We are going to do.......

• How can we implement this in our classroom?

• Something something about the P waves giving students a better idea about the structure of the interior of the Earth.

  • Insert reference to: reflection, refraction, diffusion, different types of waves, wave mechanics, etc

  • Change of wave speed in various mediums

• Use LIGO to discuss Gravity waves and extend that discussion to wave mechanics.

  • Light, its behavior, etc.

  • Spacetime

• LIGO Data can also be used for independent research projects to get students involved.

• I made this long ago: LIGO Activity

• Can be used to introduce and practice basic scientific method research method(s).

• Sometimes I like to throw deep ideas at the kids and make their heads hurt

• Use given resources to describe how Gravity is described as a wave

  • http://www.ligo.org/public.php

  • http://www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/mmg_disp.jsp?med_id=58443&from=vid.htm

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• Introduce what an interferometer is and how it is used at LIGO. Interferometers are used on spacecraft in the solar system.

• Use lasers to demonstrate reflection, deflection

• The LIGO and Cosmic e-labs lend themselves to studies the students come up with themselves.  Could easily be used for extended studies.

• Use in the discussion of orbiting binary stars, neutron stars, supernovas...

• LIGO Class Activities

Objectives

Participating teachers will be able to use the LIGO e-Lab to:

• Plot and interpret data recorded by LIGO seismic instruments
• Explain the importance of LIGO seismic data in gravitational wave search
• Identify and list classical physics concepts in LIGO data analysis
• Develop a plan for use of the LIGO e-Lab in the classroom.

Agenda 

Times and specific activities are subject to adjustment.

http://tiny.cc/xogxpyFoundational Question: What is spacetime?

Resources: 

• Physics of the Universe
• Gravity - Aristotle to Einstein
• Wikipedia

Group Questions:

1. What are gravitiational waves?
2. Why do we seek to detect gravitational waves?
3. What are the sources of gravitational waves?

Resources:

• LIGO site
• LIGO Educator's Guide
• Wikipedia

Dale Ingram of LIGO sent a nice description:

• 0.03 - 0.1 Hz -- Large distant quakes (>6.5); the seismic effects of strong local winds.
• 0.1 - 0.3 Hz -- Large distant quakes (>7); microseisms (from ocean waves).
• 0.3 - 1 Hz -- Nothing of note.  This is the quietest band, with no significant environmental drivers other than small shallow nearby earthquakes.
• 1 - 3 Hz -- Heavy vehicles at distances up to several miles from the site; distant industrial activity; small shallow nearby earthquakes.
• 3 - 10 Hz -- Vehicle traffic, local human activity at the observatory.

Bonus: LIGO and Virgo detector geometries.

Describe seismic waves.

1. What are the types of seismic waves? How are they different from one another?
2. How do the various types of seismic waves propagate through the earth?
3. Why are seismic waves important to LIGO?
4. What are sources of seismic waves?
5. How are seismic waves measured?