Independent “Capstone” Project

TOPICS?

what are you interested in?Keep in mind that you will be

spending a considerable amount of time on this, it is worth

investing that time in something that holds your interest….

Begin by thinking BIG

Examples – “flight”, “sound”,

“renewable energy”, “clean air”

Thinking big?

http://www.ted.com/talks/william_kamkwamba_how_i_harnessed_the_wind.htmlhttp://www.ted.com/talks/william_kamkwamba_on_building_a_windmill.html

http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/recycling/stories/the-recycled-orchestra-musical-instruments-made-from-trash

http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/shanghai/articles/blogs-shanghai/expat-affairs/how-get-clean-air-china/

So pick a topic and do some research!Start big – you can always get smaller.

Example: interested in wind power? Research how a windmill works, get to know the parts,

begin asking questions – why three blades on a windmill, why so tall, why white…

BUT…how will you end up with a proper lab write up?

Suppose you build a cheap alternative air filter…

Does it work?How do you know?

How does the size of the filter affect the quality of

the air?Can you see an

experiment evolving?

Or suppose you are into instruments. Can you build

something simple from scratch?

How does the size of an opening in a guitar affect sound?

How does the depth of a drum affect loudness?

We have all sorts of sensors to help you collect data –

microphones, sound (loudness) meters, …

Can I carry out a regular experiment and write a lab report?

Yes. Keep in mind this is a culminating project worth 20% of your grade. Copying something from online is not going to cut it…Talk to me.

Here are the main categories for the assessment rubric:

1.) Design of experiment

2.) Data Collection and Processing3.) Conclusion and Evaluation

4.) Manipulative Skills

You will be assessed as you go along, so there is no big final “thing”. Think about it: the Design must be completed

before you really begin. Sure, you might make modifications, but the final design will be graded before you process your data.

Peer ReviewYour classmates will also assess your work. This will take the form of an informal presentation of your work in the spring. Your classmates will have a chance to view your work and give feedback according to a simple rubric. Remember to take videos/pictures of your work.