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Free Dark Matter Workshop

Come join us for an engaging afternoon on dark matter! a collection of scientists and educators at the McDonald Institute at Queen’s University are running a free afternoon masterclass for high school and undergrad students, tailored for those familiar with grade 11 Physics and beyond, covering the essence of science, the astronomical evidence of dark matter, how particle detectors work and led to our understanding of the standard model of physics. We will then dive deep into the Earth to take a close look at SNOLAB, the underground science facility where detectors are looking for dark matter, with a hands-on activity looking at science data form one dark matter detector. We’ll conclude with a tour of the visitor centre and labs and then invite you to stay for some free pizza and chat with other interested students and ask questions of our scientists.

The workshop will end in time for students to join the Observatory Open House lecture starting at 7pm.

To apply: NOTE: The original deadline of Nov 4th has passed, but we still have places available. We will continue to accept applications on a first-come-first served basis. Please send us an email at Outreach@McDonaldInstitute.ca with the subject “Dark Matter Day Workshop” and tell us:

• Your name
• Your grade & school / undergrad year
• What physics you have taken already
• Why you are interested in the workshop
• Any dietary constraints

Tentative Schedule:

• 1:00 – 1:30 pm : Welcome and Introduction to Science and Inference
• 1:30 – 2:00 pm : Astronomy & Dark Matter
• 2:00 – 2:10 pm : Q&A and Break
• 2:10 – 2:40 pm : Particle Physics and the Standard Model
• 2:40 – 3:10 pm : Dark Matter Detection and Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPS)
• 3:10 – 3:20 pm : Q&A and Break
• 3:20 – 3:50 pm : Dark Matter Masterclass with data from the NEWS-G experiment
• 3:50 – 4:20 pm : What else could dark matter be? Theory and Science.
• 4:20 – 4:30 pm : Q&A and Break
• 4:30 – 5:00 pm : McDonald Institute Visitor Centre & Particle Physics Lab Tours with free pizza.