Physics Teaching Lab
From MariachiWiki
The Physics Teaching Laboratory
The Nuclear Structure Laboratory (NSL) is a facility in the Physics Building at Stony Brook University (SBU), which formerly engaged in low energy nuclear research and still houses a working 9 million-volt Van de Graaff generator. Since 2007, it has been the base for MARIACHI activities. Soon, the NSL will also host the “PTL,” which stands for Physics Teaching Laboratory. This is an outgrowth of programs run by the Center for Science and Mathematics Education (CESAME, formerly LIGASE, Long Island Group Advancing Science Education). For several years, CESAME/LIGASE has operated the Biotechnology Teaching Center, a dedicated lab facility allowing high school students to perform biology experiments that are not manageable in a high school setting because of the expense or the time required to complete the lab. Students spend 4-5 hours at SBU performing the experiments under the direction of the Center’s staff. An hour lunch break is scheduled during the work session. Last year, an AP Chemistry component was added. During 2007-2008, over 4000 students used CESAME’s labs.
The 2008-2009 school year will mark the results of collaboration between CESAME and Prof. Michael Marx of the SBU Physics Department to establish the PTL. The pilot program will be “The Mass of the Electron,” an experiment using a Daedalon EP-20 e/m of the Electron Apparatus (pictures above). The equipment allows students to vary electric and magnetic fields while observing the effect on an electron beam and to take data to measure the mass of an electron to less than 10% error. After an introduction to the equipment and physical concepts, students work in pairs to take data and complete the exercise. Current plans are to use Excel to analyze data, but it could be done with a hand calculator and some “elbow grease.” After each group obtains a value, the entire class will discuss the results and the applications to mass spectroscopy and particle accelerators. The apparatus is a prototype for particle accelerators, such as the on-site Van de Graaff accelerator. An optional tour of the Van de Graaff will be available. The experiment is most applicable to the AP-B and AP-C curricula, but first year Honors and IB Physics classes would benefit from the experiment. There are also variations for Regents Physics and AP Chemistry classes. The Regents variation reduces the analytical component while reinforcing facts about magnetic fields and showing the effect on moving charges. Middle school research classes might find the experiment useful in developing techniques for organizing and analyzing data. An optional Excel tutorial will be available for those interested.
The mass of the electron is not your thing? The PTL will also continue and formalize some of the cosmic ray experiments that were carried out last year by visiting high school physics classes. In these activities, students work with MARIACHI detectors to deduce different facts about cosmic rays. Following an introduction to cosmic rays and the laboratory equipment, students are divided into small groups to complete separate investigations involving the taking and analysis of data. The day culminates with each group presenting its findings to the class. Results can be posted using the MARIACHI wiki. Some knowledge of Excel is required.
The establishment of the PTL marks the beginning of an exciting series of laboratory experiences for Long Island physics students. For more information about the two lab experiences being offered this year, please contact Harry Stuckey at hasmort@optonline.net. For information on booking the PTL, visit CESAME, contact Judy Nimmo at jnimmo@notes.cc.sunysb.edu, or call 631-632-9750.
