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Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics

Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics. Nuclear Science: the Games Sponsored by JINA and NSCL at MSU. JINA is supported by the National Science Foundation through the Physics Frontier Center program. Nuclear astrophysics. Michigan State University’s N ational S uperconducting C yclotron

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Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics

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  1. Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics Nuclear Science: the Games Sponsored by JINA and NSCL at MSU JINA is supported by the National Science Foundation through the Physics Frontier Center program.

  2. Nuclear astrophysics Michigan State University’s National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory One of the JINA centers; a focal point for nuclear theory and research

  3. The nucleus Studying the atomic nucleus Proton Neutron Electron All matter is made of atoms, and the nucleus is the heavy core of the atom An atom

  4. …as you are compared to our ENTIRE solar system The Problem(s) An atomic nucleus is as small compared to you… • Nuclei are incomprehensibly small • A lot of terminology • The word “nuclear”

  5. There are MANY different isotopes of various elements, most are unstable and don’t exist on Earth. We have a lot to learn about nuclei! The Message Protons (Elements) Neutrons (Isotopes)

  6. Why games? • Active • Stealthy • Comfortable • Repetitive • Competitive • More fun!

  7. Marble Nuclei Audience: General Public/Grades 7-12 Contact time: 5 minutes/2 hours/none Outcome: General understanding of nuclear research goals/methods at NSCL Cost: Free download, some materials provided via grant • A hands-on way to model nuclei, radioactivity, & reactions • Presented as stand-up demo or complete lesson (for use on- or off-site with easily-accessible equipment and instructions) • 250+ teachers trained to use model/lesson/activities (games), 150+ more have downloaded the materials

  8. Magnet safety The silvery magnet at the core of your “nucleus” is a rare-earth or neodymium magnet… very strong for its size. Don’t put that magnet in contact with anything that is magnetically sensitive (credit cards with a magnetic stripe, for instance)! If you get two of them together, careful they don’t pinch your fingers! You will likely drop some (or all) of your marbles. If you can’t find them, they are probably attached to a metal table leg or similar.

  9. Build a model nucleus • Proton (positive, heavy) • Neutron (neutral, heavy) • Electron (negative, light) • Positron (positive, light) • (ignore) Magnetic marbles make it possible!

  10. Marble nuclei activities p-p chain Isotope BINGO Nucleosynthesis Game

  11. Instant Feedback • What did you learn? • What made sense (“clicked”)? • What was confusing? • Suggestions?

  12. Other games • CNO Cycle (solitaire) • Climb the Chart (Chutes & Ladders) • Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Laboratory (education.jlab.org) Games & Puzzles

  13. Recurring Themes • Simple, short (repeatable) • Borrows from known game mechanic • Good ideas can come from anyone/anywhere • Created through collaboration • Thorough explanation of game rules is critical

  14. Partnerships: find the expert • Collaborations allow for multiplication of effort (i.e. 1+1>2) • Researchers and Game Design faculty at MSU are currently working on an app to teach nuclear science while the gamer smashes nuclei

  15. Making a game • Who is your audience? • What are your goals? • How can you make a game out of them? • What will make it fun? • What will make it educational? • Pair & Share now • Exchange ideas; what works? • Discussion to follow; what general/specific suggestions can you share with the group?

  16. Outreach Philosophy • Adapt your message to many audiences • Be flexible • Differentiate yourself from formal learning • Complement formal learning • Partner with experts • Leverage your unique experience and environment • (almost) Always say yes • Let word-of-mouth attract new audiences

  17. Find out more www.jinaweb.org/html/outreach.html www.nscl.msu.edu/outreach visits@nscl.msu.edu

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