What is a masterclass? A particle physics masterclass gives students an opportunity to:
- Learn about the Standard Model and experimental particle physics.
- Work together to analyze authentic data from the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, neutrino experiments at Fermilab, or other sources.
- Share their work and their questions with other masterclass groups and with physicists.
Supported by QuarkNet, Fermilab, and our international partners, masterclasses enable students to be particle physicists for a day.
Fermilab/QuarkNet Masterclasses come in three flavors:
- International Masterclasses, which run roughly Feb-Apr each year under the umbrella of the International Particle Physics Outreach Group, are full-day events at labs or universities. Students usually finish with a videconference with other masterclass groups and scientists at Fermilab, CERN, or another particle physics facility.
- Independent masterclasses, which are similar to International Masterclasses but can be any time of the year and do not connect with ther masterclass groups.
- World Wide Data Day, a shorter and simpler masterclass event based on LHC data which takes place in schools under the guidance of teachers. These generally take place in November each year with one day for a "24-hour shift" of concluding videoconferences.
Next Generation Science Standards: Masterclassses address ALL Science Practices in the NGSS.
- Asking questions
- Developing and using models
- Planning and carrying out investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Using mathematics and computational thinking
- Constructing explanations
- Engaging in argument from evidence.
- Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
To learn more about Fermilab/QuarkNet masterclasses, visit:
or send a query by email.