Contemporary Physics
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This resource has classroom activities that explore a wide range of modern topics in physics, including space flight, particle physics, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, relativity, electric and magnetic fields, and quantum models of the atoms.
Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle
Students use a laser and two pencils held together by elastics to explore single-slit diffraction. This model leads them to the concept of Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle.
Next Stop, Mars!
Students study how spacecraft use gravitational slingshot manoeuvres to reach distant locations. They use stretchy fabric and marbles to explore the concept of a gravitational energy well. They also apply the concepts of gravitational energy, vector addition, and frames of reference to space travel.
Detector Physics
Students use templates of Large Hadron Collider (LHC) detectors and information cards to explore the workings of particle physics detectors. They apply the concepts of magnetic fields, circular motion, and energy to understand how LHC scientists detect various particles.
How Does Motion Affect Time?
Students learn about time dilation in special relativity by building a model of a light clock. They use push pins, string, and a paper template to study the model from the perspective of a moving observer and an observer at rest.
The Hydrogen Atom
Students use wave templates to understand why the energy of electrons in atoms is quantized. They apply the wave nature of matter to develop a quantum mechanical model of the hydrogen atom and understand the limitations of Bohr’s atomic model.
