WSST

10/11/2026

Sign up for the book study by Friday, October 30 at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9sSyLw7FWjo722IK_EIS6pZKbtpl-j8RTuPe6TVC5oFWVDA/viewform

10/11/2026

Elusive particles called neutrinos are being captured by an observatory in the South Pole.

In the 1980s, while this year’s physics laureate Francis Halzen was working with cosmic particles, he heard that Soviet researchers were planning to use radio receivers to capture neutrino signals in Antarctica. The idea was that when a neutrino collides with an atomic nucleus in the ice it causes an electric spark, which produces a radio wave. If this was strong enough, it could be captured using a radio antenna. Halzen was inspired and realised that another method could be to install light sensors in glacier ice and look for flashes of light from the collisions.

Halzen realised that there were many advantages to siting the neutrino observatory at the geographic South Pole: a research station was already located there, with an organisation for regular transports and everything necessary for a team to work.

Ice also offers many benefits as a material. At a great enough depth, the darkness is constant. Unlike the ocean, there is no interference from living creatures, and there are only low levels of radioactive substances. The ice is stable and provides a solid surface for the people working at the facility. The area is geologically stable with no earthquakes.

The concept generated so much interest that, within a few years, researchers from various institutions had gathered around Halzen to bring his idea of a neutrino observatory in Antarctica to fruition. To start with, they had to solve all the practical problems entailed by placing instruments deep in the ice. From glaciologists, they learned that kilometre-deep holes can be drilled using a type of sophisticated shower head that uses hot water to melt the ice. A long cable with strings of light sensors could then be lowered into the waterfilled hole. Halzen describes these sensors as a lightbulb in reverse – the instrument captures light and then transforms it into an electrical signal.

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to Francis Halzen “for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.”

Learn more
Press release: https://bit.ly/4xYId01
Popular information: https://bit.ly/3T69GgT
Advanced information: https://bit.ly/46V5owe

10/06/2026

10/02/2026

Get ready to trade, upgrade, and amplify your classroom setup at the 2027 WSST Equipment Swap in Green Bay — April 8-10! Bring gently used lab gear, discover hidden scientific treasures, and give extra equipment a new home. Running Thursday morning through Saturday, this high-energy adoption event is the perfect chance to score useful tools, share resources with fellow educators, and spark hands-on learning experiences for your students. Learn more and plan your visit: https://wix.to/wYoIukF

Get ready to trade, upgrade, and amplify your classroom setup at the 2027 WSST Equipment Swap in Green Bay April 8-10! Bring your gently used lab gear, discover hidden scientific treasures, and give extra equipment a brand-new home. Running from Thursday morning through Saturday, this high-energy ad...

09/30/2026

Prepare your Back to School Grant!
These grants will fund 10 x $200 ideas for a project you'd like to start at the start of the school year. Applications should showcase innovative ideas that enhance three-dimensional science learning. Funding ideally goes towards a complete project (e.g. not $200 towards a larger project).

All applicants will be expected to submit an application between Friday, October 2, 2026 and will close on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The application must be 500 words or less. Selected grants will be announced and awarded by the end of October and checks will be sent out in November.

You must be a WSST member to apply.

Besides demographics questions, here are the questions so you can prepare:
-Project Title
-Describe Your Idea (500 words or less)
-Target Grade Level(s) and Anticipated Number of Students Impacted
-Total amount requested (up to $200)
-Itemized Budget (provide a detailed breakdown of all project expenses)

09/28/2026

Grant application opens Friday, Oct. 2

09/22/2026

Have you ever wondered what Science Olympiad was and how the program inspires students to be more engaged in STEM? Check out this great opportunity. Registration link will be in the comments below.

09/22/2026

This is a great opportunity for Physical Science, Physics and Earth and Space Science educators to bring modeling into their classroom. Click on the link in the comments for more information and to register for this FREE webinar.