
  • $460 per session (BOCES-aidable)

To request field trip dates, visit https://oepreg.bnl.gov/.

To explore programs listed in the ESBOCES Exploratory Enrichment catalog and to submit a BOCES contract request, please visit BOCES EE – Brookhaven Lab   

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

Patterns

Scale, Proportion, and Quantity

Structure and Function

 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

Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards

MP2: Reason abstractly and quantitatively

MP4: Model with mathematics

Statistics and Probability: Summarize and describe distributions

Teacher Information

These programs are registered with Eastern Suffolk BOCES Exploratory Enrichment.

Contact

Workforce Development and Science Education Office
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Building 438
Upton, NY 11973-5000

About Us

Using the unique scientific tools and intellectual resources of Brookhaven National Laboratory, the Office of Workforce Development and Science Education is dedicated to preparing future scientists, engineers, technicians, and educators. Our team of scientists and science educators designs and implements workforce development and education initiatives that advance the scientific mission of Brookhaven Lab and the U.S. Department of Energy.