Friday Flyer - November 20, 2015

Spotlight on the University at Buffalo - SUNY QuarkNet Center: This center held its 9th annual QuarkNet summer workshop for teachers during August 2015, with six teachers in attendance. Professors Ia Iashvili and Avto Kharchilava organized the three-day workshop, beginning with a day of introductions and an overview of particle physics followed by a two-day LHC data workshop. Teachers worked through several Data Portfolio activities, analyzed CMS data, had a virtual tour of the CMS control center at CERN, and discussed classroom implementation. In addition to the summer workshop, the Buffalo center hosted local students last spring for the CMS masterclass.  

News from QuarkNet Central: Interested in winning a trip to CERN with students where they would conduct a student-led particle physics experiment? If so, then consider applying for CERN's Beamline for Schools Competition. The application process is now open for the 2016 competition. 

Next week, Friday Flyer will be on break for the Thanksgiving holiday; the next Friday Flyer will be on December 4, 2015.

Physics Experiment Roundup: Symmetry explores the idea of shrinking a particle accelerator down to the size of a shoebox within five years, as SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory receives a grant to work on this "accelerator on a chip" innovative technology.

Resources: As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Einstein's theory of general relativity this month, Fermilab's Don Lincoln provides a Space.com article, Einstein's Unfinished Dream: Marrying Relativity to the Quantum World. Embedded in this article are two of Dr. Lincoln's videos: one on quantum foam, and one on Grand Unified Theory. On a related note, check out The New Yorker's article on The Space Doctor's Big Idea. 

Another greatly appreciated resource: money! Scholarship money, that is. High school seniors thinking about majoring in physics may want to consider Simpson College's Carver Bridge to STEM Success Program. 

Just for Fun: As Thanksgiving approaches, it may be a good idea to brush up on your turkey physics. Also relevant this time of year is an article from the archives of symmetry magazine on the Panofsky Turkey Constant. Who says you can't geek out in the kitchen on Thanksgiving day?!

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

QuarkNet Staff Teachers:
Ken Cecire: kcecire@nd.edu
Bob Peterson: rspete@fnal.gov
Shane Wood: swood5@nd.edu