Ideas for Science Competition...

[suhasm]

I'm attending a science project competition which will be held on 10th nov. Any device which demonstrates any scientific phenomenon has to be built on the spot. Can anyone give me some ideas?

I am thinking of using some infrared sensors to time the fall of an object and through that , verify that g=9.8m/s2.

What do you say?

And before you start asking me to do my own homework - i'm not asking for readymade any circuits or any technical help. I just want some ideas. I will do the rest on my own.

 

[arunb]

Any device which demonstrates any scientific phenomenon

that makes it very general..

 

[MrDEB]

do a google search

I saw a circuit that measured velocity of object (a chronograph) say a bullet froa gun.
I am working on building one using a PIC to measure the velocity of a ball leaving an air cannon.
Saw a circuit using a simple 555 timer, a counter and 2 photo transistors. not finite enough for my purpose but for a falling object yes.
what would really high light this would be solar cells or lemon batteries.

look at Giant CDS Cell Assortment-The Electronic Goldmine
they have lots of solar cells etc.

 

[jpanhalt]

<snip> has to be built on the spot.

I am not sure what that means nor to what extent it will be enforced. What resources will you have available? For example, if your project uses an electronic device built on a PCB, do you have to make the PCB on the spot? Does this requirement preclude using programmable devices that you might bring? Can they be pre-programmed, and so forth.

John

 

[bubble]

Hi suhasm,

How about making Lissajous figures using a laser, a couple of computer fans, pots controlling speed and mirrors on the the fans angled slightly. There are quite a few tutorials online to make Lissajous figures using a laser, maybe adapt that idea and make some funky light show.

Cheers,

Rich

 

[suhasm]

@jpanhalt ,

I am allowed to take presoldered pcbs , and programmed uCs. Only the assembly has to be done on the spot. The time given is 1.5 hrs.

 

[MrDEB]

you mean pre-etched pcbs?
pre-soldered then where is the assembly at the competition??
read a book for 1.5 hours?
be cool to have a ball in a tube, measure the speed of travel then have a light weight ball or ? in a tube that has a vacuum in it. measure the speed.
assemble the pohto sensors at the competition, use a pic then solder it all up at the competition. have one made before hand