SC2001 Project: Potential Topics
Experimental
Design/JSHS/Introduction to Physics
Ideas for incorporating science and statistics:
JSHS- Junior science and humanities symposium project
See jshs_guidelines.pdf or http://jshs.org click on guidelines link to download .pdf file
Sample Physics Topics with possible questions for exploration:
-designing the shape of columns for maximum support
http://www.efunda.com/formulae/solid_mechanics/columns/eccentric.cfm
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig
How does the shape of the column effect the amount of weight it will support?
What part does column height play in strength of columns?
What materials are best suited to building columns for maximum support?
-comparative insulation values
What materials provide the best insulative properties for a given area?
How does the thickness of the insulation effect the thermal transfer?
What part does latitude (solar noon) play in the need for insulation?
How are R values determined and how would you determine the R value of an unknown material?
-impact of technology
How does technology impact a teenagers’ life?
How has education changed with the development of technology?
Is technology always beneficial?
-radiation emissions of household appliances and cell phones
What appliances emit radiation?
Which emits more radiation, x or y?
What effect does prolonged exposure to emissions from a television have on goldfish?
At what point are emissions from a television screen virtually non-existent?
How do the emissions from a television screen compare to that of a computer monitor?
-kinematics of human performance
Which exercise machine produces the greatest force on knee joints?
How does the amount of force on feet change as the amount of weight on a leg press is increased?
Is the force on the body different while riding different types of bicycles?
How does a human grasp change dependent on the object being grasped?
Is there a varied effect among people who train with weights, air resistance (pneumonic), water resistance (hydraulics) or bungee resistance equipment?
Topics are presented in an inquiry based format where students will choose a topic and design their own experiment