🚀🔍 Embark on a Journey of Discovery: Ignite Your Own Research and Innovation Odyssey! 🌐💡
Are you ready to take the reins of your intellectual curiosity and drive change in areas that matter to you? We invite you to embark on a mini research and innovation project tailored to your passion or a challenge area you're eager to champion or work on an identified area from the STEAM module on Urban Design. There are many pathways to start your research and/or innovator journey here at JPJC:
1) Self-initiated research/innovation project
2) Taking part in research/innovation challenges/competitions (check out KM portal announcements for both in-house and external opportunities!)
1) Identify Your Passion or Challenge:
Choose a topic that genuinely excites you or a challenge you feel passionate about addressing. Your enthusiasm will be the driving force behind your project.
e.g. how does temperature and humidity affects attention span? how can I make use of IoT sensors to create a smart and conducive classroom?
2) Define Clear Objectives:
Clearly outline what you aim to achieve with your project. Whether it's answering a research question, proposing an innovative solution, having well-defined objectives will guide your efforts.
For example, if playing a certain musical instrument is your passion, you might want to conduct experiments to investigate effects on sound production or mood based on different conditions/playing methods, or you might want to tinker with technologies such as 3D printers and microcontrollers to assemble a musical instrument which can be used for a performance.
3) Literature Review:
Dive into existing literature and research related to your chosen area. Understand the current state of knowledge, identify gaps, and use this foundation to inform your project's direction.
4) Formulate Research Questions or Problem Statements:
Craft specific, focused research questions or problem statements that will guide your investigation. These should be aligned with your project objectives and areas of interest.
5) Methodology:
Determine the research methods or approach you'll use. Whether it's surveys, experiments, interviews, or a combination, selecting the right methodology is crucial for collecting meaningful data.
6) Innovation Considerations:
If your project involves innovation, think about the unique aspects or improvements you aim to introduce. How will your project contribute to existing knowledge or offer a novel solution?
7) Create a Project Timeline:
Break down your project into manageable tasks and create a timeline. This will help you stay organized, set deadlines, and ensure steady progress.
8) Data Collection and Analysis:
Collect data systematically and analyze it using appropriate methods. Whether qualitative or quantitative, ensure your analysis aligns with your research questions and project objectives.
9) Iterative Process:
Embrace an iterative approach. As you progress, be open to refining your methods, revisiting your objectives, and adjusting your approach based on insights gained during the project.
10) Documentation and Reflection:
Document every step of your journey. Maintain a detailed project log, record observations, and reflect on the challenges and breakthroughs you encounter. This documentation will be valuable for reporting and future reference. You may use your google-site e-portfolio to document your research/innovation journey or any other platforms of your choice.
11) Share Your Findings/Take part in competitions:
Whether through a report, presentation, or creative medium, share your research and innovations with others. Your insights could inspire, inform, and potentially spark further collaboration.
Use project templates here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1alRO8A3dYNBSPId5xCNS9P4sPhLI1v3U?usp=drive_link
There are in house opportunities to showcase your project (e.g. Innovation Fest). Alternatively, keep a look out for platforms such as Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF), International Elementz competition etc. to compete, present and showcase your projects.
This is your chance to contribute to the pool of knowledge, make a positive impact, and showcase your capacity for innovation. Remember, it's not about the size of the project but the passion and dedication you bring to it. So, seize this opportunity, and let your research and innovation journey begin! 🌟🔬
Showcase of Notable Research Projects
This research project by Michael Napat Koh (23S22) and Kaeden Wong Keng Chong (23S22) explored how mathematics concepts are used in generative AI. It was awarded 3rd Place in the Singapore Mathematics Society Essay Competition 2024.
This research project by Malcolm Koh Ho Siong (23S16) and Bryan Kuok (EJC) explored how deep learning can be used to improve detection of dementia. It was awarded Gold in the Nanyang Research Programme (NRP), and was a finalist for the Singapore Science and Engineering Fair.
This self-initiated research project by Matthew Lee (24S01) explored how data from clinical studies and RNA sequence can be used to identify biomarkers for disease progression. It was awarded Bronze in the International Elementz Competition.
