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Teacher Resources

Upcoming Events

Summer Teacher Workshop:
 High-Need Rural Schools, Local Knowledge, & Classroom Science
Stipends, materials, lodging; sign up soon; space limited!
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Tours

Tours of Wilson Laboratory are available to school groups ranging from upper elementary school to high school physics students. Please note that the majority of tours are conducted on Tuesdays, from 8am to 12pm. Also note that although tours are free, you are requested to arrange for your own transportation and parking. For more information about parking at Cornell, please view this map.

  • Tours for K-12 Groups: Contact Lora Hine at (607) 255-2319 or lkh24@cornell.edu
  • Tours for the General Public: Call the Wilson Lab office at (607) 255-4882

For information about how to reach us at LEPP, visit the General Information page.

Teaching Materials

A Resource Guide for the Standard Model: Understanding the Theoretical Framework of Particle Physics

Written by Professor of Physics and CLEO Researcher Dr. Ahren Sadoff. These materials provide educators with background information on the fundamental particles of matter and how forces are transmitted between different objects.

High Energy Physics Resources

A brief introduction to Particle Physics - This article, written by LEPP Senior Research Associate Dr. Nari Mistry, provides readers with a thoughtful overview of particle physics and introduces them to the sophisticated tools used by scientists to both create and observe these fundamental constituents of our universe.

Lesson Plans - Enhancing Physical Science Curricula

Bringing Particle Physics and Planetary Science into the 21st Century
Six physical science lesson plans developed by high school teachers during the 2002 summer workshop at Cornell University. Sponsored by the Comet Nucleus Tour Mission, the Laboratory for Elementary-Particle Physics and the New York Space Grant.

Cloud Chamber Lesson Plans

  • Observing Particles from Outer Space — Produced jointly by LEPP and the CNS Institute for Physics Teachers (CIPT). Written by Ithaca High School physics teacher Ken Wright. This engaging lesson plan involves having students build their own small cloud chamber in order to view cosmic rays and alpha particles from supplied radioactive sources.

  • Cloud Chambers and Cosmic Rays — Learn about the origin of cosmic rays and how to observe these sub-atomic particles in your own classroom. A teacher's guide providing valuable background information is accompanied by a student handout containing detailed procedure steps to build your own cloud chamber.

Exploring Kepler

Created by Seth Mead and David Teitelbaum

Exploring Satellite Orbits

Created by Bruce Peffley and Robert Tuori

Scaling

Created by Chris Bond and Rich Townsend

Exploring Particle Physics Through Games

Created by Hallie Snowman and Kenneth Wright from Ithaca High School

Thinking in Reverse

Created by Mike Mangini and James Overhiser

  • Teacher Information Section: Word, PDF
  • The 5-E Summary of Activities: Word, PDF
  • Rules of the Game Activity: Word, PDF
  • Particle Decay Simulator Activity: Word, PDF
  • What is Hillary Watching? Activity: Word, PDF