2016 CRADLΣ Programme Booklet

Transcription

Our most comprehensive
offerings to date
CRADLΣ
PROGRAMME BOOKLET 2016
“Give our students something to do, not something to learn; and the doing is of such a
nature as to demand thinking; learning naturally results.”
- John Dewey
WHAT’S INSIDE...
CRADLS
Find out more about us and our sponsors in this
section.
Physical Science Workshops
With 12 workshops under our belt, we are
committed to impacting student learning through
hands-on experimentation. These hands-on
sessions also aim to enrich students beyond the
school curricula, while linking theory to real life
applications.
14
Research Programme
In order to help more student projects, we
have created another tier of funding. The
comprehensive suite of lectures also provide the
necessary skills required for research.
32
Work Experience Programme
Piloted in June 2014, the WEP is set to stay on.
Read this section for more details.
40
[email protected]
6
Engineering Workshops
Our Microcontroller series has just
expanded! Our new offerings include exciting
Microcontroller Projects that build on the
introductory workshops. Besides these, there are
also skill-based workshops that will level up your
prototyping capabilities.
26
Prototyping & Fabrication Facilities
Check out our list of research-grade equipment
as well as prototyping facilities that are accessible
to CRADLΣ student projects.
36
Professional Development
We have lined up exciting opportunities for
teachers to work with CRADLΣ as well as
workshops and lectures for your professional
development.
15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081
.
MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR
“The experience of how experiments and
engineering designs work – or sometimes
do not work – with immediate, impartial
feedback provided by nature is a powerful
tool for students to test their mental
images and correct misconceptions.”
- A/Prof Lim Tit Meng
Chief Executive & CRADLΣ Director
CRADLΣ was founded from the conviction that learning and true
understanding of a subject requires experience from hands-on practice. With
the establishment of Applied Learning Programmes (ALP) at mainstream
secondary schools, MOE has sent a bold signal in support of this approach,
and CRADLΣ continues to pioneer and innovate by providing experiential
learning opportunities.
The experience of how experiments and engineering designs work – or
sometimes do not work – with immediate, impartial feedback provided by
nature is a powerful tool for students to test their mental images and correct
misconceptions. All students need is some guidance and an opportunity – and
this is what CRADLΣ aims to provide through workshops, research mentorship,
as well as consultation and funding for school-based project work.
Schools and teachers play an obvious key role in students’ learning, and
CRADLΣ wants to help the educator community to always be one step ahead
through professional development activities such as teacher workshops and
learning journeys, as well as through collaborations to bring our hands-on
learning technical know-how and technology to schools.
Thank you for your steadfast belief in our vision and continual support. I am
looking forward to working with you and your students in 2016.
www.facebook.com/CRADLEsci
www.science.edu.sg/CRADLE
3
ABOUT US
CRADLΣ is staffed by a team of scientists, educators and support staff who
share a vision of making science concepts meaningful and show their
relevance through application in hands-on experimentation and engineering
design.
Established in 2012, CRADLΣ has quickly earned a reputation for its highquality programmes. At our prototyping and research lab at Science Centre,
we offer hands-on science and engineering workshops and mentor students
in research projects. Beyond Science Centre, we support hands-on teaching
of science at schools by loaning experimental setups and teaching materials
to schools. As for school-based research projects, we aid project teams via
funding, consultations, and access to specialised equipment in our lab. We
also provide professional development opportunities for teachers and have
partnered selected schools to reach out to you.
While we primarily target the upper secondary school and junior college
community, we have also worked with students and educators from
polytechnics, ITE, and NUS.
Beyond our primary role, we also reach students – through training,
consultations and content development – through events such as the
Singapore Science Festival (SSF), the Singapore Science and Engineering
Challenge (SSEF), MOE’s Science Mentorship Programme (SMP), the National
Science Challenge (NSC), the Singapore International Science Challenge
(SISC), and more.
And while our students may have garnered accolades at events such as
SSEF, the Youth Science Conference, Google Science Fair, or the Imagination
Destination competition, what really counts is when they realise that, in the
words of one of them, textbook math/science concepts are “actually good
for something”, and inspire them to be the creators and innovators who will
build our future. Or, to put it in the words of another student,
“We do not do this for a competition. We do this because SCIENCE IS FUN!”
4
[email protected]
.
OUR SPONSORS
A*STAR is the lead agency for fostering worldclass scientific research and talent for a vibrant
knowledge-based
and
innovation-driven
Singapore.
A*STAR supports Singapore’s key economic
clusters by providing intellectual, human and
industrial capital to its partners in industry.
It also supports extramural research in the
universities, hospitals, research centres, and
with other local and international partners.
Singapore’s national defence R&D organization,
DSO National Laboratories create the critical
edge in defence technology to multiply the
SAF’s combat capabilities.
The Ministry of Education directs the formulation
and implementation of education policies. It has
control of the development and administration
of the Government and Government-aided
primary schools, secondary schools, junior
colleges, and a centralized institute.
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PHYSICAL
SCIENCES
07 Digital Oscilloscopes
07 Diffusion Cloud Chamber
08 Fuel Cells
08 Measuring Magnetic Field Strength
09 Measuring the Speed of Light
10 Refracting Telescope
10 Speed of Sound
* denotes workshop is only available for JC
[email protected]
11 Superconductivity
11 Balmer Series
& Bohr’s Atomic Model *
12 Diffraction as a Metrology Tool *
13 Electronic Structure of
Semiconductors *
13 Optical Spectroscopy *
.
