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Physics In and Through Cosmology Workshop 2019

2006 Nobel Prize Winner George Smoot and 2011 Nobel Prize Winner Saul Perlmutter are seeking  students for the thirteenth annual summer workshop for high school students and teachers presented by  the Physics Division of the Lawrence Berkeley Lab and QuarkNet.

The Physics in and Through Cosmology Workshop will be held at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory adjacent to the University of California Berkeley Campus beginning Tuesday, June 25 and ending Friday, June 28.

The workshop is designed for highly motivated high school students with an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The format allows students to attend lectures and work in small groups under the guidance of master teachers. The ideal student applicant will have completed Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Algebra, and Chemistry and have completed or will be taking upper division Physics or AP Physics next year.

Every student will increase his or her knowledge of particle physics, the history, structure, and fate of the universe, and learn about dark matter and dark energy.  Top scientific investigators will examine how they use the basic principles of physics to discover the wonders of our universe.   Prior knowledge of particle physics and cosmology is not necessary.

What to expect:

  • Meet and hear detailed talks by young scientists working on the frontiers of international physics research.
  • Tour international research facilities at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
  • Learn physics principles through hands-on activities guided by Bay Area master physics teachers.
  • Build relationships with talented high school student colleagues from around the SF Bay Area.
  • Receive recognition for your accomplishments that can be used in college applications.
  • Become immersed in the world of science and technology few high school students experience.

As a students have stated on their final evaluations: “It was interesting to find out that there are many big mysteries that cosmologists and physicists are trying to figure out today.” “ I’ve heard the words dark energy, neutrino, CMB thrown around before, but now I have a basic idea about what they are. “ “I loved learning from experts and being able to ask the difficult questions.” “I learned so much about cosmology in general.  The tours were awesome.  It was great to be able to ask questions whenever you want.  I had so much fun overall.”

To learn more about the Lawrence Berkeley Lab and the workshop: https://sites.google.com/lbl.gov/quarknet-workshop/home

Students usually take BART to Berkeley & then the free LAB BUS to the lab. 

For more information and applications contact by email Laurie Kerrigan at LKerrigan@mercyhs.org

Please send in your application as soon as possible. More applicants apply than we can accommodate.

Photo of 2018 QuarkNet Workshop Participants

2018 QuarkNet Workshop Participants