PrimeSCI! September Science Workshops | ANSTO Synchrotron

Light is something we often take for granted, yet our perception of it can dramatically shape how we understand the world. In this hands-on workshop, students explore how light and colour influence what we see—and how scientists use these properties to analyse materials.

Students begin by revealing hidden messages using complementary colours and coloured filters. They then investigate how light interacts with substances using spectroscopy and apply Beer’s Law to calculate dye concentrations in water.

A key component of the workshop is the experimental application of colorimetry and UV-visible spectroscopy, including the use of a calibration curve to determine the concentration of ions or complexes in a water sample.

The program includes a guided tour of the Australian Synchrotron, where students will see how advanced light-based techniques contribute to real-world scientific discoveries. (3.5 hrs)

Years 9 - 12 (Taught at Year 11 curriculum level)

How do particle accelerators work? Curious about the Synchrotron research being conducted locally?

These questions and more will be answered in the hands-on physics lab session where students can take part in experiments using specialised equipment to learn about the behaviour of electrons in electric and magnetic fields.

The program also includes a tour of the Australian Synchrotron where participants will learn what makes the facility so unique.  (4.5 hrs)

Years 10 - 12 (Taught at Year 11 curriculum level)