New PI resource: Particle Physics

Particle physics is one of the hottest topics in science today. After two decades of painstaking effort, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN is finally operational. This unprecedented experiment is collecting data that may revolutionize our ideas about the building blocks of the universe. But how can you share the excitement surrounding particle physics with your students? This session will present PI's newest educational resource, a 30-minute classroom video on particle physics with accompanying worksheets and a teacher's guide. Aimed primarily at Grade 11 and 12 physics, the resource builds up to the LHC by walking students through the history of particle physics starting at Rutherford. Participants will receive a free copy of the resource in the workshop.

Dr. Damian Pope studied theoretical physics at the University of Queensland, Australia and obtained his PhD in 2002. His research was in the area of quantum information, the study of innovative, new technologies based on the laws of quantum physics. He also did research in quantum foundations, the study of quantum physics ultimately means at a physical level. After his PhD, he continued research as postdoctoral researcher, also in Australia. In 2005, he left research to take up his current position in outreach and education at Perimeter Institute. This involves working on a wide range of projects such as creating educational videos, running workshops for students and teachers and giving talks to the general public. In 2007, he led the creation of The Mystery of Dark Matter, an educational video for high schools that has already been viewed by over 100,000 students worldwide. He has a deep passion for communicating physics with the wider community and continues to work on a number of outreach projects.

DAVE FISH Dave has been a high school Physics teacher for 20+ years. His involvement with Perimeter Institute dates right back to the beginning with the initial development of ISSYP, EinsteinPlus and several other outreach activities. He has played a leading role in the production of both Perimeter Exploration and Perimeter Inspiration resources. He has given workshops on modern physics at local, provincial, national and international levels. Dave is currently working for Perimeter Institute while on leave from teaching Physics at Sir John A Macdonald.