Physics Experiments To Inspire Undergraduates?

PShardlow writes "I have recently been asked to propose two projects for a 1st year undergraduate teaching laboratory in the summer term this year. These are projects that a pair of students will spend 36 hours working on, and as such can be quite in-depth. A good project would include something they can build, something they can measure, and something they can calculate. Previous projects have included cloud chambers, a Jacobs ladder, a laser Doppler speed camera, laser sound detection, smoke rings, and physical random number generators. This is an opportunity to really inspire students into the joy that can be experimental physics — but it only works if we demonstrators propose interesting projects. So I ask the Slashdot community for suggestions of fascinating projects to do, things that are relevant to today's physics problems but could feasibly be completed by a pair of first-year undergraduates in 72 man hours."

LHC

[Anonymous Coward]

Accelerate small particles to high speeds, create mini black holes, destroy the planet. Quite fascinating IMO.

Re:WTF?!?!

[JustShootMe]

That's a great idea. Have them try to figure out which post this was actually meant for. That oughta take about 72 man hours, give or take.

Effects of microgravity on human breasts

[jollyreaper]

Securing time on the ISS might prove expensive so I have prepared this simulator out of a trampoline and high-speed camera. I'm not sure exactly what we're trying to prove here but rest assured, the undergrads will be inspired.

Why not an automated defense turret?

[zippoiii]

Start with a battery powered watergun. Add a couple of small motors to pan back and forth, and to adjust angle up and down. Next, you'll need a ultrasonic rangefinder. Hook that all together, and write a piece of software for a control computer to watch for differences in the distance that it thinks things are at. Scan back and forth, and look for things that are different, then hose them down. We almost got to build one of these, until we mentioned to the prof that we wanted to fill it with naptha, and add a sparker in front of the nozzle of the squirt gun...

Something relevent to current physics problems eh?

[deek]

I hear that the Large Hadron Collider is currently having problems. Maybe your students can build a replacement ... except smaller. Call it the SHC, or even the VTHC.

Re:Coil Guns

[Anonymous Coward]

In Electronics, I was greatly inspired when I created an autonomous Remote Control car.

Wow, you created an oxymoron on wheels! That IS inspiring.

Schroedinger's Cat

[EachLennyAPenny]

Let's do the experiment and settle this puzzle once and for all.

Re:Coil Guns

[h4rm0ny]

Anything that blows up is probably a Chemistry experiment, not a Physics experiment

Yeah? Well you haven't seen my high school physics project yet. Man, getting hold of the Plutonium was hard, but the teacher's going to give me an 'A' for sure!