Overview

The Plasma Science and Fusion Energy Institute is a one-week intensive workshop designed to provide the opportunity to study plasma physics and fusion energy through experimental research in our state-of-the-art laboratories. Participants will perform experiments, in collaboration with laboratory scientists, that investigate the basic properties of plasmas. Finally, plasmas are ideal to illustrate many concepts in high school physics curricula including waves, atoms, nuclear reactions, relativity, electricity and magnetism. An integral part of the Institute will be the development of new plasma-based lesson plans, student-led investigations and demonstrations.

Eligibility and Selection

Current physics teachers of grades 9-12 are eligible to apply as are advanced middle school teachers of physical science. Selection is limited  and is based, in part, on the applicant's teaching, research, and educational experience. Applications from those with experience in laboratory research and creation of new and innovative curricula are especially encouraged.

Travel/Housing

Expenses for travel to and from the university and housing will be covered.

Topics Covered

Lecture/Discussion

• Plasmas as a teaching tool in the classroom
• An Introduction to Plasma Physics
• An Introduction to Fusion Energy
• Experimental Plasma Physics
• Magnetic Confinement of Fusion Plasmas
• Plasma Astrophysics
• Energy in a Global Economy
• Energy and the Environment
• Scientific Methodology

Laboratory

• Plasma breakdown in glow discharges
• The effect of magnetic fields on plasma behavior
• Measurement of plasma temperature and density
• Plasma spectroscopy
• Microwave interactions with plasmas

Expectations

From the participants

• Written and oral reports of laboratory work
• Development and dissemination of new plasma-based classroom material

From the Institute

• The chance to work in teams with scientists from the laboratory using research grade equipment
• The chance to work with colleagues from schools throughout the country in developing new plasma-based lesson plans for your classroom
• Curricula to bring back to your classroom
• Laboratory equipment and software to bring back to your classroom
• An intensive, rewarding, and enjoyable two weeks!

Sample Agenda

9:00 - 10:15 am	Topical lecture/discussion
10:15 - 10:30 am	Break
10:30 - 12:15 pm	Experimental Work
12:15 - 1:00 pm	Lunch
1:00 - 3:00 pm	Experimental Work
3:00 - 5:00 pm	Curriculum Design

The Institute Staff (partial listing)

• Andrew P. Zwicker - physicist and Head of Science Education whose research includes plasma spectroscopy and development of interactive WWW educational sites.  Secretary/Treasurer of the APS Forum on Physics and Society.
• Nick Guilbert - physics teacher at The Peddie School in Hightstown. Author of "Deconstructing a Plasma Globe" (1999) and "Shedding Some Light on Fluorescent Bulbs" (1996) in The Physics Teacher. Treasurer of the Contemporary Physics Education Project. Former summer research participant at PPPL.
• Robert Kaita - Principal Research Physicist and philosopher.   Co-Principal Investigator of the Compact Divertor Experiment. 
• Sophia Gershman - physics teacher at Watchung Hills Regional High School in Warren, NJ and a former workshop participant (1998-2000).  Invited speaker on weaving plasmas into introductory curricula at national and local conferences.

About the Laboratory

The Princeton University Plasma Physics Laboratory is a collaborative national center for plasma and fusion science, devoted to innovation and scientific understanding leading to an attractive fusion energy source.

Its associated mission is to conduct world-class research along the broad frontier of plasma science and provide the highest quality of scientific education.

Our ultimate mission is to create the key innovations which will make fusion energy a practical reality.

aerial view of the laboratory