Year 12 and 13 students visited Otago University last week to explore experiments in Nuclear and Modern Physics
As part of the University of Otago's outreach programme, around 50 students from John McGlashan College headed down to the Physics Department on the 30th and 31st of July to attempt a range of experiments.
The Year 12 group on the 30th focused on Nuclear Physics, getting to work with Geiger counters and a real, but safe, nuclear source. Meanwhile, the Year 13 class explored quantum phenomena of light, such as the photoelectric effect and emission spectra.
Besides being a useful glimpse into the workings of a university Physics lab, these trips were also essential for the Physics course. Both of these trips support NCEA Internals, and the content is also important for our International Baccalaureate programme. The experiments undertaken would normally be demonstrations, or in the case of the nuclear physics, would not be able to be done at all in school. This has been vital context for the boys as they prepare for upcoming assessments on this content. On reflection, students enjoyed being able to work with real Geiger counters and lasers, as well as being able to work in a real laboratory setting.
We are very thankful to Susi Otto, who ran both sessions, and the rest of the University of Otago Physics department for facilitating this trip.
Open Event Registration - Interested in enrolling?
Employment opportunities - click if you're interested in working at McGlashan.