SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SINGAPORE
INVESTIGATIVE SKILLS IN SCIENCE
Names: Ryan Goh, Ben Cheong, Michael Chun, Tan Ming Chuan
Class: S2-03
Group Reference: B
- Indicate the type of research that you are adopting:
[ ] Test a hypothesis: Hypothesis-driven research
e.g. Investigation of the anti-bacteria effect of chrysanthemum
[ ] Measure a value: Experimental research (I)
e.g. Determination of the mass of Jupiter using planetary photography
[ √ ] Measure a function or relationship: Experimental research (II)
e.g. Investigation of the effect of temperature on the growth of crystals
[ ] Construct a model: Theoretical sciences and applied mathematics
e.g. Modeling of the cooling curve of naphthalene
[ ] Observational and exploratory research
e.g. Investigation of the soil quality in School of Science and Technology, Singapore
[ ] Improve a product or process: Industrial and applied research
e.g. Development of a SMART and GREEN energy system for households
- Write a research proposal of your interested topic in the following format:
Title: An investigation of the most effective tsunami blockade
- Question or Problem being addressed
Preventing coastal areas from being destroyed by tsunami and minimizing the damage caused by the tsunami wave.
- Goals / Expected Outcomes / Hypotheses
A concave wave breaker design will be the best in absorbing the shock of the wave, thus minimising damage caused.
- Description in detail of method or procedures (The following are important and key items that should be included when formulating ANY AND ALL research plans.)
Equipment list:
Apparatus
|
Materials
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Rulers
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Pebbles/ Stones
|
Beakers
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Planks of wood
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Wooden boxes
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Polycarbonate
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Tank
| |
Water
| |
Markers
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Design: Basic design of structure
- Procedures: Detail all procedures and experimental design to be used for data collection
- Create the different types of wave barriers
- Create waves with the wave machine, which uses gravitational potential energy to be converted into waves so as to test the structural integrity of the different shapes of wave barriers. (Concave, Convex, Triangle, Rectangle, Zig-Zag)
- Repeat the above procedures 3 times until we obtain average results.
- Record the processes using a video camera and put in iMovie for editing and slowing down
- Change the type of wave breaker and repeat steps 2 to 4
• Risk and Safety: Identify any potential risks and safety precautions to be taken.
Potential risks
- Potential electrocution when water is in contact with naked wires or exposed electricity plugs
- Spilt over water may cause slippery floors creating a slipping or falling possibility.
- Sharp edges may cause cuts
- Impact against dropping brick may cause fractures and/or abrasions
- Sharp tools may cut and/or cause tears
- Contaminated water may infect open wounds
- Broken glass may cause cuts.
- Poisonous chemicals found in polycarbonate may be released and cause harm.
Safety precautions
1. Put floor mats on the floor to soak up the spillage
2. Construct higher walls around the structure to stop water from splashing out
3. Put rubber on sharp edges of the glass to prevent from cutting ourselves
4. Make sure to keep the water clean or cover any open wounds before conducting the experiment to prevent infection of dirty water from getting in wounds.
5. Make sure there is no exposed wire around the tank to prevent short-circuit when water spills.
6. Get to a safe distance after dropping the brick.
• Data Analysis: Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data/results that answer research questions or hypotheses
We will be measuring a few factors when we conduct the experiment. Firstly, we will measure the time the wave takes to travel from one point to another. By using the formula distance/time, we will be able to find the speed of the wave. When we create the wave, we will also measure the highest point in the wave. With the height and speed of the wave, we will be able to show the relationship between our wave and a real tsunami. To measure the effectivity of the wave breaker we created, we will be observing the amount of water that spills over the water breaker. The wave breaker with the least water spilled over will be the most effective wave breaker.
Title: The average height and speed of wave with a concave wave breaker,
Test No.
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Speed of wave(cm/s)
|
Height of wave(cm)
|
Height of water level in the spillover section of the tank (cm)
|
1
| |||
2
| |||
3
| |||
4
| |||
5
| |||
Average
|
Title: The average height and speed of wave with a convex wave breaker
Test No.
|
Speed of wave(cm/s)
|
Height of wave(cm)
|
Height of water level in the spillover section of the tank (cm)
|
1
| |||
2
| |||
3
| |||
4
| |||
5
| |||
Average
|
Title: The average height and speed of wave with a triangular wave breaker
Test No.
|
Speed of wave(cm/s)
|
Height of wave(cm)
|
Height of water level in the spillover section of the tank (cm)
|
1
| |||
2
| |||
3
| |||
4
| |||
5
| |||
Average
|
Title: The average height and speed of wave with a rectangular wave breaker
Test No.
|
Speed of wave(cm/s)
|
Height of wave(cm)
|
Height of water level in the spillover section of the tank (cm)
|
1
| |||
2
| |||
3
| |||
4
| |||
5
| |||
Average
|
D. Bibliography: List at least five (5) major references (e.g. science journal articles, books, internet sites) from your literature review. If you plan to use vertebrate animals, one of these references must be an animal care reference. Choose the APA format and use it consistently to reference the literature used in the research plan. List your entries in alphabetical order.
[1] University of Washington Earth Space and Sciences, ESS (2013) Tsunami! Retrieved on 7 July 2013, from http://earthweb.ess.washington.edu/tsunami/general/physics/meaning.html
[2] Oracle ThinkQuest. (2011) How are Tsunamis formed. Retrieved 7 July 2013, from http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/01424/how_are_tsunamis_formed.htm
[3] Curiosity, Discovery. (2011) What makes tsunamis so dangerous? Retrieved on 7 July 2013, from http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/what-makes-tsunamis-so-dangerous
[4] National Geographic (2012) Tsunami, Killer Waves. Retrieved on 7 July 2013, from
[5] Science & Technology Focus (N.D) Ocean in Motions : Waves - Surf. Retrieved on 20 July 2013 from http://www.onr.navy.mil/focus/ocean/motion/waves2.htm
[6] Squidoo (2013) The Ring of Fire: Volcanoes and Earthquake, Oh My! Retrieved on 7 July 2013, from http://www.squidoo.com/the-ring-of-fire-volcanoes-and-earthquakes-and-tsunamis-oh-my#module156015629
[6] Australian Government, Bureau of Meteorology (2013) Tsunami facts and information.Retrived on 7 July 2013, from http://www.bom.gov.au/tsunami/info/
[7] Enchanted Learning (2010) Tsunami. Retrieved on 7 July 2013, from http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/tsunami/
[8] Kenneally, Christine "Surviving the Tsunami." (December 30, 2004) Retrieved 20 July 2013. From http://www.unz.org/Pub/Slate-2004dec-00229
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