Science Fair Projects...

[brandon184]

What are some good entry-level technology related science projects? Even some ideas on innovations/inventions for display would be nice.

Any ideas/resources on this would be VERY helpful.

Thanks.
- Brandon

[Rat]

Why not set up a computer on a piece of plywood, describe all the parts and what they do. Write a description of how a computer works.

Rat...

[brandon184]

We have good computer education here. Most people know what a computer is and what it and each component does.

- Brandon

[Gomer]

What grade level? Lemme know and I'll try to throw some ideas at you.

[brandon184]

Well, its a broad-ranged event, so they could be for grades 10 or 11, or possibly even 12.

- Brandon

[justy]

Hi Brandon,

What age group are grades 10, 11, and 12?
Also what type of thing's are you thinking of? or just anything innovative at all?

I'm not familiar with that grade system.

All the best, Justy.

[Warthog]

Grade 10 - typically ages 15-16
11 - 16-17
12 - 17-18

Warthog

[randy48]

Use Rats idea with the computer on the plywood, labels, etc and then discribed/demonstrate various technics in overclocking. i.e. switching jumpers, dips, GFD, SoftFSB, etc. Also different technics for cooling! Lapping, water, goo, man you could have a whole school overclocked in a week http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[justy]

Just a quick one, what about networking two pc's together using the comm. port. But instead of a cable connection, replace the Tx/Rx circuitry with infra red led's. Should be fairly easy to build and setup ( Xon/Xoff handshake ), yet would be entertaining.

Another, what about a small miniature remote controlled submarine, equipped with a camera. For the fishermen to identify where the fish are? Or the hobbyist searching for treasure? Equipped with a solar panel, so that if the batteries get low, it floats to the surface, and can be powered home. ( night time, bring a real big torch ).

Or, a detection system to pinpoint exactly where someone/something is, using a matrix of mirror's, and visible lazer ( for demonstration purposes ). Could be used for security, monitoring, tests.

Maybe a small receiver like a pager for the elder or disabled to indicate a phone/doorbell etc. is being rang.

Child proof electrical sockets, with retractable sleeves over connecting pins? No more little fingers getting burnt behind the plug.

Just a few silly one's of the top of my head, but they may spark an idea that leads to something closer to what your thinking of?

If I think of a really good one I'll post it, but only when I've received conformation from the patent office.

All the best, Justy.

[brandon184]

Justy's ideas are the ones I'm talking about here. They aren't too advanced, and aren't too simple either.

I'm just not sure if I am able to consider any of those ideas a reality in the one month time frame I have to do this.

[Warthog]

In the 5th grade (age 10-11), we had an "Invention Convention". I made a "Trash Compactor" http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif. It was two pieces of foot long, 1 1/2" thick wood connected by a big hinge. It crushed trash. I don't think that will win any award http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

Warthog

[justy]

Sorry people,

Had to give this a bump.

Remember this is a one month deadline, and he's one of US.

Brandon, any of the projects I mentioned, I can gaurantee, I can supply you with all the data you need to build it within a week. Assuming you can throw a couple of hours at it a day, And you can source the parts locally.

The remote interface, could be done in day or two, with a bit of playing about. Your biggest concern would be ambient light at the show.

Use a bit of imagination. The submarine for example can be built easily using two, 2litre Coke bottles with the ends cut off. Joined together.

The detection system, simply an array of mirrors to reflect light. use a standard keypad matrix to translate it. i.e. like pressing a button on a keypad.

The doorbell thing, a comercial product, available in any hardware store. ( wireless doorbell ). Modify the existing device to want you want.

The child proof socket's. IF you can design them, and sell them, I've just made you a millionaire. ( thanks justy ).

For further ideas, just thing of thing's you do for fun. Then think of ways of making it easier!

All the best, Justy.

P.S. How much time have you got? I know it's a month minus last post, but is it an hour a day, or 10 hours a day?

[brandon184]

Well, Its due a month from this Friday. I'm willing to put any a lot of time in a project, if that is what I need to do.

I'd like to hear more about the submarine idea, but I'm also thinking I could do something involving overclocking a system. I'm just not too sure what.

- Brandon