It’s public …

LEGO, Outreach, Physics

… my first ever public note on outreach :)
“Building Blocks of the Universe – using stackable plastic bricks to impart knowledge in particle physics“

ATL-OREACH-PUB-2015-001Abstract: This article presents possibilities to impart knowledge of and enthusiasm for particle physics to essentially all non-expert target audiences by the use of LEGO bricks and models of particle physics experiments built from these. Methods of using LEGO models, both as a passive exhibit and as part of interactive outreach events, are presented, along with a historical review of the “Build Your Own Particle Detector” programme and the corresponding idea of hosting competitions in building detector models in LEGO pieces as a perfect setting to grasp people’s attention, get them involved and ultimately convey knowledge in particle physics to them.

Oktoberfest

Germany, Munich

Wiesn

O’zapft is – The Oktoberfest has started! It’s been quite some time since I’ve been at the Oktoberfest. But living in Munich now, I guess it’s kind of an obligation to go at least once. Today’s the day … and it was … loud, expensive, crowded, dirty … well Oktoberfest.

PopScience, BYOPD and PhD Comics

CERN, Geneva, LEGO, Outreach, Switzerland

Yesterday, we had another PopScience BYOPD event in Geneva. While it was a bit calm in the morning it ended up quite nice with a decent number of visitors/participants in the afternoon. In fact, I had Jorge Cham, creator of PhD Comics,  joining the competition. Unfortunately, I missed his talk and the showing of the PhD Movie sequel the day before. Luckily, I could make it up with a nice autograph from him (see below).
For the actual European researchers’ night, there were discussion of the physics in movies such as Gravity, Interstellar, Star Trek or Angels & Demons as well as a screening of Particle Fever and a discussion with some of physics cast.