About

Particle physics is arguably the most exciting scientific field of our time. With the start-up of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in September 2008, we have no idea what’s around the corner: unexpected discoveries, new particles, and possibly even a revolution in the way we think about the Universe.

So what exactly does a particle physicist do? Why do we need such HUGE machines to investigate particles too tiny to see? How do you accelerate something to 99.99999% of the speed of light? And why would anyone want to anyway?

Accelerate! is your chance to find out! Live demonstrations will be used to convey the basic principles behind particle accelerators in an interactive, engaging science show. Accelerate! will enthuse students and adults alike about particle and accelerator physics, and science in general.

Demonstrations

The demonstrations used in the show can be used as teaching aids after the show—full explanations of how and why they work can be found on our resources page.

Links to curriculum

The show contains science which will be useful (and fun!) for a wide range of different age groups. It can be tailored to fit areas of the curriculum from Year 7 right up to Year 13.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)

Mathematics: number and algebra, handling data. Science: scientific enquiry, materials and their properties, physical processes. Technology and design: knowledge and understanding of materials and components, systems and control, understanding of structures.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11)

Mathematics: number and algebra, geometry and measure, statistics. Science: chemical and material behaviour, energy, electricity and radiation, environment, Earth and Universe. Technology and design: designing and making, creativity.

AS-/A-Level Physics (Years 12 & 13)

Particles, radiation and quantum phenomena; current, electricity and elastic properties of solids; waves and fields; nuclear energy, nuclear instability, turning points in physics.