Find an open source physics engine and tweak the physics model (i.e. Learn how to use Planck.js and modify the source code for Astray 2)
Projectile motion: build an Excel calculator to aim a projectile at a sloped linear target, or sinusoidal, or a target that is moving at constant velocity
Dynamics
Film different sport techniques and compare their effectiveness
Use a wind tunnel to test drag and lift forces on cars, planes, etc.
Waves
Make a string wave shaker with independently adjustable frequency and amplitude
Lissajous Pendulum
Explore the stroboscopic effect (sampling a signal at the same frequency as the signal). How can you make a wheel appear to spin backwards?
Sound
Analyze the sounds produced by various instruments (i.e. violin, guitar, voice, drums, etc.), using high speed video and/or frequency analysis
Resonance – make a Chladni Plate and analyze the patterns
Light
Use curved lenses and ray diagrams to determine the prescription needed for glasses
Attempt to replicate Tim’s Vermeer, and figure out how the reflections and colour-matching work
Figure out how red shift and blue shift work, and create a demonstration
Photography – lenses (ray diagrams), lighting
Thermodynamics
Build a model of a house or room to determine heating/cooling needs
Make a greenhouse to test the greenhouse heating effect (related to climate change)
Analyzing the effects of climate change on Vancouver – changing snowfall, rainfall, and temperatures
Electronics
Stepper or servo motor controller to power a wave machine
