How Can You Create a Unique Quantum Mechanics Science Fair Project?

AI Thread Summary
An 8th-grade student is seeking ideas for a science fair project focused on quantum mechanics or particle physics, aiming for originality and complexity. They are considering the double slit experiment with a laser pointer but want to explore more challenging variables. The student is particularly interested in how different mediums affect the wave patterns produced in the experiment and is contemplating conducting the experiment at varying speeds. They are looking for suggestions that align with the scientific process while remaining manageable given their current mathematical skills. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying principles of the chosen experiment and encourages exploration of unique variables to enhance the project.
ObsoleteBacon
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First off, I didnt know where to put this so I just stuck in where I though it seemed to go best (i didnt really want to put it in the homework section).

Here's my problem:

My teacher is making us (my 8th grade class) do individual science fair projects and compete them at the regional state competition. I want to win. So in order to do that I wanted to do something that caught peoples attention, so I though "hmmm...how about quantum mechanics, or particle physics". So I started doing some research on some quantum mechanics science fair projects, and I saw the project where you perform the dual slit experiment with a laser pointer and such, and this would be OK, but I still want something a little...more difficult to do. And there is also one other problem, we have to form a hypothesis and such, and I want to do something that isn't very generic. Some ideas I had...

1) When I thought of the dual slit experiment it made me think about how they detect the photons in the experiment (how do they do this exactly?) and I though i could try observing how different mediums effects the wave pattern created when two slits are open.

2) Thats it. I know its sad that's all I can think of at the moment, but I am in 8th grade and don't have super high mathematical skill, can someone please give me some general ideas for me to think about? I would be very thankfull for help.
 
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I'm not sure how much we can help you. You are the only one who knows exactly how much you know and how difficult something would be for you. I see nothing wrong with the double slit experiment using a laser. Do you understand the reasons behind the way it works?
 
I understand how it works...but I am trying to think of some variables to use becuase we have to use the scientific process :/

So far all I have thought of is using different mediums between the laser and the slits, or maybe perform the experiement at different speeds
 
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