Why should I apply for PAN?
The PAN program is an excellent way to get a very real taste of what research is like, both in a major national laboratory and on a university campus. Students can explore their curiosity about nuclear astrophysics while teachers can gather information and techniques for use in their classrooms.
What if I don't know a lot about nuclear science?
You don't need to. Previous PAN students have indicated that prior knowledge of the subject had very little to do with how much they enjoyed and benefitted from the program. However, you can expect to know a lot more when the program is over. The PAN organizers do require that PAN participants have completed their freshman year of high school.
How much does it cost?
If you are accepted to PAN, the JINA outreach budget will cover room and board (if you wish), the cost of all materials and supplies, and some evening activities for the duration of the program.
What goes on at the program?
Most activities occur at the Cyclotron building (NSCL), marked by the red arrow on the map below, where you will:
- Hear NSCL scientists discuss their research in cosmic rays, nuclear astrophysics, detector technology, and many other fields
- Work closely with other students, teachers and faculty in Question and Answer sessions
- Form research teams to design and execute an experiment into the nature of cosmic rays
- Prepare and present a report about the results of your experiment
- Explore your interests in science with other enthusiastic students and teachers
How can teachers earn continuing education for participating in PAN?
Teachers who wish to will be put in contact with representatives within MSU's Department of Math and Science Education, who will help them enroll for one credit at least two weeks before the start of PAN. Credit will require the submission of a written project once PAN is complete. The cost of one credit at MSU is $348, which can be covered by the stipend paid to teachers. |
What goes on in the evenings?
Once PAN is done for the day, your evenings are less structured. You do have the option to participate in a few activities, such as:
- Touring campus and eating the finest ice cream known to humanity, made right here
- Kicking back with pop and popcorn to watch a couple movies that may or may not be science-related
- Taking the plunge in our pool or exploring other sports in our athletics facility
- Bowling, beach volleyball, the MSU planetarium, the children's garden...the list goes on
Where will I stay?
If you choose to reside on campus during the PAN program, you will be housed in the Snyder/Phillips dormitory (marked by the orange arrow on the map below), which is about a ten-minute walk north of the NSCL near the corner of Bogue St. and Grand River Ave. Teachers will have single rooms, while students share with a roommate. The dorm is not air-conditioned and each two-room suite has a bathroom. Men and women are housed separately. The exterior doors are locked between 10pm and 7am, lights out is at 11:30pm.
What about meals?
A few free lunches are served in the NSCL atrium during the two weeks of PAN. If you are staying in Snyder-Phillips, all other meals are provided in the dorm cafeteria via a meal card provided to you upon check-in. Meals will be provided in the Snyder-Phillips cafeteria (marked by the orange arrow on the map below). If you are not residing on campus, or if you choose to not eat in in the dorm occasionally, meals are on your own.
What should I bring?
Linens are provided for dorm-room beds. You should bring everything you would need for overnight stays: soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, other toiletries, towel, box fan (it can get very hot in the dorm), swimsuit, bath shoes, alarm clock, clothes, books, etc.
How do I get there?
You can approach East Lansing via I-69, I-96 or US 127. Take exit 9 (Trowbridge Road) from I-496/US 127. Turn left onto Harrison Ave. and turn right onto South Shaw Lane (eastbound one-way). The parking ramp will be on your left after Farm Lane, while the Cyclotron building (marked by the red arrow on the map below) is across the street. For more maps of MSU, go to http://www.msu.edu/maps/
Where do I park?
If you request a parking pass, you will have permission to park in the visitor parking spaces of the ramp north of the cyclotron, shown on the map below as a green circle containing the letter "P" (marked with a blue arrow on the map below) .
How do I apply?
Go to the About PAN 2008 page to find links to applications! Good luck. |
