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With a mixture of talks and interactive sessions, a Particle Physics Masterclass took A Level students deep into the heart of matter. A lecture from Professor Loebinger of Manchester University explored the strange world of ‘quarks’ and ‘gluons’, the building blocks of matter, and how scientists are using the largest machines in the world to uncover the smallest particles in existence that hold the key to the mysteries of the Big Bang and the start of our universe. This was followed by an introduction to Daresbury Laboratory’s large machine – the Synchrotron Light Source, and how particle physicists are using accelerator science to make advances in a range of fields from medical, environmental and archaeological research, to name a few. Participants then got hands-on experience of taking their own measurements to calculate the energy of the Synchrotron’s electron beam.

Key stage 3 students, from the ages of 11 to 14, attended a one-day interactive workshop on Stonehenge, learning about this great prehistoric achievement and how science can help unravel the mysteries from a time from which there are no written records. Why Stonehenge was built, how scientists were able to tell its age, and what we know about the people who built it were just some of the questions explored in this workshop. One activity saw students pulling each other along with their little finger on a mini wooden sledge running on rollers, to demonstrate on a smaller scale how some of the stones weighing more than a bus full of people were transported hundreds of kilometres without the benefit of the wheel. Adults didn’t miss out – a lecture on Stonehenge was open to the general public later that evening with over 150 attendants.

Tony Buckley, Head of Science in Society at Daresbury Laboratory said: “The lectures and workshops went down a storm and it was great to see everyone so enthused and inspired by the subjects. In total, we were visited by nearly 300 people during National Science and Engineering Week. We are really pleased with this year’s success and we are already in the midst of making plans for next year’s lecture programme.”

View further information and a programme of future lectures to be held at the STFC Daresbury Laboratory. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

Notes for editors

Images and captions

• Image - Archaeologist Julian Richards demonstrates to workshop students how the sun rises and sets at Stonehenge
  
  
• Image - Particle Physics Masterclass students calculate the energy of the Synchrotron’s electron beam
  
  

Forthcoming lectures at Daresbury Laboratory include:

• Getting a grip (16 years +) 18 April 08, 7pm
  Stress makes us unhappy, unproductive and sometimes ill. The talk will deliver a three pronged attack on this insidious enemy. Designed to help each member of the audience turn stress into motivation by utilising some fascinating techniques, with intriguing giveaways for everyone.
  
  
• Chester Zoo – Past and Present (11 years +) 16 May 08, 7pm
  Chester zoo is one the UK’s leading centres for conserving biodiversity. The talk will look at how Chester zoo has developed through the years as our understanding of the role that zoos can play in conservation has changed.
  
  
• Science and Sport (11 years +) 27 June 08, 1.30pm & 7pm
  Science and technology are at the heart of sporting performance. From a better understanding of the chemistry and mechanics of the human body to developing new materials to improve on nature, science and technology can improve the performance of elite athletes.

Contact

• Wendy Taylor - MCIPR
  Press Officer
  STFC Daresbury Laboratory
  Daresbury Science & Innovation Campus
  Daresbury, Warrington
  Cheshire, WA4 4AD
  Tel: + 44 (0)1925 603232
  Fax: + 44 (0)1925 603195

About STFC