The Electromagnetic Systems Unit is taught during the 2nd half of 3rd quarter. It includes information on everything from static electricity to circuit diagrams. Below I've compiled a list of possible projects or activities. Remember, before you are able to work on any of these projects, you must complete a pre-test.
Project Option 1 - A Consumer Report on Generating Energy  We rely on energy on a daily basis for, well, almost everything. Where does that energy come from? What is the best way to generate energy? This is where your research starts. Do some research on different types of generators and power plants. It's Illinois, so you'll want to look into coal-powered energy plants. You could also research different types of generators such as hydroelectric generators, thermoelectric generators and nuclear-powered generators. After you have done your research, put together a consumer report summarizing the most important information about each. Make sure to point out which you think is the best way to generate energy. You may present your findings in various forms. You could choose to write a paper, create a website, create a brochure, or even design a poster. Just make sure you include the important details from your research. If we have time during class after the electricity test, it would be great to share this with the class.
Project Option 2 - Solar Cells, Thermocouples and Piezoelectricity
 Who knew there were so many ways to create electrical energy? Research one of the ways to generate electricity listed above. Put together a website or brochure that details your research. How do you generate electricity using that process? Where could it be used? How could it be used? What products would be able to use it? What are the benefits? The down-falls? These are a few questions. While you're researching, you'll need to decide on what information you'd like to inlcude. If we have time during class after the electricity test, it would be great to share this with the class.
Project Option 3 - Fuses  Household circuits are protected from damage by fuses. Spend some time researching how fuses work. Answer these questions (and any other you come up with): How are fuses made? What is the role of resistance in the way a fuse functions? What happens to a fuse when a circuit is overloaded? Put together your information in a powerpoint presentation. Make sure to include pictures and graphics. If we have time during class after the electricity test, it would be great to share this with the class.
Project Option 4 - Electric Cars
 At least half the air pollution in this country comes from automobile exhaust. Many state governments are now creating new regulations to reduce the amount of air pollution generated by cars. But how can automobile companies produce cars that don't polute? One answer may be electric cars. Do some research on the history of electric cars (they've been around longer than you'd think). Also look into how they work. What are the benefits of electric cars to the consumer? What are the benefits of electric cars for the car companies and dealers? Are there any concerns? Do other countries have electric cars being used? The questions are endless! While you research, pick a direction to focus on and look for those details. Put together an informative brochure, powerpoint or website all about electric cars. Include information you find, but also what you think about the direction of electric cars. Will we start to use them more in the US? If we have time during class after the electricity test, it would be great to share this with the class.
Project Option 5 - Magnets in Medicine   Think about what it would be like to peer inside the human body to quickly locate a tumor, find tiny blockages in blood vessels, or even identify damage to the brain. Medical technology known as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows doctors to see these things and more. MRI is a quick, painless, and safe way for doctors to look inside the body to diagnose a variety of ailments. Do some research on MRIs. What are they? How long have they been used? What are they used for? Who benefits from their use? How have they changed medicine? Find some pictures and graphics to match your reserach. When a patient gets a MRI, how does that work? Choose a way to present your information. You could make a brochure, a powerpoint, a website. If we have time during class after the electricity test, it would be great to share this with the class. |