Final Projects for College Physics with Prof. McCullough:
In general, this project will be something involving the physics we will learn this semester. Anything from the topics we cover is fine; something we don't cover may also work. Group or individual projects are OK, but group projects need to be of bigger scope than individual projects. We can discuss various ideas that interest you and possibilities. Then we will talk throughout the term about what you need to do before the project, the physics involved, how it's going, any problems, etc. Sometime during the last few weeks of class, each group or person will present a short (15 minute) presentation about their project to the rest of the class. I don't need a formal final paper on this, but I will need to get your notes and calculations and such. You'll probably want to be organized and keep a folder or notebook just for this project. That will help both you and me.
I will be asking each group/person to check in with me at least every three weeks or so to make sure things are going all right. See the timeline below. I don't want anyone doing this last minute—that's not acceptable. I'm available for help on any part of the project, including the physics. You are responsible for meeting the deadlines and meeting times; I will not be reminding people about these.
Scoring:
The final exam is worth 200 points, so the final project is worth 200 points. The final counts as two of the scores in the class, so this will count for two of your scores (see your syllabus).
| Difficulty of physics | 20 points |
| Difficulty of project | 20 points |
| Execution/Procedure | 60 points |
| Presentation | 35 points |
| Meeting deadlines/requirements | 35 points |
| Notes/report | 30 points |
Timeline for the project:
| Decide to do a project | by October 5 |
| Decide on topic | by October 12 |
| Meet with Professor | Week of October 8-12 |
| Start working on project | by October 19 |
| Meet with Professor | Week of Oct 29-Nov 2 |
| Meet with Professor | Week of Nov 26-30 |
| Give final presentation | Dec 3-14 |
Possible ideas:
| College Physics I | College Physics II |
| Hot Wheels cars | House wiring |
| Friction in various situations (sledding, skating, etc.) | Telescopes/microscopes/binoculars |
| Pulleys | AC Circuits (vs DC circuits) |
| Energy loss/efficiency | Lights/lighting/dyes/colors |
| Bad physics in movies or books | Bad physics in movies or books |
| Pseudoscience and fake science | Pseudoscience and fake science |
| Life in zero-gravity | Optics of the eye |
| Ballistics (guns, archery) | Black light/UV light |
| Physics demonstrations for class (physical or simulations) | Printing coloring |
| Googling physics/web physics | Optical illusions |
Also think about topics related to your major/program, or that interest you already. Other ideas include historical studies of people or ideas, making a demonstration, or assisting the professor with her research in some area. In the past, students have studied airplanes, roller coasters, lasers, archery, gun ballistics, sledding and many other topics. Presentations have included powerpoint presentations, slides, movies, a printed timeline, or experiments. I'm open to new ideas and new methods of presentation. Be creative!
Grading Rubric:
| 0-25% of possible points | 25-50% | 50-75% | 75-100% | |
| Difficulty of physics | Simple physics well covered in class; nothing new | Physics mostly covered in class with some new material or new application | Mostly new physics or application of what was covered in class; some easier material | Something we didn't cover; deeper look into something we did cover; difficult physics application |
| Difficulty of project | Nothing beyond what was covered in class | Similar to work in class with some new material; small scope project; copying project from web | Taking existing work and going further; mostly new work but not difficult | Significant work past resources/sources; new work |
| Execution/Procedure | Copy/paste material from sources; no synthesis | Little synthesis, mostly pulling together information or small scope project | Pulled together project well but significant problems or mistakes | Well thought out and not last-minute; good job pulling all aspects of project together |
| Presentation | Poorly prepared, very short on time, unprofessional presentation | Short presentation, little interaction, not well prepared, mediocre professionality | Reasonably timed, well prepared, little interaction, mostly professional presentation | Uses time wisely, well prepared, interaction with class, professional presentation |
| Meeting deadlines/requirements | Never met with prof or met only once | Miss 2-3 meetings | Miss 1-2 meetings | Miss 0-1 meeting |
| Notes/report | No notes or report | Only minimal notes; messy; disorganized | Reasonable notes, lacking organization | Good notes, well-organized |