DIGITAL OSCILLOSCOPES
$15
2h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
Karl Ferdinand Braun pioneered the science and engineering of wireless
communications using early oscilloscopes (Nobel prize 1909), and ever since
oscilloscopes have been among the most basic and useful instruments in
physics and engineering labs. Over the last decade, traditional cathode ray
oscilloscopes have largely given way to digital oscilloscopes, which offer a
plethora of additional functions that widen their versatility.
“Oscilloscope literacy” is a key skill for practical exploration of fast processes
– be it for simple demonstration/observation of scientific phenomena or for
school-based research work.
DIFFUSION CLOUD CHAMBER
$15
2h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
What does meteorology have to do with particle physics? In this workshop,
participants will learn how a serendipitous observation led to the development
of the cloud chamber particle detector by Charles Wilson (Nobel prize 1927).
“The most wonderful and original instrument in scientific history”, as Lord
Rutherford, the “father of nuclear physics”, called it, enabled further work
resulting in several other Nobel prizes.
7
FUEL CELLS
$20
3h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
Fuel cells, like batteries, are electrochemical generators that can power
electrical devices. Unlike batteries, the fuel is readily replaceable/refillable.
By avoiding the moving machinery of regular generators, fuel cells can be
more energy efficient. By doing away with disposable parts and choosing the
right fuel, waste products and carbon emissions can be greatly reduced or
even completely eliminated.
Well established in the high-tech sector such as spacecraft construction for
decades, fuel cells are becoming more main stream and hold great promises
in today’s global relentless search for the demand and supply of clean energy.
In the workshop, participants will get an overview of different fuel cell
technologies and investigate the operation and characteristics of a hydrogenpowered proton membrane exchange (PEM) fuel cell.
MEASURING MAGNETIC FIELD STRENGTH
$20
3h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
Besides gravity, electromagnetism is the next most encountered force in our
everyday life. It is of immense practical importance and underlies numerous
innovations that propelled humanity into the modern age – e.g. electricity
generation (motors and transformers), modern communications and optics.
Participants in this workshop will explore the relation between static magnetic
fields, electrical currents, and forces resulting from their interaction, and will
apply it to determine the magnetic field constant and the strength of Earths’
magnetic field. The methods used are of high relevance to “current events” as
the international system of units and measurements (SI) is expected to switch
to electromagnetic methods for defining base units such as the kilogramme
in the near future.
8
[email protected]
.
MEASURING THE SPEED OF LIGHT
$20
3h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
19th century experiments (e.g. by Michelson and Morley) and new
theoretical approaches (Lorentz/Einstein) established the speed of light, c,
as a fundamental property that ties together space-time, the fabric of the
universe. The speed of light is hence not just of great importance in the fields
of optics and astronomy, but also fundamental for the microscopic structure
of the world, e.g. in quantum physics. The speed of light also lies at the heart
of everyday measurements: since 1983, the SI unit for length, the metre, is
derived from the speed of light.
In this workshop, participants will determine the speed of light by measuring
the minuscule amount of time it takes to travel across the experimental
setup. This workshop is also available in an advanced version that further
investigates experimental techniques needed for high-speed measurements.
9
REFRACTING TELESCOPE (available Q2 ‘16)
$30
3h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
A refracting telescope uses lenses to gather and focus light, mainly from the
visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, to create a magnified image
from distant object for direct viewing. Hans Lippershey has been credited as
inventing the refracting telescope in 1608. Galileo Galilei further improved
the design in 1609 allowing him to view a third of the Moon.
Today telescopes are used for activities such as astronomy, watching sports
or performing arts.
SPEED OF SOUND
$20
3h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
We use sound for numerous purposes such as to communicate with people,
for entertainment (music and movies) and even as a second form of sight. In
physics, sound is an excellent model for introducing wave phenomena since
it is easily experienced by ear and has wavelengths that are very convenient
for bench top experiments. The concepts encountered in this workshop are
directly transferable to other waves, including advanced research.
Workshop participants will determine the speed of sound by measuring the
time it takes a sound pulse to travel a given distance, and will be able to observe
related phenomena such as reflections. In the optional advanced verison of
this workshop, participants also observe standing waves and resonances and
use them in alternative methods to obtain the speed of sound.
10
[email protected]
.
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY
$20
3h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
The electrical conductivity of certain materials changes dramatically as they
are cooled to sufficiently low temperatures. In 1911, Heike Kamerlingh-Onnes
(Nobel Prize 1913) found that some materials might enter a state where
electrical resistance completely disappears. While in this superconducting
state, quantum mechanical effects in the material manifest themselves at the
macroscopic scale, in the form of zero electrical resistance, as well as perfect
diamagnetic properties (resulting in Meissner levitation).
In this workshop, participants will measure the change of electrical resistance
of a sample as it is slowly cooled down to liquid nitrogen temperature, and
witness the transition to the superconducting state.
BALMER SERIES & BOHR’S ATOMIC MODEL
$20
3h
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
Soon after the introduction of spectral analysis in the 19th century, an
empirical relation for the wavelengths of spectral lines of hydrogen atoms was
found (Rydberg formula). The physical reason for this relation only became
clear with the introduction of a naive quantum mechanical model of the
hydrogen atom by Niels Bohr (Nobel Prize 1922). While Bohr’s atomic model
is not quite right from today’s perspective, it introduces key characteristics of
quantum physics (e.g. de Broglie waves, Nobel prize 1929) at a level that is
easily within JC students’ reach.
