2021 Annual Report
QuarkNet
Fermilab/University of Chicago
Student Summer Research and Teacher Workshop
Annual Report 2021
The Fermilab/University of Chicago QuarkNet Center held its annual teacher workshop for its 15th year. High school student summer research was conducted remotely this summer due to the continued quarantine.
Six high school students worked with research scientists on projects in areas of satellite design, machine learning, telescope scheduling, solar neutrinos, and theoretical physics. At the beginning of the summer, a four-day SHIRE research seminar was piloted, introducing the students to tasks they would encounter during their journey. Presentations on the student research projects were conducted at the teacher’s workshop at the end of the summer.
The three half-day teacher workshop was held from August 3rd to August 5th. Four individuals managed this year’s summer workshop and 11 teachers of physics attended. Teachers from the workshop were primarily from the Chicago metropolitan area, incorporating physics in their teaching. We continue to show variety in gender, age, and years of experience in the classroom.
The teacher workshop was successful in meeting remotely. Teachers immersed themselves in QuarkNet data activities, experiencing a virtual coding workshop, conducted by Adam LaMee. The Teaching with Data workshop included a number of activities working towards the introduction of python coding while learning physics. We worked in pairs looking at Python coding in a Jupyter Notebooks shell, utilizing the Google Colab environment. Activities included probability, position-time graphs, velocity-time graphs, and projectile motion. We revisited the APS STEP UP resources, and Adam shared a number of physics education resources on the web. We also looked at coding activities for star catalogue and muon mass. Teachers developed plans for integrating coding into their classrooms.
The Fermilab/University of Chicago QuarkNet Center continues to provide a quality research experience and educational workshop. Both teachers and students continue to express their satisfaction.
FNAL Director of Education: Spencer Pasero
Lead Teacher: George Dzuricsko