Shielding from Cosmic Radiation: Part 3 - Post-Launch Analysis
Cosmic rays interact with atoms in the atmosphere to formCopyright 2008 Mpfiz (CC BY 3.0), Wikimedia Commons, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_shower_%28physics%29#/media/File:AirShower.svg
In this wrap-up activity, students analyze their findings from their launch! (Alternatively, they can independently analyze data sets without launching a balloon.) Students examine the radiation data collected from a balloon launched into near space to see if cosmic radiation shielding designs worked. Students explain their findings, which might require some research to show if this observation is correct and why. Finally, students make a comparison of the shielded and unshielded, control Geiger counters and analyze the results.
Engineers need to analyze data and formulate a plan for optimizing equipment. Likewise, students in this project analyze the data collected by the high-altitude balloon. Students discuss how to interpret data. Students communicate to their teams about the effectiveness of their radiation shield design. Finally, to complete the engineering design process, students discuss ways to improve their shielding device in the future.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain the concept of radiation shielding.
- Interpret radiation data.
- Suggest ways to optimize or improve their design for future launches.