Speaker
Description
The Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) has a long tradition of public engagement and science communication aimed at strengthening the relationship between fundamental research and society.
Introducing fundamental physics to younger generations requires educational experiences that go beyond traditional classroom teaching. In recent years, several initiatives have been developed to create direct interactions between researchers, teachers, and students, with the goal of bringing contemporary particle physics closer to schools.
These activities include training programs for high school teachers, educational workshops, and immersive experiences designed for students interested in fundamental science. A central element of these initiatives is the organization of summer schools and intensive programs where students can experience research environments and interact directly with physicists.
Among these activities, particular attention is devoted to summer camps focused on particle physics, where students are introduced to modern concepts such as detectors, particle interactions, and experimental methods used in high-energy physics. These programs combine lectures, hands-on activities, and group projects, allowing participants to experience the collaborative and exploratory nature of scientific research.
Teacher participation plays a crucial role in this process, as educators are involved both in training activities and in the development of educational materials that can later be used in classrooms. By strengthening the connection between schools and research institutions, these initiatives aim to foster scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of modern physics among students and educators.