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Physics Stuff of Genius Project

Page history last edited by Bryan Stutzman 13 years, 3 months ago

Stuff of Genius Project

Inventions are applications of knowledge -- usually for the benefit to humanity. This project will require the analysis of an invention to determine its impact as well as to understand how it works.

A short podcast -- Stuff of Genius -- identifies inventions and other stuff of genius throughout usually modern history and does a brief analysis of the invention's impact. The podcast is available at How Stuff Works website as well as an archived podcast through itunes. It does not go into detail about how the invention works, however.

Tasks

Once an invention is approved by Dr. Stutzman, there are two deliverables -- a 1/2 to full sheet of poster board showing the "Physics" of the invention and a ~3 page report analyzing the invention.

The invention should be specific enough so that you can identify the impact and analyze its function more clearly.

Display

1/2 to full size poster board showing how the invention works including diagrams, illustrations.
Hand-drawn diagrams are preferable to printed pages from the internet.
Focus on the science underlying the invention.

Report

Document research
Use the Stuff of Genius podcast for a start but expand upon their ideas with your own research and opinions
~1/2 page on American Dream -- was the inventor able to reap the benefits of his/her invention
~1/2 page on Benefit to Humanity
~1/2 page on Ripple Effect -- did the invention lead to other inventions or changes in society
~1 page on how the invention works. What are the Physics behind the invention? What areas of science were needed to develop or understand it? Is there a key equation involved?
~1/2 page reflection. Include thoughts about what areas of science you would like to study to understand your invention better. Do you see future applications of the invention or future ripple effects.