High School Physics Experiments

The Program

High School Physics Experiments is an outreach program offered by the physics department to high school students who are taking physics 30. Teachers are invited to bring their classes to our labs. Teachers will choose three of four possible activities for their classes: Spectroscopic Analysis of Hydrogen (Balmer Series), e/m ratio (Thompson's Experiment), radiation/Geiger counter experiment, or Superconductivity demo. Teachers do not need to prepare as an instructor will be available to run the program. However, teachers will be expected to remain with their classes during each 2.5- to 3-hour session. The program runs twice a year: in December/January and in May/June. The cost per session is $200.00 (GST included) and we usually accommodate 25 students in each session. Small classes can share a session and split the cost.

You are invited to book High School Physics Experiments sessions for your school for the  Summer 2024 High School Physics Experiments dates between April 24, 2024 and June 23, 2024. Individual sessions are offered in either the morning or the afternoon. We can offer timings in the evening at request. 

Teachers who have previously participated will receive a letter of invitation via email prior to each program with all the details, including the day when registration will open. Teachers who want to begin receiving invitations from High School Physics Experiments should sign up through our Google form.

 

How to Book

Our department uses an online payment system called marketplace, where teachers/school administrators create an account and then book and pay for the High School Physics Experiments sessions using a credit card. The Physics Store will open for registration on April 2 at 12 noon.  Please book your session at least 10 business days before your chosen date.

Booking is based on a first come, first served basis.  The price per session is $200.00 (GST included).

Each visit has a duration of three hours, but we are now offering more options for how you want to structure your time, with more start times, and additional activities you may wish to consider.  We also invite you to consider combining your trip with two other free activities offered through the Department of Physics:

We are still able to move your start time within +/- 30 minutes; just mention that in the comments field of your order.

Book with Marketplace Now

 

Location

All sessions take place in the Physics Department, currently housed in the Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science (CCIS) Building. Physics Undergraduate Laboratories are located on the second basement (called Level L2). As different experiments are done in different rooms, upon your arrival, please meet the instructor in the foyer of the basement of CCIS in front of "The Shack", Room L2-136. The instructor will escort you and your students to the designated lab.

 

Parking

This linked map shows the location of the CCIS Building and the recommended parking locations.

Students and teachers may be dropped off/picked up at the E Lot Drop off/Pick Up Area just east of CCIS doors at the side of parking lot E. Parking lot E has visitor spots available for cars/minivans and parking fees apply.

Free bus parking is only found at the North West corner of Jubilee Auditorium and east of the University's Lister Centre.

 

Safety and Waivers

Ensure that all students are wearing appropriate lab attire, for safety reasons. This means closed-toed shoes, long pants, and appropriate upper-wear such as shirt, sweater, etc. – no tank tops. High school instructors must also bring a fully signed University of Alberta waiver form for every student. Any students without the waiver cannot be permitted in the labs.