Experiments
Cloud Chamber - Build and Observe a Particle Detector
Description: Students build their own particle detector using dry ice and isopropanol to make cosmic particles and natural radiation visible. Students study the properties of the different tracks and discuss their observations.
Safety: Students must follow the safety rules specified by the S’Cool LAB team and use the appropriate safety equipment provided. This experiment involves working with dry ice (approx. -80°C), isopropanol at >90% concentration, and working with torches in the dark.
Availability & age recommendations:
- Cloud Chamber Workshops are available as standalone extensions to school visits to CERN
- Cloud Chamber construction is included by default in S'Cool LAB PLUS+ programmes.
- Open Cloud Chamber Workshops are available for individuals and the CERN community
- Minimum age: 14
Find more details about this experiment and important information about the required preparation here.
Electron Tube - The Basics of Particle Acceleration
Description: Students operate an electron beam (300 eV) and study electrons in magnetic fields.
Safety: Power supply (300 V) will only be connected using safety leads, vacuum tube needs to be handled with great care.
Availability & age recommendation:
- Can be included in S'Cool LAB PLUS+ programmes.
- Minimum age: 16, recommended age: 16-17
Find more details about this experiment and important information about the required preparation here.
X-Rays - Medical Applications and Pixel Detectors
Description: Students operate an X-ray machine (35 keV) and study the absorption of X-rays in matter using a fluorescent screen and a pixel detector.
Safety: The X-ray units in S'Cool LAB are fully protected devices and specially designed for use in schools. They present no danger from ionising radiation.
Availability & age recommendation:
- Can be included in S'Cool LAB PLUS+ programmes.
- Minimum age: 16, recommended age: 16-17
Find more details about this experiment and important information about the required preparation here.
Positron-Emission-Tomography (PET) - Medical Applications
Description: Students calibrate and use scintillation detectors to understand the basic principles of Positron-Emission-Tomography (PET) and locate a positron source (Na-22).
Safety: Radioactive sources (74 kBq Na-22) will only be handled by S’Cool LAB team. Nevertheless, pregnant women and students younger than the minimum age specified below are not allowed to take part in this experiment. The power supply (700 V) will only be connected using safety leads. Students must handle the fragile and expensive equipment with great care.
Availability & age recommendation:
- Can be included in S'Cool LAB PLUS+ programmes.
- Minimum age: 17, recommended age: 17-19
Find more details about this experiment and important information about the required preparation here.
Superconductivity
Description: Superconductors are essential for the functioning of the largest existing particle accelerator LHC and for the particle detectors ATLAS and CMS.
The students will explore the interaction between magnets and high-temperature superconductors. They will experimentally observe the Meissner-Ochsenfeld and Flux-Pinning effects.
Safety: Liquid nitrogen – used in the experiments – has a boiling point of approx. -196°C (77K). Liquid nitrogen will be distributed only by S'Cool LAB tutors. Some of the magnets used are very strong and must handled with care by the students.
Availability & age recommendation:
- Can be included in S'Cool LAB PLUS+ programmes.
- Minimum age: 16, recommended age: 17-19
Find more details about this experiment and important information about the required preparation here.