The Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) program is a non-residential program for high school students and middle and high school physical science, chemistry, and physics teachers. Participants in the PAN program explore topics in modern science and nuclear physics.

The program introduces teachers and students to the fundamentals of the extremely small domain of atomic nuclei. Lectures and hands-on experiments are led by NSCL faculty and senior staff.

What you learn: Lectures, discussions, demonstrations and hands-on experiments are the signature of PAN. For example, participants have built their own diffusion cloud chambers and cosmic ray detectors.

When: Teachers are at the NSCL for two weeks in August. Students join them for the second of these weeks. Daily activities last from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Requirements:

• Interested individuals fill out registration forms (available on the Web or by mail). Teachers should be in science education in either high school or middle school.



• Students should have some background in math and science, but there are no rigid requirements.



• Students must be recommended by two of their school teachers. If there are more applicants than spaces available, the earlier applicants will be accepted.

Cost: Free, unless teacher-participants want to receive Continuing Education credits from MSU; in that case, they must register as for any university course. Participating teachers and students receive stipends to offset travel costs and local expenses.

Sponsors: JINA, the NSCL and the U.S. National Science Foundation.