There are a few very nice experiments where cosmic rays are used to learn about (astro)particle physics. These experiments can be demonstrated at high schools and, in some cases, the students themselves can perform experiments. The high schools should establish contacts with universities/institutes (or vice versa) such that equipment can be borrowed or exchanged.

HiSPARC

A High School project to study cosmic rays. Similar projects are ongoing in many different countries.

Spark Chamber

The sparkchamber is a beautiful device to demonstrate the presence of cosmic rays. Details of the design of a 'portable' chamber are given, but it requires a mechanical and electronics workshop to construct. NIKHEF has produced several and they are on loan for teachers or for general presentations.

Cloud Chamber

The observation of charged particles in a cloud chamber is spectacular. The continuous movement of passing particles is really fascinating, in particular the activity due to the natural background. These devices are commercially available, but expensive. However, with very simple means you can produce your own cloud chamber. You may also visit the webpage about the muon cloud chamber presented during the CERN Open Day.

Muon Lifetime Measurement

Learn about special relativity and measure the lifetime of a cosmic muon. A thick scintillator bar, approximately 5 x 10 x 100 cm, is used to absorb the muons. The signal is read at one side with a photomultiplier (PMT). NIKHEF has built a module that provides the steering voltage for the PMT and measures the time interval between succesive signals. The module has a second input to also provide time of flight measurements between two scintillators. The data are transported from the module to a PC via the USB port. A computer program to set the PMT high voltage and its thresholds, as well as the data handling, is provided with the module. For more information or orders, contact NIKHEF. A web page with more detailed information is in preparation.