BLOG ENTRY: Science Experiment Brainstorming

BLOG ENTRY: Science Experiment 

The Task

Our task today was to begin drawing up potential ideas that will lead us to an informative, challenging, and exciting final experiment. To begin this conversation, my team and I (which includes Jessica Hickey and will be led by Rebecca Eshoo) had an ice-breaking session. We discussed different things we have studied in the class and what we were looking to take away from this assignment. Growing to be comfortable with all parties that will be participating in this experiment is an important step forward in allowing creativity. Following this, we laid out our goals for this presentation:

1. Create a presentation that is informative and in-line with class material
2. Ensure that the experiment is doable
3. Write a procedure that can be easily followed, with the objectives clearly outlined through an effective analysis of recorded data

Discussing Possibilities

Our conversation about what experiment we will put together ranged from the topics of climate change, energy generation, and thermal power. We also touched upon more tech-driven experiments that would require the usage of phones and potentially an iPad. However, as we did go through some of these experiment concepts, we quickly realized that many of them were unrealistic. To create a worthwhile presentation, we needed to ensure that the tools could be acquired and that the information will be readily available within the allotted final exam period.

Our focus for the presentation will be on heat. While not having details ready at this time, we do have a broad concept for our experiment:

• Compare insulation of heat with different materials
• Utilize different liquids to compare the heat capacity of each
• Analyze the impact such research can have in homes in terms of sustainability and limiting energy leakage

Back-Up Plans

Because we have not tested our experiment yet, it was important for our team to also draw up possible back-up plans. We researched the possibility of experimenting with the greenhouse effect by heating water with different coverings on the top of each container. In addition, we explored the idea of testing energy levels from different food types. We would utilize a program to potentially measure reaction time before and after different calorie consumption with individuals. These ideas will be explored further if the first idea proves to be too difficult.

Conclusion

Our first brainstorming session today proved to be productive and exciting. My team is definitely excited to get to work and see what we can put together for the class to learn from!