Project #1 ( 3-5 Pages)
Adapted from an assignment of John Krupczak, Hope College, Holland, MI
Consumer Electronics
Topic Questions and 7 References Due Tuesday 10/10/00
Paper (printout of presentation, web report or paper) due in class
Tuesday 10/17/00
Investigation of a topic in more depth
The purpose of this paper is to examine a scientific and technical topics associated with a consumer product in more depth than we will in class.
You can choose one of following devices or any preapproved device that you would like to investigate (Email me at anc@buffalo.edu for a device approval):
- DVD Player
- CD Writer
- Cell Phone
- Inkjet Printer
- Scanner (optical)
- Camcorder
- Equalizer
- Photocopier
- Microwave
Step 1:
Develop 7 questions about the topic which you would like to have answered. The questions should be specific and focussed rather than broad and general. For example, if the topic was batteries some specific questions might be: Why is it that car batteries are rechargeable and other batteries are not? What is the difference between and alkaline battery and a regular battery? What actually happens when a battery goes dead? An example of question that is too general is: "How does a battery work?" Your questions should be specific rather than general.
Turn in your list of at least 7 questions and designate your option of presentation. These MUST BE TYPED. The questions will be reviewed and graded. If you are in doubt about the appropriateness of a question then include extra questions. You can also contact me via email (anc@buffalo.edu). Topics CANNOT be changed once these questions are turned in.
Options:
- Written 3-5 page paper
- Web Page equivalent to 3-5 pages of written text
- 10 minute presentation (using a presentation management package such as Powerpoint)
Step 2:
Find additional information on the topic through library research sufficient to complete your project. In your paper, describe the device or topic, provide some background information or history of the development of the device or the understanding of the basic science, explain the underlying scientific principles involved, and answer at least 5 of your questions about the topic. Your paper should include a bibliography or list of references. To aid in your explanation you should also include drawings or pictures.
To complete this project, it will be necessary to gather material from several sources, read and understand the content of these references, extract specific information, and combine this information into a well-organized project. Grading with be based on thoroughness and clarity of explanations.
Drawings or pictures are required because often the relationship of the various components of a technological device is difficult to comprehend without some type of picture. The drawing or picture may be a photocopy taken from one of your references provided the source is properly identified. The content of the drawing or picture should be described in part of the paper.
The questions should be answered separately at the end of the paper.
There are several encyclopedias in the Science and Engineering Library that are good sources of general background information. Some of these are listed below. Additional information can be found in periodicals such as: Scientific American, Science News, or Popular Science. The library may have some books available on your topic. Even if the books appear to be somewhat technical, the introductory chapters may have information useful to the non-specialist.
To help avoid a last-minute rush, a typed list of at least 7 references is to be turned in before the paper due date. The list of references must include the specific page numbers which apply to your topic. References must be written in the standard format with internet references must be listed in either the MLA or APA style. It is highly recommended that you photocopy your reference materials and retain these copies for use in writing the paper. Part of the paper grade will be based on the quality and diversity of the references used.
Step 3:
Write the paper and turn it in!