In this workshop, participants will use a diffraction setup to determine the
wavelengths of spectral lines emitted by a hydrogen lamp. Through data
analysis, they will be able to determine the Rydberg constant and even
identify the quantum numbers of the atomic energy levels involved in the
light emission process.
11
DIFFRACTION AS A METROLOGY TOOL
$20
3h
> 10
< 24
JC 1, 2
The study of light has been a major topic since the time of the ancient Greeks.
In early 18th century, Sir Isaac Newton proposed that light must be made up
of particles to explain its straight-line propagation. It wasn’t until the early
19th century that the wave theory of light gained popularity when Thomas
Young demonstrated diffraction effects using two closely spaced slits. This laid
the foundation for a modern understanding of optics, including breakthrough
applications like crystal/molecular structure analysis using X-ray diffraction
(Laue and Bragg/Bragg, Nobel prizes 1914 and 1915, and many more Nobel
prizes).
In this workshop, participants observe diffraction patterns and analyse them
to obtain information such as the wavelength of light, the thickness of a hair,
or how densely data is packed on an optical disc.
12
[email protected]
Optical Spectroscopy workshop
.
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE OF SEMICONDUCTORS
$20
3h
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
Semiconductors are the building blocks in almost all modern electronics
(radios, televisions, computers, cell phones) that we use in our everyday
lives. While devices using semiconductors were first built based on empirical
knowledge, understanding the behaviour of semiconductors, through singleelectron models such as the valence band / conduction band model, has been
pivotal in the construction of more capable, efficient and reliable devices.
In this workshop, participants will learn about the band model of
semiconductors, Pauli’s exclusion principle and Fermi energy, and how this
results in the rectifying action of a semiconductor diode described by the
Shockley equation (Nobel prize 1956). Through measurements of the currentvoltage characteristics of diodes at different temperatures, both the band gap
of the semiconductor material and the charge of an electron will be obtained.
OPTICAL SPECTROSCOPY
$30
3h
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
Spectroscopy is a class of techniques that investigates how radiation
(such as, but not limited to light) is affected by interactions with matter.
Our understanding of the micro- and macro-cosmos is largely based on
spectroscopic observations. Spectroscopic techniques are also everyday
characterization tools in materials science, chemistry, physics, life sciences,
astronomy, and more and are taught early in chemistry.
This workshop has close links to our workshops on diffraction and Bohr’s
atomic model, but focuses on qualitative characteristics of optical spectra
and how they are linked to the atomic/molecular structure of materials.
Participants will be able to bring home their spectroscopes to research on
other light sources.
13
ENGINEERING
15 Microcontrollers Part 1
16 Laser Piano ^
17 Distance & Motion Sensing
17 Datalogging
18 Laser Satellite
18 Bluetooth Robotics
20 Infinity Mirror ^
20 IR Remote Control ^
21 RFID Door Locking Mechanism
22 Robot Arm
22 Audio Spectrum Analyser
23 Stroboscope ^
23 Waveform Generator ^
24 Electronics Workshop
25 Basic Soldering & PCB Manufacture
25 2D CAD Design & Laser Cutting
^ denotes workshop requires Basic Soldering & PCB Manufacture prerequisite
[email protected]
.
MICROCONTROLLERS PART 1
$20
3h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
Microcontrollers are integrated circuits (IC) chips that are able to process
input and control machines and devices based on their written program. One
example is the rice cooker. A microcontroller in the cooker controls the heating
coil and with its array of sensors, emulates the manual cooking of rice on a
stove. In our current lifestyle, it is rare to find a product that does not involve
a microcontroller at some stage of its operation. In this part, participants will
have a deeper understanding of microcontrollers by programming simple
circuits.
$20
3h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
Microcontrollers 1
Building on the previous workshop, participants will be introduced to
concepts such as data types and variables, allowing them to shorten the
sketch considerably. In the software section, they will be acquainted with loop
programming syntax. The in-built components in the Arduino board will also
be utilised through software, in order to minimize the external components
required. At the end, participants will try to replicate a home mood lighting
system.
15
LASER PIANO
$55
6h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 20
Microcontrollers 1
Soldering Wkshop
Using lasers as triggers, this simple yet exotic piano teaches participants the
basics of how electronic pianos work. Participants will be able to learn, build
and bring home their handcrafted pianos after the workshop, allowing for
further enhancements and refinements.
$20
3h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
Microcontrollers 2
Ever wondered how an automated venting system works? Imagine yourself
building a smart fan that can sense the temperature and work the motor
accordingly, while triggering a range of actuators. Besides this, participants
will also pick up useful concepts such as objects, functions and learn how to
utilise libraries. In the process, they will learn to write a simple self-defined
function too. This workshop will provide insight on how to dissect a project
into manageable parts and recombine them later into a final product.
16
[email protected]
.
DISTANCE & MOTION SENSING
$30
3h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 20
Microcontrollers 2
In this workshop, participants will learn about the science behind the
different distance and motion sensors and integrate them with components
learnt in the Introduction series to come up with real life applications. Further
applications to these sensors can be found in the field of robotics.
DATALOGGING
$30
3h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 20
Microcontrollers 2
Data logging is a common application in many science laboratories. In this
workshop, participants will learn how to integrate micro-controllers, sensors
and data storage devices to make their very own data loggers. The final activity
will see participants designing and building their own air quality monitoring
system that logs data as well as sound an alarm once the threshold values of
certain variables are crossed.
