Suggested High-Tech Topics for Student Presentations
NS 116, Spring 2004
The underlying theme for the presentations is How Things Work. The 15-20 minute presentation should focus on how the selected technology works, what the basic science is that lies behind it, and what impact this technology has on society. Each team will choose a different topic. If the technology chosen appears to duplicate one scheduled for presentation by the instructors, check with them first so that we assist each other instead of duplicating each other. Some topics are broad enough that distinct subtopics could form the basis for more than one team presentation. Students may choose other topics with the approval of the instructor. Students may not do the same presentation prepared for another class. Each team member must participate equally in the presentation. Although some overlap with the biological sciences is inevitable, topics dealing with physical science are preferred. Many of these topics are very "high-tech." Please discuss possible choices with your instructors so that appropriate simplifications can be agreed to that will fit the abilities of your team. You will have to learn some new things, but we don't expect you to become a fully certified "rocket scientist" to do your presentation! Don't forget about the Science Teaching Kit Option for your team presentation. Instead of choosing a technology, your team can present a K-8 science teaching kit. For a list of examples, go to the web site for the Lawrence Hall of Science Full Option Science System (FOSS). http://lhsfoss.org/. Choose FOSS Components from the navigation bar, thenK-6 Components from the drop-down menu to see what the kits are like. For details on individual modules choose the FOSS K-8 Scope and Sequence in the navigation bar to see where all the modules fit into the K-8 Curriculum. Click on the Matrix headers to see more detail on the content of the kits. We will give you instructions on how to pick up a kit from the local school district. |
Topic/Technology |
Presenting Team and Date |
Global Positioning System (GPS) |
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Cell Phones |
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Satellite Phones |
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Computer CPU Microchip |
|
Digital watches |
|
Digital Cameras |
|
Film Cameras |
|
Speakers and amplifiers for music |
|
Compact Disk (CD) for music |
|
MP3 for music |
|
AM and FM radio |
|
Analog and Digital Television |
|
Fiber Optic Communication Cables |
|
Communication Satellites |
|
The Space Shuttle |
|
Space Telescopes |
|
Ground-based telescopes |
|
The International Space Station |
|
Supersonic Aircraft |
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Hypersonic Aircraft |
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Space probes mapping other planets |
|
Remote vehicles on other planets |
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Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) on this planet |
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Radar and Air Traffic Control Systems |
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Single Stage to Orbit Vehicles |
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Robots in manufacturing |
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Robots that mimic humans |
|
Superconductors and Maglev |
|
Nanotechnology |
|
Particle Beam Weapons |
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Missile Defense Shield |
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Compact Nuclear Weapons |
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Submarines |
|
The physics of sailing |
|
Smart Homes |
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Smart Buildings |
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Smart Automobiles |
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Medical Imaging |
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Prosthetic Devices |
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Mechanical Hearts |
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Satellite Radio |
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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) |
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DSL, POTS and Cable Modems |
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Wireless computer networking |
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Microwave ovens |
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Ultrasonic medical imaging |
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Helicopters |
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Where are the Flying Cars? |
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Cruise Missles |
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Two-stroke vs. Four-stroke engines |
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Automobile Air Bags |
|
Plasma Television Displays |
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DVD's for movie playback |
|
<others of your choice> |