Curriculum links and student projects
Learn about curriculum topics and applications
that can be addressed with Timepix-based detectors.
Timepix-based detectors allow students to visualise and analyse ionising radiation in real time, supporting various curriculum topics. The detector also opens connections to fields such as dosimetry, medicine, chemistry, electronics, data analysis, and information technology, highlighting the multidisciplinary nature of modern scientific research.
Crucially, the technology empowers students to take an active role in the scientific process: they can formulate their own research questions, design and carry out experiments, and use real data to test their hypotheses. Rather than simply following predefined instructions, students are encouraged to explore and engage in authentic inquiry, mirroring the practices of scientists.
Below are examples of curriculum topics and applications that can be explored with these detectors, together with student projects carried out in pilot initiatives. These examples are intended as a source of inspiration rather than a fixed curriculum, and TIMEPIX@school hubs will need to adapt them to national curricula and local contexts.
Radiation and radioactivity
- Natural background radiation and environmental sources (e.g. radon, minerals, everyday objects)
- Identification and properties of ionising radiation (alpha, beta, gamma, cosmic rays)
- Radiation range, shielding and attenuation by different materials
- Radioactive decay and activity over time
- Inverse square law for radiation intensity
Many students have investigated background radiation in their local environment, by comparing measurements in various school locations.
Radiation detection and interaction with matter
- Principles of particle detection
- Ionising vs non-ionising radiation
- Interaction of radiation with matter
- Dosimetry and radiation exposure
In some projects, students built cloud chambers and compared the particle tracks observed in these detectors with measurements recorded with the Timepix detector.
Cosmic radiation and space science
- Detection of cosmic-ray muons
- Cosmic radiation on the Earth’s surface
- Comparisons to radiation measurements in space missions
Students have investigated the angle dependence of muon detection and explored how cosmic radiation interacts with the detector and the atmosphere. Some projects have also used data from space-based detectors, including radiation measurements collected by Timepix devices on board the International Space Station (ISS) or from the SATRAM experiment on ESA’s Proba-V satellite.
Modern physics concepts
- Energy and velocity of charged particles
- Comparison of relativistic and non-relativistic models for particle motion (e.g. alpha and beta particles)
- Observation of relativistic particles such as cosmic-ray muons
Applications of radiation
- Medical imaging and radiation in healthcare
- Radiation in environmental monitoring
- Radiation detection in industry and safety applications
Students investigated the ability of face masks to filter dust particles containing radon, while other students examined radiation relevant to medical imaging or radiation protection. These projects sometimes make use of specialised laboratory facilities, such as X-ray equipment available through university collaborations.
Data Analysis and computing
- Experimental design and scientific methods
- Data acquisition and interpretation
- Statistical analysis of measurement data
- Programming and automation (e.g. microcontrollers)
- Machine learning approaches for particle identification
Students have trained neural networks to identify different types of radiation from particle tracks, developed Arduino-based systems to automatically rotate the detector and measure the angular distribution of cosmic muons, and explored the role of computing resources in analysing scientific data.