Popcorn Neutrino Lab

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Hook
This activity is related to polar science by affording students an opportunity to conduct a modeling activity which provides better understanding of the AMANDA (Antarctic Muon and Neutrino Detector Array) and ICECUBE project. Both projects are located at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. This activity is interesting because it introduces to students an elusive subatomic parcticle called a neutrino. Since the neutrino can not be seen, this activity provides a hands-on example of how neutrinos were first postulated. Furthermore, students' curiosity is ignited resulting in questions that initiate discussion about AMANDA and ICECUBE. There are multiple applications that this activity can have. The activity has been used in geology units to provide a more indepth understanding of radioactive decay. In an astronomy unit, this activity can be used to introduce stellar alchemy. Finally, the activity can be used in a general science course to discuss the strengths and weakness of models or as a demonstration of the conservation of mass.

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