Three-Day Unit in Particle Physics for the Introductory Physics Classroom

Day 1
Introduction:  
We would like the students to understand why high-energy physics is asking the questions they are asking.  Today the students will explore a mythical universe and the particles and forces that make up that universe.  Students will understand that these same questions are the ones that have puzzled humans throughout time.  Students will also get an introduction to current particle physics terminology and be introduced to the basics of theory formation.

Materials for the Day:
Make student copies of “How Does the Universe Work?,” pages 10 and 11 in the TMP Book. 

Make student copies of page 5 and “Ultimate Periodical Table,” pages 29-33 in the TMP Book.

Make overheads of page 2, page 6, page 9 (for day 3 summary discussion), page 11, and locate a copy of the Periodical Table used in a typical Chemistry class.

Timeline:
10 Minutes		Discuss overhead (p. 6), and evolution to the Periodic Table (try to pay attention to what students already know).

10 Minutes		Pass out and introduce “How Does the Universe Work?”  See teacher notes on page 8 of the TMP Book (communicate to students that each group will be expected to write a model to be discussed on day 3). 

25 Minutes		Students work in small groups brainstorming models for “How Does the Universe Work?”

5  Minutes		Hand out and point out key features of page 2 from the TMP Book and the “Ultimate Periodic Table Worksheet,” pages 29-33 of the TMP Book (point out that this represents the ultimate particles and forces for where we are now).

Assignment:
“How Does the Universe Work?” models due day 3.

“Ultimate Periodic Table,” pages 29-33 of the TMP Book due day 2.
Day 2
Introduction:  
Today you and your students will sit back and learn together how the game of particle physics is done today (including its agonies and defeats).  Scientist will share their enthusiasm for particle physics and help students understand the machines and processes used today.  Students will expand their familiarity with key terms and concepts presented in day 1.

Materials for the Day:
Nova’s “Race For The Top Quark”
Available through: 	Coronet Film and Video
				108 Wilmot Road
				Deerfield, IL 60015
				1-800-621-2131
VCR Player

Timeline:
50 Minutes		This is a great video, but its length may cause students’ minds to wander.  Remind students that they should take notes on key concepts or questions generated during the video.  (At some point, check that pages 29-33 are complete.)

Assignment:
Remind students that “How Does the Universe Work?” models due day 3.

“Ultimate Periodic Table,” pages 29-33 of the TMP Book due day 2.

Day 3
Introduction:  
We would like the students to correlate and synthesize the ideas presented in days one and two.  Students will see how their theories compare and compete with other student theories.  Further, through the analysis of “The Ultimate Periodic Table” we will see how The Standard Model of matter represents our understanding today of basic objects and forces of the universe.

Materials for the Day:
Make student copies of page 34 in the TMP Book. 

Make overhead copies of pages 29-33 and fill in the correct answers to facilitate discussion of student questions.

Timeline:
20 Minutes		Hand out answers and discuss questions from “The Ultimate Periodic Table” and correlate questions and answers to the “Race for the Top Quark” video.

30 Minutes		Student presentations and discussions of their models.  (Focus discussion on the diversity of models as well as properties of well-formed models). 

Assignment:
Generate a short written assessment that allows students to answer the following questions (or other questions you determined are important):
What did you come to understand? 

What confused you?  

What do you still have questions about?

Extensions

These could be extra credit or supplemental activities to the unit.

EXTRA CREDIT/SUPPLEMENTAL OUTSIDE CLASSROOM
Some of these suggestions are for teachers and students who are in our area of Fermilab; you may adjust by adding activities that are close to you that may also have exhibits or information on high-energy physics.

1. 	Visit a local or private particle physics facility such as Wilson Hall at Fermilab and take the self-guided tour.  Write a report.

2. 	Visit a local museum exhibit such as The Lederman Science Education Center at Fermilab.  Write a report.

3. 	Visit a high-energy physics Web site (page 62 of the TMP Book).  Write a review of the site.

4. 	Pick a topic of further study that you would like to explore; do a library or Web search and report.

5. 	Try one of the computer programs available (pages 58-62 in the TMP Book).  Write or print a simulation.

6. 	View Creation of the Universe video and fill in the accompanying worksheet supplied with the video or have students create their own worksheet.

7.	Have students create their view of a helium atom incorporating standard model particles and forces in some visual media (T-Shirt, Poster, Computer Program, Sculpture, Mobile, etc.).

Teacher Support Group
Bob Grimm
William Fremd High School
1000 South Quentin Road
Palatine, IL 60067-7099
847-358-6222, X274 or X374
bgrimm@fnal.gov

JoAnn Johnson
Wheaton North High School
One Falcon Way
Wheaton, IL 60187
630-682-2393
jjohnson@elnet.com

Pat LaMaster
Glenbrook North High School
2300 Shermer Road
Northbrook, IL 60062
847-509-2631
plamaster@glenbrook.k12.il.us

Brian Wegley
Glenbrook South High School
4000 West Lake Avenue
Glenview, IL 60025-1200
847-840-4611
bwegley@glenbrook.k12.il.us