Jim Madsen is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center (WIPAC) and Associate Director of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory where he directs the education and outreach program. His research interests over the last two decades include heliophysics and astrophysics projects based in Antarctica.
You may access Dr. Madsen's slides here.
Contact Dr. Madsen: jmadsen@wisc.edu
Dr. Madsen's talk from IceCube Afterschool, January 12, 2021.
(added Feb. 8, 2021)
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is a giant array of light detectors buried under the ice at the Geographic South Pole. Dr. Jim Madsen will tell us all about the detector, the neutrino, and how this special experiment is helping scientists learn more about the mysterious ghost particle.
Read more about IceCube here.
See IceCube images and animations are here.
Lots of engineering design and data analysis resources contribute to IceCube. We can start to understand coding ourselves by learning about the foundations of computational thinking. This week and next, we'll learn about variables & data types. You will synthesize what you're learning about variables and data types with what you're hearing from our guest speakers.
Data representation and science communication are crucial skills for any scientist, novice, or expert. This week, you will begin to think about designing a coded communication tool to share something you've learned from our experts with an audience of your peers. We will work through the design process to support learners with more and less design experience. The method we will use is explained here. Please note that this process maps onto just about any design process schematic. You are trusted to navigate between this process and one you prefer, as needed.
A note about coding skills and competencies: We expect that our participants will have a wide range of coding competencies and skills as they enter this internship. To support all learners in advancing their personal progress on a continuum of coding expertise, we will suggest alternatives for various individuals. More on that in Week 2 with "coded communication options, resources."
Session slides from Dr. Shirey
Design Challenge Phase 1: Problem Definition tool (Google Doc copy, Word download, PDF download.)
Assignment #1: Data types learning module & knowledge check
Complete the data types learning module in Chrome or Firefox.
Continue to add to your Problem Definition sheet as you see fit.
Complete the week 1 knowledge check by Sunday, January 17 (to give Dr. Shirey time to process your answers and steer next steps.)