Fluorescence for high school students

TL;DR

This paper describes educational lessons for high school students in the Netherlands on anthracene fluorescence, integrated with cosmic ray detection experiments using scintillator stations, to enhance understanding of cosmic radiation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel educational approach combining fluorescence physics and cosmic ray detection for high school students within the HiSPARC project.

Findings

Students learned about anthracene fluorescence and cosmic ray detection.

The lessons successfully engaged students in astrophysics concepts.

Practical detection stations enhanced experiential learning.

Abstract

In a not obligatory series of lessons for high school students in the Netherlands we discuss the fluorescence aspects of anthracene. These lessons were developed because HiSPARC (High school Project on Astrophysics Research with Cosmics) detection of cosmic rays are available for different secondary schools. With the help of special designed scintillator detection stations, containing anthracene, cosmic rays can be detected. Fluorescence of anthracene is one of the topics discussed in these series of extra curricular lessons aimed at excellent pupils working on cosmic radiation within the HiSPARC - project.