There are four possible experiments we were able to think about doing for the team project. There are 3 members in our group, Daniela, Shahad, and me. We are considering to do our project on Hydro energy, Chemical energy, Thermal energy, and the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy. We wanted to do something that will be interesting over all. Some thing that will allow us to learn more, challenge us, but at the same time have fun over all. While thinking about possible experiments to do, we had to consider the fact that we are not mad scientist and the amount of time we have is limited being less than 3 weeks.
For hydro energy, we thought of creating a wheel that would spin with the constant flow of water falling into the wheel. We were thinking that by using the motion of the wheel, with a couple of wires used to conduct the energy, we would be able to create enough energy to power a light bulb. Another project based on this idea was using the wheel to generate energy by motion (kinetic energy) but instead of having a light bulb, we would create a fan. To do this project we would need to create a wheel out of lego tools, or from scratch by using our creativeness. We would also need a DC motor, which would be an important component to this project because without it, the energy will not be transferred. We can either wait and find out if our professor has any motors, or we can find one from an outside source. This project is somewhat challenging but it definitely is possible.
The group and I are also considering doing our project on chemical energy. What this consists of is using animal waste. In specific, it would have been cow waste or horse waste. This project would be a lot better for us to do if we had a lot more time to accomplish it. Time is key when it comes to this experiment because we need to get the actual waste from a farm. We would have to find the machinery that would actually process the animal waste from sticky, and muddy to stiff, and dry dirt that does not smells as much anymore. We would have to figure out how to power other objects. This is an interesting topic but in order for it to actually function, we would probably need a lot of guidance from an actual professional.
One of our other projects would have been the idea of thermal energy and demonstrate why it is that works. How this project would work is that we would get two bowls filled with water. One bowl will be filled with cool water and the other bowl will be filled with warm water. We would need an airless balloon into the cold water, then into the warm water. Eventually, the different temperature waters will cause the balloon to inflate on its own. We do not know what it consists of, it is something we would have to learn more about.