Colder Than the Depths of Space:
Cold atoms and Diffractometer
Corrine, Ashlee, Rebecca, Elena, Sophie and Caitlin
Mater Christi College, Belgrave
Prior understandings of science
Corrine
‘Science is life.’
Ash
‘Science is a complicated way of explaining things.’
Elena
‘Anything and everything around us, is an example of Science.’
Sophie
‘Science is interesting.’
Caitlin
‘A representation of our current understanding of normality; a
currency reliant upon ingenuity, research and justification.’
The project goal:
To build a basic diffraction spectrometer to show the technique
of diffracting light into its coloured components.
How we will achieve this goal:
Materials:
• Shoe box
• DVD (a CD would not work because of the larger diffraction
gratings)
• Scissors/tape/Stanley knife etc.
• Black paper
• Tubes
What is diffraction?
Diffraction is the process in which a wave
of light spreads out due to the interaction
with an object or material which has a
diffraction grating.
It is created when the diffraction grating
interferes with the light source.
How is this project related to a real
world problem?
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Not directly related
However- used in labs which develop ‘everyday’ technology
Street lamps; fibre optics (broadband)
Medical imaging (proteins)
Tuning telescopes and other equipment
What role does physics play?
• A fundamental understanding of matter and energy
• The interaction between these factors
• Example: Diffraction is the bending of light through space and it is
through this relationship that we can measure many variables (such as
wavelength and the width of the visible spectrum in any given context)
Attitude/personal expectations:
• Limited knowledge
• Very complicated
• No practical/hand-on opportunities
• Understanding of link with maths- this makes it hard
• Physics is not quite as versatile as chemistry or biology
• Physics answers philosophical questions logically
Research/sources:
• Our mentors: Jack and Hayden
• Limited prior knowledge (from school science and maths
classes)
Importance of research:
Scientific research at universities:
• Develops crucial scientific advances
• Nurtures skills and experience in students
• Ensures future of Australian science
• Economic propulsion/stimulus
• Can be applied to future technology
• Credible and well respected source of information
• Students/educational institutions
• Governments/policy makers
Our research during this program:
• Nurtured a further passion for science; motivation to
continue with science into VCE and beyond
• Exemplified the possibilities of science careers; the ‘cold
atoms’ lab
Importance of research continued:
• The research was interesting and unlike any classroom
experience
• We are more likely to take up physics in
VCE and beyond
• We have a further understanding of
exactly how useful physics is and where it
can be applied
How is diffraction relevant to
community and society??
• Science is an important economic stimulant
• Jobs
• Value of technology in exports
• Enhances our modern way of life
(broadband, medical, personal
technologies)
• Contributes to other research
• For example, diffraction is used in
tuning lasers which are used to create
cold atoms for imaging
How has our view of science or
scientists changed?
• Reaffirmed our contention that physicists are ‘normal people’,
however their intelligence and skill in their field are essential in
science and wider life
• Generally, our perceptions about scientists have not changed
drastically, however it has been exciting to see that our
understanding was mostly correct
• Our view of science was that it was highly theoretical,
complicated, mathematical and difficult beyond the classroom.
• Our experience has been quite the opposite; though we have not
understood every concept thoroughly we have experienced
science outside of the classroom as a career and this has been
incredibly exciting!!!
Am I capable, do I belong?
• In relation to how to my capabilities, have I
changed my view of my capacity to do the
sciences especially physics?
• Has my concept of belonging to this group of
careers changed
What Have We Learnt?
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Experimental techniques
Creating methods to test results
‘Trial and error’
Team Work
Problem Solving
Communication
Observation
Deeper and more meaningful thinking
What choices have opened up to me In
Possible Career Choices?
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Bureau of Meteorology
Economics
Commercial lasers
Nanotechnology
Computing
Medical
Astronomy
How important is it to know the types of jobs you can follow to the subject choices
you make?
Before taking up studies, it is useful to have an understanding of where you would
like to take that knowledge, and how you can apply it to help other people. This
knowledge will not only motivate you and direct your learning toward possible
careers, but provide an opportunity to do research on that job before your studies
have concluded so that you have the best chance of obtaining that job.
How has being part of GTP changed my
appreciation for physical science?
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The connection between the problem/principle being
explored and real life context makes physics easy to
appreciate and be interested by
The university experience makes physics pathways seem
more attainable and even more fascinating
Working with mentors who are also scientists is intriguing
and invaluable
The motivation they display to share the basics of their
science with secondary students is extremely encouraging
They present themselves and the program in a way which
makes physics interesting and further convinces us that
physics is in the interest of the world
Acknowledgements
• Our mentors: Haydn & Yaakov
• Melbourne University School of Physics
• The Growing Tall Poppies Program Team