Perimeter Institute: New Cosmology Resource

What's the universe made of? How big is it? What is it's ultimate fate? The last few decades have seen dramatic advances in our understanding of the universe on the largest scale. This session will discuss an upcoming classroom resource by Perimeter Institute based on hands-on activities that explore key ideas in cosmology like the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation, dark energy and the expanding universe. The resource includes activities for Grade 9 and 10 science as well as Grade 12 physics.

Biographies

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.

Kevin Donkers, a lead physics teacher in Waterloo Region, has been instrumental in the production and delivery of many of Perimeter’s educational products and programs. Kevin has shared Perimeter’s Go Physics program across Canada and works with students from around the world at Perimeter’s International School for Young Physicists each summer. Kevin is currently sharing his expertise on behalf of Perimeter full-time while on a year leave from a teaching position at Preston High School in Cambridge, Ontario where he coached football, rugby, and basketball. Kevin took on the leadership role of Activity Director of Preston High School in only his third year of teaching.