====== Cosmic Enthusiasts ======
My institution holds an Early AP program starting August 20, 2012. To excite my students about Physics I showed the Youtube video "Small Matter and Big Science" (short film).

Manju P.

==== The Cosmic Enthusiasts  ====
{{:2012_research:trio4.jpg|}}

===== Our Question:  Are cosmic radiation levels higher during the day than at night? ======
 




Here is our proposal...
{{:2012_research:panproposalcosmicenthu_final.doc}}

Here is some background reading...{{cosmicnotes.doc}}


Below is pictured a scintillator like the one we used.  
=====Scintillator Similar to One Used=====
{{: 2012_research:detector.jpg|frame|Scintillator Similar to One Used}}

==== Problems with the Scintillator ====

It should be noted that we had these problems with the scintillator... 
  * during the in-class experiment... a loose upper paddle
  * 073112 4:00 PM.When beginning the experiment... a lower paddle that didn't work..
  * 2nd device obtained...A lower paddle that didn't work after 3 trials... continued with upper paddle reading
  * 073112 9:00 PM After 3 trials the upper paddle began taking data at a much quicker rate.  Continued taking 10 trials.  Then switched to coincidence.  Took 4 trials of good information.  Then machine began acting erratically again.
  * 080112 5:00AM After 5 trials with coincidence, the machine began erratically.  Paddles were readjusted.  Trial 11's upper panel seemed to be reading too low. 
 ===== 

===== Photos of Setup,and Test Location =====
                                        

{{:2012_research:balcony_from_where_data_was_taken.jpg?300|}}

**Here is a view from the 6th floor Owen East Dormitory Balcony from where the data was taken.  The balcony faces to the south.
**

**The Expermental Setup**
{{:2012_research:experimental_setup.jpg?300|}}

{{:2012_research:experimental_4.jpg?300|}}
**A close-up highlighting the foiled covered scintillator panels**


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[[2012_research:cosmos enthusiasts:Data|  The Experiment Continues]]