Exploring Gravitational Waves in the Classroom

Document #:

LIGO-P1600061-v1

Document type:

P - Publications

Abstract:

On September 14, 2015, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) received the first confirmed gravitational wave signals. Now known as GW150914 (for the date on which the signals were received), the event represents the coalescence of two black holes that
were previously in mutual orbit. LIGO's exciting discovery provides direct evidence of what is arguably the last major unconfirmed prediction of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. The Education and Public Outreach group at Sonoma State University has created an educator's guide that provides a brief introduction to LIGO and to gravitational waves, along with two simple demonstration activities that can be done in the classroom to engage students in understanding LIGO's discovery. Additional resources have also been provided to extend student explorations of Einstein's Universe.

Files in Document:

• HEAD_abstract_Cominsky.pdf (22.8 kB)

Other Files:

• PDF of poster presented at HEAD 2016 (LIGOpost16.pdf, 1.8 MB)

Topics:

• Education, Outreach

Authors:

• Lynn Cominsky

Keywords:

GW150914 EPO

Notes and Changes:

This is an abstract submitted as a late poster for the AAS HEAD meeting in Florida in April 2016.