High Energy Particle Physics Group                           Institute of Physics

The National Particle Physics Masterclass

Report on Half Day Meeting

Royal Holloway, University of London

20th January 2005 from 1.30pm to 4.30 pm .

 

The meeting was held to review existing Masterclass Practice and to consider the future development of the programme.

Review of Programme by Andrew Morrison (PPARC Schools Officer)

·        Annual participation of ~16 institutes and attendance for ~2000 sixth form students from ~ 200 schools.  This compares with an annual entry for A Level Physics of ~30,000.

·        Objectives included providing some curriculum coverage, enthusing students and building links with schools and teachers.

·        They also provided an excellent opportunity for post-graduate students to develop their own communication skills.

·        There is little common ground between the 6 English A Level specifications with regard to Particle Physics. Generally the required level of understanding of Particle Physics at A level is relatively low.

·        Feedback from those attending Masterclasses was often contradictory. Some suggestions from feedback received were: avoid extended periods of lecture, activities should be kept simple and relatively short, the use of post-graduates gives an opportunity for sixth formers to learn about “doing particle physics” and can be an important factor in a successful day.

·        A more formal evaluation of the programme as a whole would be valuable.

Discussion of Programme and Issues Raised

·        Most institutes follow a fairly common pattern – typically this involves a lecture on the basic of particle physics, a lecture on a more specialised topic (reflecting the interests of the institute or speaker) and one or two software-based exercises (e.g. Identifying LEP Events or the Lancaster Package).

·        LEP- based activities now seem dated.  There is a need for LHC-based activities.

·        The use of small prizes can enhance student activities.  The Institute of Physics may be able to provide IoP pens.

·        There is increased pressure on resources in some institutes – making it harder to sustain the Masterclasses.

·        The use of Spark and Cloud Chambers can be a good addition to PC-based exercises. The opportunity to see Rutherford scattering was valued by teachers – and is a common feature of all A Level specifications.

·        The applications of Particle Physics (e.g. medical uses of accelerators) can widen the appeal of the lectures.

·        Sharing of resources via the web would be extremely useful.  These could be Powerpoint presentations, Activities/Worksheets (e.g. for use with the Lancaster Package)

Lancaster Particle Physics Software (Andre Sopczak, University of Lancaster)

·        This has now been converted to a more user-friendly format.  See www.lancs.ac.uk/lppp

·        This replicates the old package, but can now be used on line or downloaded. 

·        There are some changes in the way calculations are presented.

·        Feedback to Andre would be appreciated (Andre.Sopczak@cern.ch)

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