17
LASER SATELLITE
$30
3h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 20
Microcontrollers 2
Lasers are used in many fields, ranging from medical to entertainment to
industrial. In this workshop, we will look at serial communications and how
laser light is used in wireless data transmission. Thereafter, participants will
build and program their own laser satellite dish capable of communicating
with an “orbiting” satellite.
BLUETOOTH ROBOTICS
$80
6h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
>8
< 12
Microcontrollers 3
Robotics is a fast growing industry that is estimated to be worth tens of billions
of dollars. In this basic introductory workshop to robotics, participants will be
exposed to building and programming an in-house robotics platform which
will be controlled by an Android interface via Bluetooth communications.
Working principles of components will be taught and programming modular
behaviours for semi-autonomous robots may be explored if time permits.
18
[email protected]
.
Laser Piano
Infinity
Mirror
Stroboscope
Bluetooth Robotics
Actual artefacts may differ from illustration shown above.
19
INFINITY MIRROR
$60
6h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 20
Microcontrollers 3
Soldering Wkshop
Employing a clever optical trick, viewers are led to believe that there are
multiple layers of LEDs in the installation when there is only a single layer.
This is due to the physical phenomenon of multiple reflections, resulting in
a psychedelic experience. Adding interactivity to the mix, distance sensors
will alter the colour of the LED lights based on the proximity of the viewers.
Participants will be able to take home the final product as a souvenir from
this workshop.
INFRARED REMOTE CONTROL
$50
6h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
>8
< 12
Microcontrollers 3
Soldering Wkshop
In this workshop, participants will learn to use the oscilloscope to look at
the frequency modulation of existing remote controls before embarking on
hands-on work to program and fabricate their own “learning” infrared remote
control that can decipher and replicate the signals of existing remote controls.
Participants will be able to bring back the prototype after the workshop.
20
[email protected]
.
RFID DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM
$40
3h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 20
Microcontrollers 3
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification and this multi-billion dollar
industry has permeated almost every aspect of our lives. From its humble
beginnings of replacing the barcode for improved inventory tracking, it has
evolved its use to anti-theft tags, credit cards, ez-link cards, access cards, etc.
Even our passports and identity cards house a RFID chip!
Increasingly, door locking mechanisms have RFID card keys that replace
traditional metal keys. In this workshop, we will explore RFID technology and
build a simple door locking mechanism with our unique card key.
Introduction
to Microcontroller 1www.science.edu.sg/CRADLE
workshop
21
ROBOT ARM
$40
3h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 20
Microcontrollers 3
Robotic arms are a common sight in many factories - automotive, IC chips,
hand phones - with the move towards increasing productivity. In the near
future, these arrays of robot arms will eventually replace human labour in
most assembly lines. It is therefore crucial that we understand how they
work and be able to further improve on the arms. In this project, participants
will utilize stepper and servo motors to build a robot arm that is capable of
picking small objects and moving them around.
AUDIO SPECTRUM ANALYSER
$40
3h
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 20
Microcontrollers 3
Spectrum analysers have always lent itself well to audio analysis. Examples
include studying the noise characteristics of acoustic environments, measuring
the frequency characteristics of recorded audio and even as a learning aid
for professional singing! Through this project, participants will gain a better
understanding of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and the inner workings of a
spectrum analyser.
22
[email protected]
.
STROBOSCOPE
$120
9h
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 20
Microcontrollers 3
Soldering Wkshop
Ever seen a rotating object “freeze” in its tracks? That will be possible with a
stroboscope. A stroboscope is a device that produces brief pulses of bright light
at a user-defined frequency. When matched with the rotational frequency of
an object, the object will seem to have frozen. This allows for technicians /
engineers to observe machinery while they are still in operation!
Besides this application, it is also commonly used to measure the rotational
speed of objects, or create visually stunning effects for exhibits. Participants
will learn the programming as well as assemble a stroboscope from scratch.
They will also get to keep the final product!
WAVEFORM GENERATOR
$120
9h
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 20
Microcontrollers 3
Soldering Wkshop
Waveform generators play a significant role in scientific experiments, especially
where electronics are used in the instrumentation. Examples include our inhouse experiments “Measuring the Speed of Light” and “Speed of Sound”.
However, in most situations, their usage is rather specific to a small band of
frequencies. Hence, by programming your own waveform generator, you will
be able to significantly reduce the cost of the experiment, while retaining the
critical functions!
This projects aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to build their
very own waveform generators, with the outputs verified using researchgrade digital oscilloscopes.
23
ELECTRONICS WORKSHOP
$80
6h
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
Electronics is a key enabling technology of the modern age. However, while
electronic gadgets gradually permeate our lives, few have an understanding
or appreciation of what makes them tick. Moreover, educational electronics
kits in the market are often focused on following assembly instructions rather
than understanding the circuit design.
In this workshop, participants will construct several basic electronic circuits,
experimentally investigate their behaviour using relevant test equipment and
model some through systematic application of elementary circuit theory.
Participants will thus gain experience through worked examples how to
systematically design/modify and debug circuitry employing sound science
and engineering principles.
Components used include resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, and
operational amplifier chips.
24
[email protected]
.
BASIC SOLDERING & PCB MANUFACTURE
$35
3h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
A staple in electronics, Soldering and PCB Manufacture aim to equip
participants with skills that allow them to transfer their electronic prototypes
from a breadboard onto a strip board. This is necessary if the circuit is to be
made smaller and more rugged. Participants will be exposed to the different
types of IC chip packages so as to make informed choices when designing
their PCB circuits. They will also get a taste of soldering SMD chips and be
exposed to the PCB manufacture process.
Do note that this workshop is a prerequisite for some of the Engineering
Workshops.
2D CAD DESIGN & LASER CUTTING
$30
3h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 10
< 24
Laser cutting machines are fairly common quick-prototyping tools, allowing
researchers and engineers the capability to try out multiple designs in a short
time. However, in order to create meaningful and customized designs, users
must know how to create and manipulate the .dxf files.
In this workshop, users will be taught the skills to kick start their creative
designing and output the essential files.
25
RESEARCH
27 A*CSRG Funding (Tier 1 & 2)
28 Past Projects
29 What Makes a Good Science &
Engineering Project?
29 Literature Review
30 Methodology & Data Collection
30 Data Analysis
[email protected]
31 Writing a Scientific Report
31 Scientific Poster & Presentation Skills
.
A*STAR-CRADLΣ STUDENT RESEARCH GRANT
Sponsored by A*STAR, the grant is introduced to provide funding support
to young, curious minds in their journey of scientific exploratory work and
research. Project teams can apply to CRADLΣ for funding, which can be
used for equipment, consumables and facilities usage necessary for their
innovation and/or research projects. Project applications will be evaluated
based on their quality, feasibility, scientific rigor and impact.
In May 2014, the funding is split into 2 tiers - Tier 1 (up to $2000) and Tier 2
(up to $200). As the review and approval period for Tier 1 funding may require
a month, applicants may choose to utilize Tier 2 funds in the meantime.
Tier 1 (up to $2000)
Tier 2 (up to $200)
Proposal
literature review,
methodology & budget
project description &
budget
Approval period
~ 1 month
~ 1 week
Interim reports
(project & expenses)
every 3 months from
commencement
N.A.
Upon completion ^
to submit:
to submit:
list of expenses
list of expenses
original receipts
original receipts
written report (APA format) written report
Application forms and Terms of Acceptance (ToA) can be found on our webpage.
^ Unused funds must be returned to Science Centre Board via cheque or bank transfer.
27
PAST PROJECTS
• To investigate the strength and
water resistance of paper made
from fibres of different fruits
• The effectiveness of an organic
anti-bacterial spray as a repellent
to common bacteria found on
table-tops
• The effect of different components
of swimming pool water on the
tensile strength and physical
external surface of hair
• Investigation of chitosan graphene
oxide composite in water filtration
• Harvesting sound energy to
electricity
• The development of an open-source
low cost bioprinter and standard
protocol for bioprinting
• To investigate common materials
that can be re-used / recycled as
effective oil sorbents
• Recycling natural organics into
useful bio-materials
• Characterization of gold
nanoparticles generated from a
sputter-coat machine
• To investigate electrical power
generation from a solid-state heat
pump
• New piezoelectric energy harvester
design to produce high power at
low frequency
• Energy harvester design to produce
high power output from composite
PFCB cantilever at low frequency
for the same magnitude of external
vibration
28
[email protected]
• Mechanism for antibacterial activity
of ctriporin
• Development of a fluxgate
magnetometer
• Acoustic modes and resonances
• Removal of oil pollutants from
clean water by using biodegradable,
reuseable eco-friendly materials
• Alternative and modified SODIS
water treatment methods
• Investigation and fabrication of
superhydrophobic surfaces
• Light capture device for solar cells
• Design, characterisation and
optimization of a human-motionbased renewable energy harvesting
system
• Investigating the efficiency of a
home made solar reflector
• Morphological studies of leaded vs
lead-free solder
• Haze detection / characterisation
through light scattering
• Medicinal plants and fungi
• Increasing the protein level
of shiitake mushrooms as an
alternative for vegetarians
• Investigate the ability of mushrooms
to assimilate and concentrate the
radioactive material
• Special characteristics of the dri-fit
material
• Exploring the efficiency, feasibility
and environmental effects of locallyproduced biofuels
• Using DNA Barcoding to identify
food ingredients
.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
PROJECT?
$0 @ Science Centre
$100 @ Schools
1h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 80
< 200
Aerospace engineer and scientist Theodore von Kármán, who directed
the Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory at Caltech and was involved in
founding NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is credited with formulating a
simple distinction between science and engineering, which is “science seeks
to understand what is, while engineering seeks to create what never was”.
While the goal of science is fundamentally different from that of engineering,
they both depend on each other in order for scientists and engineers to come
up with new useful applications. In this talk, the speaker will share his/her
view on the qualities that increase the chances of a project to result in good
science and successful engineering.
LITERATURE REVIEW
$0 @ Science Centre
$100 @ Schools
1h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 80
< 200
How often have you embarked on research project in earnest before
discovering that it is fundamentally flawed? Or try to decipher a scientific
journal but is unable to make any sense of it? Good research builds on previous
findings in order not to waste resources and cleverly avoid past mistakes.
Hence Literature Review is a vital skill for all budding researchers. This lecture
will also cover some search engine key phrases to help sift through that
mountain of online information.
29
METHODOLOGY & DATA COLLECTION
$0 @ Science Centre
$100 @ Schools
1h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 80
< 200
A well thought action plan for your research is half the battle won. Just as
important are the types of data collected, how the right type of data will
give your solution more depth and credibility. Learn the ways to plan your
research as well as the types of data that can / should be collected.
DATA ANALYSIS
$0 @ Science Centre
$100 @ Schools
1h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 80
< 200
How can we make use of data to gain insight on what is happening in our
experiment? The answer is data analysis. In this lecture, students will have
a better understanding of how to discover important patterns in the data
collected, how to interpret and then communicate your results to have the
biggest possible impact. Students will also learn some of the basic statistical
methods like mean, standard deviation and t-test, which will be useful when
discussing their research project.
30
[email protected]
.
WRITING A SCIENTIFIC REPORT
$0 @ Science Centre
$100 @ Schools
1h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 80
< 200
Scientific reports can serve to both document and communicate research.
The quality of writing can greatly affect the perception and reader response
towards the underlying research – and a poorly written article may even be
rejected for publication in reputable journals. Good scientific writing also
follows a somewhat different set of rules than literary prose. This talk will
highlight what information needs to be captured in a report, and how it can
be presented to meet the expectations of potential readers and reviewers
alike.
SCIENTIFIC POSTER & PRESENTATION SKILLS
$0 @ Science Centre
$100 @ Schools
1h
Sec 3, 4
JC 1, 2
> 80
< 200
Scientific presentations are sometimes referred to as “oral papers” – yet anyone
who had to suffer watching a presenter read out his / her latest publication
to an audience can attest that requirements for an oral presentation are
different from a written report. This talk will provide some pointers on how
to get the essential science across while keeping the audience alert.
31
PROTOTYPING
FABRICATION
33 Electronics & Mechanical
Prototyping
33 Electronic Instrumentation
34 Fourier Transform InfraRed
Spectrometer (FTIR)
34 Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)
[email protected]
35 Laser Cutting Machine
35 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
.
ELECTRONICS & MECHANICAL PROTOTYPING
Electronics complement mechanical designs and are an important enabling
technology for experimental science and engineering. CRADLΣ has electronic
tools and components to prototype and build both simple and advanced
circuits – from basic voltage dividers through precision analogue signal
processing circuits to microprocessor-controlled scientific equipment!
CRADLΣ also has a variety of mechanical tools to create engineering prototypes
and experimental apparatuses for scientific research. In our line up, the mill,
lathe and 3D printer, together with other power tools allow us to quickly
create a plethora of prototypes. There is also a chemical etch tank and UV
exposure unit for Printed Circuit Board manufacture.
3D Printer usage
$6 / h
chargeable in 30-min blocks
* indicated pricing is for recognized student research projects only, it may
vary otherwise.
ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTATION
Electronic instruments are versatile building blocks for experimental research,
and participants of our workshops will know how they can make advanced
experiments almost child’s play. CRADLΣ has a collection of basic to advanced
test & measurement equipment useful for research and development in
science and engineering. Just as important, CRADLΣ has extensive know-how
and can advise on the application, as well as train students in the use of such
equipment.
Equipment list:
Lock-In Amplifier
Current and Voltage Preamplifiers
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
High Voltage Power Supply
RF (radio frequency) Signal Generator Ultrasonic Cleaner
Cathode Ray Oscilloscope
Dry Cabinet
Digital Multimeter
Sputter Coater
Digital Oscilloscope
Spectrum Analyzer
33
FOURIER TRANSFORM INFRARED SPECTROMETER
(FTIR)
While optical spectra are typically indicative of the electronic structure of
a sample, infrared (IR) spectra mainly reflects vibrational modes and their
associated energies of a molecule which allows for functional groups in
a molecule to be inferred. Therefore, IR spectroscopy is a useful tool for
characterisation in chemistry, food and environmental science, forensics,
microelectronics, etc.
FTIR has a specific measurement method that makes use of a Michelson
interferometer to generate the raw data which is processed through Fourier
Transformation to obtain the spectrum. FTIR can also have an ATR (attenuated
total reflection) attachment that allows direct examination of samples (solids
or aqueous solutions) without preparation.
FTIR usage
Email for advice on pricing and availability
ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPE (AFM)
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) obtains ultra-high resolution images of
surfaces by mechanically scanning an ultra-sharp tip across the sample.
CRADLΣ’s AFM allows operation both in static and dynamic modes, and in
ambient as well as in liquid. AFM work requires patience, but can provide
unique information about the nano-scale properties of a sample.
AFM usage
34
Email for advice on pricing and availability
[email protected]
.
LASER CUTTING MACHINE
Our computer-controlled laser cutter is able to cut and/or engrave both
simple and complex 2-dimensional shapes, with a precision of a fraction of
a millimetre. The shapes to be cut are described by files generated using
computer aided design (CAD) software. Since cutting does not involve
powerful motors or sharp tools, the laser cutter is very safe to use.
3-dimensional structures can be built by assembling 2-dimensional parts.
Compared to 3D printing, laser cutting is typically much faster, precise and
reliable, and learning to use 2D design software is much easier than 3D design
software.
Our laser cutter has a bed size of 45 by 60 cm. The preferred material to be
cut is acrylic sheet (up to about 8 mm thickness); some other materials such
as corrugated cardboard are also suitable. Please enquire regarding other
materials.
Laser Cutter usage
$30 / h
vary otherwise.
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE (SEM)
CRADLΣ’s research-grade scanning electron microscope is available for
student research use (including school-based projects) at highly subsidised
rates. Capabilities include high vacuum and low vacuum modes, secondary
and backscattered electron detection, and elemental analysis by energydispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The SEM is a fast and extremely useful
micro-characterization tool for dry samples.
