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Ghost Particle, The
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Viewing Ideas
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Before Watching
Ask students if they can think of some things they cannot directly see but they
know exist. Have them provide examples and reasoning for how they know these
things exist. (Some examples and evidence of their existence include:
[bacteria and viruses—illnesses], [energy—heat from the sun],
[magnetism—effect on a compass], and [gravity—objects falling
towards Earth].) How do scientists observe and measure things that cannot
be seen with the naked eye? (They use instruments such as microscopes and
telescopes, and they look at how unseen things affect other objects.) Review the structure of an atom, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Ask students what they know about subatomic particles, i.e., any of the various
units of matter below the size of an atom. To help students better understand
the size of some subatomic particles, develop an analogy with the class using
the Atomic Scale found in the
Background section.
After Watching
Review with students the
laws
of conservation of mass and energy. (Matter can be converted from one form
to another but neither created nor destroyed.) Ask why this law is
important. (Pauli predicted the neutrino existed because energy is conserved
in reactions. Other scientists were able to predict the number of neutrinos
they should be able to detect, because they know energy is conserved in
reactions in the sun.)
Some of the scientists in the program exhibit character traits that help
them be successful in their work. How did patience, open-mindedness, and
perseverance contribute to the discoveries and the scientists' success in this
program?
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