Suggested High-Tech Topics for Student Presentations

NS 116, Spring 2007

The underlying theme for the presentations is How Things Work. The 15-20 minute presentation should focus on (Team Member 1) what the basic science is that lies behind the technology, (Team Member 2) how the selected technology works, and (Team Member 3) 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!

Topic/Technology

Presenting Team of Three (please use your first and last names) and Date

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Cell Phones

Satellite Phones

Computer CPU Microchip

Computer Magnetic Hard Drives

USB Flash Drives

Digital watches

Digital Cameras

Film Cameras

Speakers and amplifiers for music

Compact Disk (CD) for music

MP3 for music (iPod and others)

AM and FM radio

Digital Satellite Radio

Analog, Digital and HD Television

Fiber Optic Communication Cables

Communication Satellites

The Space Shuttle

Space Telescopes

Ground-based telescopes

The International Space Station

Supersonic Aircraft

Hypersonic Aircraft

Space probes mapping other planets

Remote vehicles on other planets

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) on this planet

Radar and Air Traffic Control Systems

Single Stage to Orbit Vehicles

Robots in manufacturing

Robots that mimic humans

Superconductors and Maglev

Nanotechnology

Particle Beam Weapons

Missile Defense Shield

Compact Nuclear Weapons

Submarines

The physics of sailing

Smart Homes

Smart Buildings

Smart Automobiles

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Ultrasonic medical imaging

X-Ray Medical Imaging

Prosthetic Limbs

Mechanical Hearts

DSL, POTS and Cable Modems

Wireless computer networking

Microwave ovens

Helicopters

Where are the Flying Cars?

Cruise Missiles

Two-stroke vs. Four-stroke engines

Automobile Air Bags

Plasma Television Displays

LCD Television Displays

DVD's for movie playback

TiVo and Digital Video Recorders

<others of your choice>