PAN Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why should I apply for PAN?

The PAN program is an excellent way to get a very real taste of what research is like, both in a major national laboratory and on a university campus. Students can explore their curiosity about nuclear astrophysics while teachers can gather information and techniques for use in their classrooms.

What if I don't know a lot about nuclear science?

You don't need to. Previous PAN students/teachers have indicated that prior knowledge of the subject had very little to do with how much they enjoyed and benefitted from the program. However, you can expect to know a lot more when the program is over. The PAN organizers do require that PAN students have completed their freshman year of high school and PAN teachers conduct one or more science classes on a regular basis. Exception: pre-service teachers who are planning to teach physics or chemistry are especially welcome.

How much does it cost?

PAN is free to accepted participants; the JINA outreach budget will cover room and board (if you require), the cost of all materials and supplies, and some evening activities for the duration of the program. Your only costs are transportation and any recreational expenses.

What are the program hours?

PAN lasts one week for teachers and one week for students. Each day starts at 8:50 AM, but ending times vary between 4 PM and 6 PM depending on the program for that day. Also, optional evening activities usually begin at 7 PM. Accepted participants will receive a full schedule before arriving at PAN.

What goes on at the program?

Most activities occur at the Cyclotron building (NSCL), marked by the red arrow on the map below, where you will:

• Hear NSCL scientists discuss their research in cosmic rays, nuclear astrophysics, detector technology, and many other fields
• Work closely with other students, teachers and faculty in Question and Answer sessions
• Form research teams to design and execute an experiment into the nature of cosmic rays
• Prepare and present a report about the results of your experiment
• Explore your interests in science with other enthusiastic students and teachers

To learn more about cosmic rays, which are a scientific focus of PAN, read through some Articles on Cosmic Rays (a focus of the PAN program). You can also get a feel for PAN activities by looking through the lectures and student presentations from past programs.

How can teachers earn continuing education credit for participating in PAN?

Teachers who participate in PAN are eligible for SB-CEUs administered by the Michigan Board of Education. In order to earn them, teachers must attend every day, all day, and sign in/out. An option for 2 MSU credits is also available, though the teacher must pay tuition costs.

What goes on in the evenings?

Once PAN is done for the day, your evenings are less structured. You do have the option to participate in a few activities, such as:

• Touring campus and eating the finest ice cream known to humanity, made right here
• Kicking back with pop and popcorn to watch a couple movies that may or may not be science-related
• Taking the plunge in our pool or exploring other sports in our athletics facility
• Bowling, beach volleyball, the MSU planetarium, the children's garden...the list goes on

Where will I stay?

If you choose to reside on campus during the PAN program, you will be housed in Shaw Hall dormitory (marked by the orange arrow on the map below), which is just north of NSCL. Teachers will have single rooms, while students share with a roommate. The dorm is not air-conditioned and each hall has a community bathroom. Men and women are housed on separate floors. Students will have resident assistants on each hall to help them. The exterior doors are locked between 10pm and 7am, lights out is at 11:30pm.

What about meals?

A few free lunches are served in the NSCL atrium during the two weeks of PAN. If you are staying in Shaw Hall (marked by the orange arrow on the map below), all other meals are provided in the dorm cafeteria via a meal card provided to you upon check-in. If you are not residing on campus, or if you choose to not eat in in the dorm occasionally, meals are on your own.

What should I bring?

Linens are provided for dorm-room beds. You should bring everything you would need for overnight stays: soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, other toiletries, towel, box fan (it can get very hot in the dorm), swimsuit, bath shoes, alarm clock, clothes, books, etc.

How do I get there?

You can approach East Lansing via I-69, I-96 or US 127. Take exit 9 (Trowbridge Road) from I-496/US 127. Turn left onto Harrison Ave. and turn right onto South Shaw Lane (eastbound one-way). The parking ramp will be on your left after Farm Lane (marked with a blue arrow on the map below), while the Cyclotron building (marked by the red arrow on the map below) is across the street. For more maps of MSU, go to http://www.msu.edu/maps/

Where do I park?

If you request a parking pass, you will have permission to park in the ramp north of NSCL (blue arrow on the map below pointing to the green circle containing the letter "P"). You may park in any spot that does NOT have a meter or a sign that indicates it is a reserved space.

How do I apply?

Go to the How to Apply page to find links to applications! Good luck.