Well, it need not be a math based approach to the subject. It could be more philisophical. Actually, I had always hoped to get such an assignment in english, but I have completed those requirement as far as my college work goes.
Since I have studied the physics, I have always been amazed at the order and simplicity of our physical laws. Its given me a sort of zen like approach to life. Maybe you could write about something along those lines, throwing in such concepts as equal and opposite reactions, conservation of energy and entropy, without getting too technical.
Also, you could write about the public's general attitude toward physics, especially modern physics. Some of my friends talk of this stuff like its mystical, almost religion like, but they are forgetting that all these theorys, no matter how far out they may seem, are based on the results of physical experiments.
One more idea, you could discuss the scientific method. I feel that the pure sciences are after the ultimate truth, not letting personal opinions cloud things. Therefore I feel that the sciences are acadamias highest pursuits, with little manipulation and turmoil. Us scientists don't talk smack about what we don't know about, and if we are proven wrong, we don't have as much hard feelings about it.
I hope these ideas help, and I would really like to read your paper, please send it to me at
willmisako@hotmail.com Good luck!
Will