LIGO field trip increases passion for STEM

On March 30, the LRHS Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Club and physics class traveled off campus to learn about cutting edge research in astrophysics.

Their destination: the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) on the Hanford Nuclear Base.

LIGO is an experiment in which collisions between extremely large masses, like two supernovas colliding in the far reaches of the universe, are detected and measured. The measurements are then compared to predictions from Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity.

The original idea for LIGO began in 1972 with Rainer Weiss of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. To measure “minute ripples in space-time,” Weiss’ idea incorporates an incredibly high-powered laser, pure mirrors, and the world’s most powerful vacuums.

With the innovation of new technology, the observatory and its sister station in Louisiana has evolved greatly since its opening in 1999.

Those interested in learning more about the details of LIGO can visit http://www.ligo.caltech.edu.

On the field trip, the students were provided with an informational session about LIGO’s background and current research.

Megan Buriak stated, “I learned how LIGO works, and,” –arguably more importantly—“why it works.”

Tucker Guiles explained, “I learned a lot of cool things about physics, such as the way that gravity itself isn’t actually a force, but a four dimensional fabric.”

“That was the first time that someone explained gravity correctly to me,” explained foreign exchange student Miguel Saez.

The purpose of visiting LIGO was to help the students better understand abstract concepts in astrophysics, and to show students current research and opportunities in the field.

Ironically, grasping such abstract concepts first requires that misconceptions be overcome: “Well, basically,” Camden Smith joked, “I learned that everything I thought I knew was wrong.”

The chance to rectify common misconceptions in a memorable way is part of why field trips are a valuable experience to STEM Club.

Smith continued, “I think learning on a field trip opens your mind more than in the classroom because you’re in a different environment.”

Similarly, exchange student Samuele Bortolato said, “Learning on a field trip gives you first hand information.”

“If you have a question,” he added, “you can ask it directly to the person who is competent.”

In context with LIGO, the group was led in discussion and in a brief tour of the facility by LIGO’s education outreach coordinator, accredited with a Ph.D in physics.

Overall, the LIGO field trip connects back to why students join STEM Club in the first place.

In describing the purpose of LIGO’s research, Saez explained, “We are curious and want to know things but, surely, it will have more future applications.”

From a similar perspective, Buriak reflected, “I enjoy the fun trips we take that further my knowledge of math and science fields that I could go into later in the future.”

Apart from curiosity or future preparations, field trips like the one to LIGO are driven by passion: “I am in STEM Club because it is too much fun to not be in it,” Guiles concluded.