Past Programs
Quantum Mysteries and Nanoscience
You are invited to a workshop on
Quantum Mysteries and Nanoscience
Saturday, February 4, 2006
Organized by the CNS Institute for Physics Teachers (CIPT)
Hosted by Herricks High School, New Hyde Park, NY
Schedule
8:30—9:00 a.m. |
Registration and Continental Breakfast |
9:00—9:15 a.m. |
Welcome and Introductions |
9:15—10:00 a.m. |
Dr. Monica Plisch, “Observations of Wave/Particle Duality at the Nanoscale” |
10:10—10:30 a.m. |
Demo: Scanning Tunneling Microscopy |
10:45 a.m.—12:00 p.m. |
Activity: The Phantastic Photon |
12:00—1:00 p.m. |
Lunch |
1:00—2:15 p.m. |
Activity: Diffraction of Light |
2:30—2:50 p.m. |
Sneak Preview of CIPT Hands-on Activities |
2:50—3:00 p.m. |
Closing and Evaluation |
Activities
- “The Phantastic Photon” – The color of light is directly related to the energy and wavelength of the photons that compose that light. Students investigate these relationships by shining colored light from super-bright LEDs onto glow-in-the-dark tape and fluorescent paints. First they determine which LEDs activate the tape, measure their wavelength and calculate photon energies. Then students are asked to apply their knowledge of photons to predict which paints will fluoresce when exposed to light from a particular LED. Kit available on loan from the CIPT lending library.
- “Diffraction of Light” – The diffraction and interference of light is a direct and tangible experiment of the wave properties of light. Furthermore, diffraction is at the root of many technologies, scientific techniques and common visual phenomena. Using a laser pointer, students examine diffraction patterns from a range of objects. The diffraction from metal meshes gives quantitative confirmation of the wave nature of light. Students then measure the track spacing on CDs and DVDs and the width of their hair using the wave model of light. Kit available on loan from the CIPT lending library.
There is no charge for the workshop but a refundable deposit is required.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Five contact hours will be awarded for participation.
Complete the 
Registration Form, print it on your printer, and mail to:
Linda Clougherty
CIPT
632 Clark Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
