High energy astroparticle physics for high school students

TL;DR

This paper discusses an educational initiative where high school students analyze publicly available cosmic ray data from the Pierre Auger Observatory to learn about astroparticle physics and scientific research methods.

Contribution

It introduces a hands-on educational program using real data from a major astroparticle physics experiment for high school students.

Findings

Students gained practical experience in data analysis.

The program increased interest in astrophysics among students.

Students developed a better understanding of cosmic ray research.

Abstract

The questions about the origin and type of cosmic particles are not only fascinating for scientists in astrophysics, but also for young enthusiastic high school students. To familiarize them with research in astroparticle physics, the Pierre Auger Collaboration agreed to make 1% of its data publicly available. The Pierre Auger Observatory investigates cosmic rays at the highest energies and consists of more than 1600 water Cherenkov detectors, located near Malarg\"{u}e, Argentina. With publicly available data from the experiment, students can perform their own hands-on analysis. In the framework of a so-called Astroparticle Masterclass organized alongside the context of the German outreach network Netzwerk Teilchenwelt, students get a valuable insight into cosmic ray physics and scientific research concepts. We present the project and experiences with students.