Class 11/12 Physics Elective Projects

During the first three terms of this year, the Class 11 and 12 Physics elective students have engaged in small group and independent projects. The aim of the Physics Project is to give students a chance to explore an individual interest on a deeper level, through applying learned knowledge and skills, in physics to a real-world endeavour. This process normally culminates with a presentation of their work at Open Day.

Students were given the briefing to use as many reused, recycled, and repurposed materials as possible. Students were encouraged to explore topics that resonated with their own interests but were given the freedom to explore their ideas. With ideas in hand, students had to plan and budget for this project, including completing a thorough risk assessment. Early Term Two, students began sourcing and collecting their materials, then adjusted once they realised, they didn’t have all the parts and/or skills they needed to complete the project. This year, with the addition of the 3D printer to the science department, students also had the option of designing custom parts for the projects.

Across the whole process, this project has required problem solving skills, resourcefulness, resilience, and skill and knowledge acquisition – some required some very strict safety protocols. It was unfortunate that students were not able to present their projects at Open Day. As with each year, this year had a wide range of ideas: an ionic thruster, a chemical rocket, an open-air nitrogen laser, and an exploration of acoustic. The photos show some of the triumph (and a failure) from their work this year.

Brett Kranz-Little
Physics Teacher