Cosmic Ray Muon Research in Schools

The aims of the project are:

1. To engage year 11-12 students with current neutrino particle physics experiments, highlighting the cosmic ray muons which serve as detected backgrounds in such work.

2. Enable school students to develop a better understanding of how scientific research works by conducting sustained independent research projects.

3. Give students the opportunity to gain experience in university-style physics learning techniques including extended project work, experiment design and data analysis.

The teachers at participating schools will disseminate updates on the research projects within their respective schools (e.g. through meetings, classes and assemblies). They will, having gained confidence in running research-led problem-based project work, engage with local partner schools and teacher support networks about their experiences. The teachers will also be instrumental in any CPD sessions organised by QMUL.

Our experience so-far of running project-based research in schools has already been reported to all the SEPnet Outreach Officers and QMUL is playing a key role in the development of SEPnet Outreach's Framework and Best Practise for Research in Schools. The Muon projects will thus directly feed into the SEPnet Outreach report on this subject. Furthermore, we will raise awareness of the research projects and disseminate our ongoing evaluation to the science communication and public engagement communities through conferences e.g. BIG.

Finally, we will ascertain from the student conferences whether the students' results are appropriate for presentation at academic conferences (e.g. NAM) either by QMUL academics of, where possible, the students themselves.