At SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, I learned how scientists use radio-frequency resonators and a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) to characterize resonant cavities used in the search for axions, hypothetical particles that may explain dark matter.
Inspired by my work with cybersecurity company, Palo Alto Networks, this lesson centers on how data moves through networks. It touches on Newton’s discovery of the color spectrum, the capture of the German Enigma coding machine during World War II, cryptography, and modern ASCII code.
Fifth graders are curious about the world around them and use a lot of social media. Do students understand what their brain can do and how the use of social media or too much computer time can impact their brains and bodies?
EXtreme Environment Systems Lab (XLab) develops systems for operation within extreme harsh environments. Researchers in the XLab investigate the synthesis of temperature tolerant, chemically resistant and radiation-hardened wide bandgap semiconductor thin films and nanostructures.
Students will build a simple spectrometer, and test it to determine the optimal angle for the CD to be placed. They will document both their process and their findings, and share their results with the class in a multimedia presentation.