Science 8Year End Project – Proposed TopicsMr. Birt

FLUIDS

  1. Choose a product in which viscosity is an important property (such as tomato ketchup, shampoo or conditioner) and do an experiment to compare different brand. Follow the following criteria:
  2. Explain how viscosity enables that product to do the job it is designed for, and then identify what the ideal viscosity would be for that same product to best do its job.
  3. Conduct an experiment to test the viscosity of different brands of the same product (preferably with noticeably different viscosity) and then evaluate how well each brand would perform the task it is designed for (compared to its competition) based on its relative viscosity.
  4. For your experiment you must consider the requirements of a fair test, including your testable question, the independent and dependent variables, as well as the control variables.
  5. You will be required to document your experiment in a Science Inquiry Process Booklet as well as conduct the actual experiment.
  6. Your report booklet should also include labelled diagrams of the experiment, its set up and special equipment used.
  7. As an additional challenge you may compare prices of each brand to determine which is the best value for what it does.
  8. You will describe your experiment, show the equipment used and explain the results in a presentation to the class.
  9. You must follow the science inquiry steps emphasized in class for your experiment and address the required topics in your report.
  1. You are a designer at a toy company and you are to design a pneumatic or hydraulic toy, according to the following criteria:
  2. Each toy has a part that requires movement, a load to be lifted, and/or a switch to be opened or closed. You may use new syringes and plastic tubing for the hydraulics or pneumatics.
  3. You must complete a Design Process Booklet and highlight the materials used as well as the special features of your design.
  4. When the plans are completed and the materials have been gathered, construct a model and test the effectiveness of your design.
  5. Create a written report that identifies the materials used in the working model and the design features.
  6. Project evaluation will include function, aesthetics, environmental considerations, cost and efficiency.
  7. Be prepared to present your design, test data and prototype to the toy company’s board of directors (the class).
  8. Possible toys that could be fitted with a pneumatic/hydraulic system or device include:

-a jack-in-the-box with a doll that pops up;

-an elevator in a garage or car parkade that lifts up a toy car from the ground floor to the second floor (Extension: Have the elevator platform tilt to send the car down a ramp and back down to the first floor.);

-a dump truck with a box that tilts to dump a load;

-a hairdresser’s chair that lifts a plastic doll;

-a fire-engine with an extension ladder that extends and retracts hydraulically or pneumatically.

LIGHT AND OPTICS

  1. Researchand develop a written report (and an oral presentation) that identifies and explains a technology that uses electromagnetic radiation, the type of electromagnetic radiation it uses, and the potential positive and negative effects of its use. Some examples of such technologies include satellite dish, x-ray machine, light telescopes, motion sensors, and microwave ovens. Possible internet sites include 307.html

CELLS AND SYSTEMS

  1. Research and describe one disorder or disease that affects systems in the human body. Follow the following criteria:
  2. Explain how it affects the human body. Identify specific organs or systems it affectsand what it does to them.
  3. Explain its impact on the person’s life (how it affects their lifestyle or daily living).
  4. Discuss how it is identified (its symptoms).
  5. Identify how it is treated and/or cured as well as possible preventative measures.
  6. You may consider liver disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart attack, stroke, high and low blood pressure, leukemia, anemia or some other disease or disorder (if approved by the teacher).
  7. Present this information in a creative way that will catch attention to promote the prevention or treatment of the disease or disorder.
  8. At the same time in your presentation, educate the general public as to why they should care, how to be involved and what they can do.

WATER

  1. Do a case study (research) of the Manitoba flood of 1997. Follow the following criteria:
  2. Identify the major barriers used to prevent damage by flood water during the flood (e.g., Red River floodway, Brunkild dike, levees, sandbags).
  3. Describe each barrier used to prevent flood-water damage.
  4. Explain how each barrier worked.
  5. Highlight technology that made each barrier possible (e.g., the development of a new sandbagging machine).
  6. Discuss the positive and/or negative impacts of each barrier.
  7. Describe examples of how technologies have evolved over time in response to changing needs and scientific advances.
  8. You will present your findings to the class.
  1. Research a local sewage treatment facility or examine information pamphlets on its operation, to address the following:
  2. How does sewage get to the treatment plant?
  3. What biological components can be used to help break down sewage?
  4. What are some additional treatment steps taken to clean the water?
  5. What happens to the cleaned (potable) water after treatment?
  6. What steps are taken to ensure that the effluent meets environmental standards before it is reintroduced into the natural water system?
  7. Where is the solid waste deposited after treatment?
  8. Is it used for any other purpose?
  9. Is the present sewage treatment facility working at capacity?
  10. Is there a need for expansion or for building another facility to keep up with population demands? If so, what would it cost to upgrade the existing facility or to build a new one?
  11. You will present your findings to the class.
  1. Design a system to solve a water-related problemaccording to the following criteria:
  2. Examples: a filtration system to clean dirty water; a way to clean an oil spill; a way to prevent nitrates from entering streams and rivers; a way to provide potable water on a camping trip or during an environmental emergency in an area where drinking water has been contaminated.
  3. You must complete a Design Process Booklet and highlight the special features you have used to resolve the problem.
  4. When the plans are completed and the materials have been gathered, construct a model and test the effectiveness of your design.
  5. Develop criteria for evaluating the success of your design (e.g., removes 90% of the oil spill) before testing your prototype.
  6. Create a written report that identifies the materials used in the working model, and explains the test results after testing the system.
  7. Present your project and report on its effectiveness and recommended improvements.