You, Too, Can Smash Atoms!

CMS proton-proton collision event shows possible signs of Higgs boson.

Real CMS proton-proton collisions events in which 4 high energy electrons (red towers) are observed. The event shows characteristics expected from the decay of a Higgs boson but is also consistent with background Standard Model physics processes. (Image credit: CERN/CMS/Taylor, L; McCauley, T)

While most high-school students are stuck building science fair experiments with a funnel, some popsicle sticks or a few parts from Radio Shack, a few lucky ones will have the opportunity to take their science to a whole new level.

CERN, the Geneva, Switzerland-based physics organization that runs the Large Hadron Collider that recently found the Higgs Boson, is opening up a particle beamline for students with the best research proposal.

The Proton Synchrotron beam line will be open to a total of nine teams of up to 30 students over age 16, along with one adult coach. Nine of the lucky winners will travel to CERN for a week in July or August and use a powerful proton beam to probe the mysteries of matter. CERN is also helping out with travel and living expenses.

The teams can design their experiments for two beams: the Super Proton Synchrotron and the Proton Synchrotron beams.

Would-be atom smashers can apply for the program by filling out a simple registration form by Jan. 31, as well as a 140-character statement saying why they should win the competition. After that, students still have till March 31 to submit their complete proposal.

Follow Tia Ghose on Twitter and Google+. Follow LiveScience @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on LiveScience.

CATEGORIES

Tia is the managing editor and was previously a senior writer for Live Science. Her work has appeared in Scientific American, Wired.com and other outlets. She holds a master's degree in bioengineering from the University of Washington, a graduate certificate in science writing from UC Santa Cruz and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Tia was part of a team at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that published the Empty Cradles series on preterm births, which won multiple awards, including the 2012 Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism.