Link to the demonstrator: in English

Metadata:

Age: 12 – 16

Duration: 2 hours

Equipment: PC with internet connection 

Contact details

Author: Prof. Christine Kourkoumelis, Stelios Vourakis (IASA)
Contact: info[at]frontiers-project[dot]eu

Overview

This exercise introduces students to CERN, the LHC accelerator and the ATLAS and CMS experiments. It explains the basics of the standard model of particle physics and particle collisions. It explains what muons are and how their angles can be measured through the use of the HYPATIA event display or the CMS iSpy. It mentions what the expected distributions would look like and prompts students to study and explain their results and possible deviations for what is expected.

Learning outcomes:

1. Students learn about CERN, LHC, ATLAS and CMS
2. They become familiar with the standard model of particle physics and particle collisions
3. They learn how to measure and analyse the angular distribution of muon tracks
4. They are asked to present their results and justify the outcome of their investigation

Prior knowledge:

• Structure of matter
• Fundamental forces
• Basic geometry

Concepts introduced:

• Particle decays

• Distributions
• Histograms
  

Learning intentions:

By the end of this descriptor, students should be able to:

• Understand the research being conducted at CERN, ATLAS and CMS
• Understand how the LHC works
• Learn what happens when particles collide in the LHC experiments
• Study the distribution of muon track angles 

Key activities:

1. Information about CERN, LHC, ATLAS, CMS
2. Explanation about the standard model and particle collisions
3. Investigation through the use of HYPATIA, iSpy
4. Presentation of student investigation results