If you have any questions contact me via info@build-your-own-particle-detector.org or +41764416428/+4917648199660.
The basic idea of “Build Your Own Particle Detector” events is to have visitors (mostly children) design and build their own particle detector out of building blocks (mostly LEGO). For this purpose, I have organised about 45 kilograms of random LEGO pieces that we just spread out onto tables in the tent.
They do not get to keep the pieces though!
Typically, this activity is connected to a competition for the best idea and implementation of a model (including a good name). For the purpose of the competition, we take a picture of each contestant’s model clearly showing the ticket number on the picture. After that they have to disassemble their model again.
To carry out the event we need people for two tasks: someone to take the pictures of the models/tickets (paparazzi) and a few people that just walk around, hand out tickets and talk to people about physics (floaters).
Besides the actual activity we might have screens showing ATLAS/physics videos and a time-lapse video of the construction of the large ATLAS model, or might have the latter on display. We’ll also have a computer for people to register their models for the competition (they can also do it at home).
So here is how I foresee the workflow:
- Visitors enter the tent and will most likely either go to the tables or the model directly.
(there’s a strong correlation with age). - Before they get started on building something, a floater should introduce them to the competition (idea, rules, etc.) and hand them a numbered ticket if they wanna join.
- When done, each contestant has to get a picture taken:one of just his/her model with the ticket number visible on the picture (this is the job of the paparazzi).
- Each contestant has to register their name and email address for the competition.
We have a computer in place to do so (floater should support). - Once they did that (and only then), they get a souvenir.
- Each contestant has to disassemble his/her model and put the pieces back on the table for others to use again. (typically it’s fine, but the floaters should have a eye)
In the meantime, the floaters can/should talk to people (most likely parents of the contestants) about the experiment, the physics, whatnot.
The winners of the competition will be announced a few days later (you can take part in the decision). And prizes will be send out by mail or can be picked up somewhere.
For everyone taking part in this activity, this means you do not need any skills in LEGO (you might help, but it should be them that build stuff) and you don’t need to know anything about the ATLAS model (you will learn from the posters and me). It’s enough to know a bit about CERN, the experiments and maybe the physics to keep people entertained.
Please try to convince people to share our web site and/or Facebook page and consider doing so yourself!
If you take any pictures during the event, that could go on our pages, please send them to me afterwards!
If you have any questions contact me via info@build-your-own-particle-detector.org or +41764416428/+4917648199660.