SEM usage
$20 / h
vary otherwise.
35
W O R K
EXPERIENCE
37 Introduction & Past Clientele
38 Past Projects
39 2016 Workflow & Timeline
[email protected]
.
INTRODUCTION & PAST CLIENTELE
CRADLΣ’s Work Experience Program (WEP) aims to allow students to work
on mini-research or engineering type projects over a course of 2 weeks. The
aim is to expose students to a research / engineering environment under
the guidance of our team of Research Mentors. Through this exposure,
students will be able to apply their knowledge from the curriculum to real
life applications, from prototype to final product. This is also meant to be
a catalyst for their interest in STEM-related fields. Since it’s inception, the
program saw a total of 60 applicants vying for 19 project offerings.
We are proud to have worked with students from the following schools:
PJC
AJC
CHS
NYJC
SCSS
ACJC
TPJC
TKGS
TJC
VJC
37
PAST PROJECTS
“I liked the flexibility to explore different
ways of constructing the machine and the
freedom to work with different materials
and tools, allowing us to brainstorm on
other ways of building the machine, and
not following the standard way of building
one.”
-Su En (Wimshurst Machine)
“It was satisfying to read up, learn,
engineer, predict and test it. It was quite
nice that our anechoic chamber seemed to
work better than expected!”
- Loh Yi Fong (Anechoic Chamber)
“I realised how essential it is to plan our
circuits and draw an overview of the process
before embarking on anything hands-on.”
- Harshita (Ultrasonic Motion Sensor)
“The key learning point that I took away from
this project will be to never ever give up when
things go wrong.”
- Chua Thiam Kok (Ultrasonic Motion Sensor)
38
[email protected]
.
2016 WORKFLOW & TIMELINE
Period of WEP 1: 21st Nov 2016 to 2nd Dec 2016
Period of WEP 2: 5th Dec 2016 to 16th Dec 2016
Deadline
Action
by 12th Aug 2016
CRADLΣ to email WEP offerings (Phase 1) to schools.
Schools to advertise and get student sign-ups.
Schools to email scanned application forms to CRADLΣ.
If a project is oversubscribed, mentors will conduct a
selection interview.
CRADLΣ to email WEP results (Phase 1) to schools.
by 29th Aug 2016
by 9th Sep 2016
by 13th Sep 2016
by 23rd Sep 2016
by 28th Sep 2016
CRADLΣ to email WEP offerings (Phase 2) to schools.
Students to choose from remaining projects.
Schools to email scanned application forms to CRADLΣ.
CRADLΣ to email WEP results (Phase 2) to schools.
21st Nov 2016
2nd Dec 2016
by 2nd Dec 2016
Start of WEP 1.
End of WEP 1.
Submission of written report and interview questionnaire to
CRADLΣ (WEP 1 groups).
5th Dec 2016
16th Dec 2016
by 16th Dec 2016
Start of WEP 2.
End of WEP 2.
Submission of written report and interview questionnaire to
CRADLΣ (WEP 2 groups).
Things to note: 1. Application for the WEP does not guarantee acceptance.
2. Incomplete application forms will not be considered. 3. There is no compensation / pay during the period of the program.
4. Applicants are to read the Code of Conduct and adhere to the conditions stated. Important for schools:
The student must submit an individual written report and interview questionnaire by
the above stated deadline. Failure to comply may result in the school being blacklisted
from future WEPs.
39
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
41 Resource Development
42 How to Effectively Mentor Your
Students?
43 Introduction to Raspberry Pi
43 Camberry Workshop
[email protected]
44 School-based Workshops
46 2016 Workshop Schedule
.
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT ATTACHMENT (RDA)
Teachers are our valued force-multipliers who have the potential to impact
many students over the course of their careers. Hence, CRADLΣ has started
a new initiative that welcome teachers with an aptitude for science research
and engineering. Interested teachers can apply to CRADLΣ for an attachment.
Applicants will be working closely with our Research Mentors to develop
experimental kits for their classes or explore scientific concepts by conducting
mini research projects. Either way, CRADLΣ hopes to inspire teachers to
increase the hands-on experimentation in schools.
Application forms for Resource Development Attachments can be obtained online.
41
HOW TO EFFECTIVELY MENTOR YOUR STUDENTS
$0
1h
Teachers
> 10
< 120
A careful choice of a problem and some resourcefulness allow solid research
to be conducted in a school lab. Good teacher mentors are invaluable to guide
students on this journey of discovery – from the planning stage to final writeup. This talk for teachers discusses scoping and planning realistic school-based
research projects, finding resources cheap (or even free), valuable resources
that schools may already have without knowing, and where to find advice.
42
[email protected]
.
INTRODUCTION TO RASPBERRY PI
$50
3h
Teachers
(available Q2 ‘16)
> 10
< 20
With over 5 million sold worldwide, the low-cost, credit card sized, Raspberry
Pi is quickly becoming the de-facto standard for educating kids in programming
languages like Python. It is capable of everything a typical desktop computer
can do and more.
This introduction will equip participants with the necessary skills to code in
Python and make use of the basic features of the Pi. At the end of the lesson,
they will be prepared to start building simple projects.
CAMBERRY WORKSHOP
$50
3h
Teachers
(available Q2 ‘16)
> 10
< 20
Introduction to
Raspberry Pi
Leveraging on the Raspberry’s imaging processing capabilities, participants
will be able to use the camera for a variety of functions. In this workshop,
we will prototype a facial recognition door lock mechanism and an intruder
alarm.