This LSAP research project by Neo Wei Han (24S01) uses various molecular techniques to investigate the presence of immune-related genes in Asian Sea Bass. It was showcased in the Innovation Fest.
This research project by Cherise Fong (24S05) explored how policies and work skills training can be used to improve career adaptability of persons with disabilities. It was awarded Gold in the Nanyang Research Programme (NRP).
This research project by Emilie (24S07) explored the perception of Romance languages in the Singapore context. It was awarded Gold in the Nanyang Research Programme (NRP).
Showcase of Notable Innovation Projects
This Innovation project by Yep Si Jia Jessie (24S20), Kaysha-Lea Binte Khernizam (24S19), Radha Krishnan Kishor (24S12), Lau Yu Jie (24S03) explored how microcontrollers and AI help users compost correctly, reduce contamination and improve biodigester performance. It was presented at various platforms such as Innovation Fest, MOE CCE Engagement Conference.
This Innovation project by Dheekshitha (24S20), Kwan Hwee San (24S20), Mindy Kek Yong Xi (24S20), Thun Kyalsin Soe (24S20), Lam Yi Xi (24S20) explored how patients with OCD can be better supported through an app and wearable tech solution. It was awarded TOP Prize in the Raffles Business Symposium (RBS).
This Innovation project by Jason Chew Jie Seng (24S17), Radha Krishnan Kishor (24S12), Sherlyn Arul Raj (24A01), Ng Jing Wen Natalie (24A05) explored how an innovation app scan support students to be more productive. The team won Best Commercial Video in the JA Company of the Year competition.
1) Is this mini research/innovation project compulsory?
It is optional, and is interest-based. The decision to embark on a research or an innovation project is entirely yours :) Completing a research/innovation project or joining a research/innovation based competition would allow you to qualify for Silver certification. You may make use of the self-directed learning (SDL) days (once every fortnight, even week Thursdays) in Term 2 to embark on your STEAM research and/or innovation project. This is a self-initiated project and you may rope in peers and work as a team.
2) Is it an individual task? Can this be taken as a group project?
You can either take this as an individual task, or as group of like-minded people with the same research/innovation interest :) In fact, you are strongly encouraged to work in groups to have team mates to bounce ideas with, and to explore different perspectives. For external competitions, please do refer to their participation guidelines.
3) I am already taking part in external programmes/competitions etc. Can I use these as my STEAM research/innovation project to qualify for the silver certification?
Yes, you can! :) The in-house research/innovation projects are just another means to provide more opportunities for your self-initiated learning, so if you already have committed to an external competition of the same nature, then that counts as well!
4) Would we be assign teacher mentors for our projects?
No, there would be no teacher mentors assigned for these projects as these are considered self-initiatives and a good training for being resourceful and self-directed. If you would like to tap on specific teacher(s)' expertise, you may approach them directly. Alternatively, we also provide project consultancy and resource support in the form of a MakerSpace :) (check out resources sub-page!)
5) I have an area of interest which I am keen to research/innovate on. However, I think I do not have the expertise and may need more people onboard. How can I reach out?
Fret not! It is heartening to hear that you have an area of interest which you would like to dig deeper! You can ping us on Discord to seek collaborators :)
6) Would there be forms of support like ready resources/equipment where we can loan or workshops where we can pick up skills to help us with our research or innovation projects?
Yes! There are! The STEAM Interest Group will conduct workshops on STEM/STEAM skills which you can pick up relevant research and innovation skills based on your interests and needs. Head over to the events and resources subpages for more info! :)
As for equipment (e.g. access to 3D printer, loaning of Arduino/micro-bit sets, dataloggers), please write in to Ms Foo Fang Fang (foo_fang_fang@moe.edu.sg).
7) How do I submit my research/innovation project?
You may consider submitting your research/innovation projects for competition (e.g. Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF), International Elementz competition) or internal platform during our college Innovation Fest (Term 2). There will be a call for submission of abstract to your proposals sometime in late Term 1.