July, 2004

Science research will move to the top of the course syllabus for a group of New York physics students during 2004-2005 as they undertake Geneva High School’s new offering: “AP Physics C & LIGO”. The students will develop independent research projects and will study advanced topics using the physics of LIGO as a backdrop.

This unique course arose from a connection between Geneva High physics teacher Greg Baker and Dr. Steve Penn, Assistant Professor of Physics at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, also in Geneva. Greg, a HWSC graduate, began working with Steve on local physics activities after Steve arrived at the college in 2002. Steve’s participation in the LIGO Science Collaboration soon became part of their conversations. At the invitation of Steve and Fred Raab, Head of the LIGO Hanford Observatory, Greg traveled to Richland, Washington for a five-week internship at LIGO Hanford during the summer of 2004. While at the observatory Greg learned about the physics of LIGO, gathered first-hand experience in data analysis, and developed a plan for the new physics course that Geneva will offer during the coming year.

One of Steve’s research activities in LIGO is the study of bicoherence data from the interferometers. His bicoherence software identifies instances of non-random relationships that occur between signals at different frequencies. Steve and Greg plan to introduce the high school students to the world of signal analysis by teaching them to analyze the colored bicoherence plots that the software will create. Students will also undertake instrumentation projects using benchtop interferometers, lasers, oscilloscopes and function generators.

Greg has already built a record of success at Geneva High, doubling the school’s physics enrollment and leading students to achieve at high levels on the New York Regents Exam and on AP Physics exams. “I look at the LIGO program as a way to bring academic physics to life for these students,” says Greg. “The opportunity to work with LIGO gives our kids the chance to experience cutting edge research for themselves while they broaden their background and skills in physics. I’m really looking forward to what the students will accomplish in this course.”