43
SCHOOL-BASED WORKSHOPS
Because of our strong belief in the value of our workshops, we decided to
partner schools and impact as many students as possible. After an intense
period of brainstorming, the School-based Workshop (SBW) scheme was
conceived and it managed to bypass many of the logistical issues commonly
encountered by schools - time constraints, transport arrangement and cost.
The main concept of SBW is that school teachers are the core driving force
for experiential learning in class. By allowing teachers the use of the CRADLΣ
equipment and kits, it is possible to give every student in the level the
opportunity to experience our workshops.
In 2015, a Junior College purchased our Diffraction kits to equip their 3
Physics labs. Over the course of 2 weeks, every JC 1 student has undergone
the Diffraction workshop as part of their JC Physics curriculum. This saved
them the hassle of having to ferry hundreds of students to Science Centre for
the workshops. As part of professional development, all the science teachers
and lab technicians were trained for the workshop as well. At the end, the
cost of the SBW per student is less than half of CRADLΣ’s published rate (not
taking into account that it can be reused for future cohorts of students).
Besides purchasing the kits, schools can choose to rent the kits for a 2-week
period instead. This lessens the inventory overhead while enabling the school
to conduct multiple workshops for its students at a very reasonable price.
On the facing page, some generic points pertinent to SBW are shown. The full
details will still have to be discussed and finalised prior to implementation.
To find out more about this exciting mode of workshop delivery or CRADLΣ
partnership opportunities, please contact CRADLΣ for more information.
44
[email protected]
.
CONFIRMATION & INVOICING
School decides
on a workshop,
preferred scheme
and teacher
training period.
CRADLΣ sends an
official quotation
to school.
(Lead time
~3 months)
School accepts
quotation and
CRADLΣ to
invoice school
on last day of
workshop.
Equipment / kits
will be set up
at least 3 hours
prior to the first
lesson.
(rentals only)
Equipment / kits
will be removed
within 1 week
after the last
workshop.
(rentals only)
LOGISTICS & TRAINING
Teacher training
conducted at
least 1 week
before the
lesson.
REPAIRS & REPLACEMENTS
School staff
to inspect
equipment / kits
upon arrival for
faults.
After hand-over,
any damage due
to negligence will
be chargeable.
Replacements
for damaged
units will be done
within 3 working
days.
Pictures may
be taken for
publication
purposes.
School will need
to furnish a
certified report
of the number of
participants.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
CRADLΣ staff
may observe
a few lessons
for internal
assessment.
45
2016 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES
Refracting Telescope
$50
3h
> 10
< 20
Science Teachers
Balmer Series & Bohr’s Atomic Model
$50
3h
> 10
< 20
Science Teachers
3h
> 10
< 20
Science Teachers
Fuel Cells
$50
Measuring Magnetic Field Strength
$50
> 10
< 20
3h
Science Teachers
Diffusion Cloud Chamber & Superconductivity (abridged version)
$70
> 10
< 20
5h
Science Teachers
Diffraction & Optical Spectroscopy (abridged version)
$70
> 10
< 20
5h
Science Teachers
Measuring Speed of Light & Speed of Sound (abridged version)
$70
5h
Electronics Workshop
$100
6h
> 10
< 20
Science Teachers
> 10
< 20
Science Teachers
Basic Soldering & PCB Manufacture
$50
3h
> 10
< 20
2D CAD Design & Laser Cutting
$50
46
3h
> 10
< 20
[email protected]
Teachers involved in project work, DnT,
STEM ALP, Science / Infocomm Club CCA.
.
Introduction to Microcontrollers 1 & 2 (abridged version)
$80
5h
> 10
< 20
Distance & Motion Sensing *
$50
3h
> 10
< 20
6h
> 10
< 20
> 10
< 20
> 10
< 20
Laser Piano *
$80
Datalogging *
$50
3h
Laser Satellite *
$50
3h
* Prerequisite of “Introduction to Microcontrollers 1 & 2 (abridged version)” is
strongly encouraged.
March Holidays (14th to 16th Mar 2016)
(finalized schedule will be emailed to schools by 12th Feb 2016)
Application period: 15th to 23rd Feb 2016
Confirmation period: by 26th Feb 2016
June Holidays (30th May to 1st Jun 2016, 20th to 22nd Jun 2016)
(finalized details will be emailed to schools by 29th Apr 2016)
Application period: 2nd to 10th May 2016
Confirmation period: by 13th May 2016
October Holidays (24th to 26th Oct 2016, 31st Oct to 2nd Nov 2016)
(finalized details will be emailed to schools by 23rd Sep 2016)
Application period: 26th Sep 4th Oct 2016
Confirmation period: by 7th Oct 2016
Application forms for Professional Development Courses can be obtained online
during the application periods.
47
EXPERIENTIAL
LEARNING
“Learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of
experience.”
- David A. Kolb
91
Centre for Research &
Applied Learning in Science
97
%
LEARNT
something
new
!!
Woo
%
90
would
RECOMMEND
the
%
workshop /
lecture to
found the
others
workshop /
lecture
INTERESTING
All information in this booklet is correct at time of print.
All prices quoted are per pax and inclusive of GST.
Please refer to our website for the latest updates.
87 87
%
%
would
RETURN
for another
workshop /
lecture
found the
HANDS-ON
component
of the
workshop
FUN

2016 CRADLΣ Programme Booklet

Transcription

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