Project Experiences

Fastest Ball Challenge:

Today we carried out an experiment about the angle of a ramp required to make a ball bearing roll across a particular stretch of about one meter at the shortest period of time. We experimented on what particular inclination of the ramp would be the most appropriate for a fast run. During an early briefing, we were given two challenges. The first challenge was to find a particular angle that would make the ball reach the end of the stretch for the shortest period of time. The second challenge is very similar to the first, however with the addition of cooking oil to the stretch, to test whether lubrication would shorten the duration of the run.

During the first challenge, we had to undergo myriads of attempts to see which ramp angle would work best. Angles included are in between a range of 18º to 55º, and for each angle we tested around three to four tries. Despite changing the angles rather dramatically, timing usually remained between 0.62s to 0.72s. A particularly good angle was about 30º or 35º, which took about 0.62s.

Our second challenge was to repeat what we have done in the first experiment. Except with oil on the surface of the track. This was even trickier as we had to factor in the lack of friction into our new measurements.

The competition results have not been released. But we are not hoping for much. 

A difficulty we have faced in this project is the angle. We have continuously calculated the angle wrongly and this led us to over-assuming that we have reached our predicted optimum angle. Also, our lack of knowledge on trigonometry has led us to be unable to calculate the angle using the sine. Thus, we settled to using the height/opposite side of the triangle. 

Extraction of Caffeine from Beverages

Plenary Sessions (Day 1)

1. My Key Learning Points From Each Session.

1.   Plenary session by Prof Kerry Sieh.

Our region: South-East Asia, resides at an extremely earthquake prone area. Many lives are at risk. However, it is possible to estimate when and where the earthquakes might strike. 

By analyzing layers of soil, or dead corrals, we can see layers of sediments brought into the earth through tsunamis, or in the case of corrals, the regions where they have died out in large By carbon-dating these soil samples, we can find out when the tsunamis, which are triggered by earthquakes, have struck.

After a series of analysis, research concluded that earthquakes in these region occur in sets of two. After all, the past hundred years always had an earthquake striking after another, followed by a long period of silence.

As we know there has been a recent earthquake, it is highly probable that another earthquake would follow. Thus, the scientists would then be able to predict and evacuate the people affected by such a thing, saving many lives.

1.   Plenary session by Prof Seah Hock Soon

Math has a very important aspect to play in animations, to increase how realistic it may be or create special effects. For example, calculus is used to create shadows and light, while the laws of physics have to be applied to motion of objects.

There are 2D and 3D animation and one stop. However, 2D is extremely labor intensive, of lower quality, and harder to incorporate special effects, 3D, is less expensive, easier, higher quality, and easy to make special effects. But, it requires specific equipment to carry out.

1. Plenary session by Prof Ma Jan

Nanotechnology is one of the many fields of science. Others include; biotechnology, electronic technology and defense technology. Nanotechnology, however, is the design, fabrication and application of nano (very small) materials.

Nanotechnology is perhaps a whole new frontier of science that humans have begun to breach. Soon, we would be able to manipulate the properties of atomic particles through electronic atomization, make our own elements, who knows what else? We can make nano machines that can detect and destroy tumors from weeks of formation.

Nanotechnology has indeed made interesting progress. We are beginning to manufacture mesoporous materials, high dielectric materials. Hydrothermal engineering, or making of ceramics and carbon fibers are too recent developments.

1. New Questions

Could we ever stop earthquakes, or completely resist them?

Can nanotechnology banish the curse of mortality?