I need recommendations for an interesting Senior Project.

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for a senior project that incorporates interests in particle physics and quantum mechanics. Participants explore various project ideas that could align with these themes, considering the practical constraints and skills of the original poster.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses a desire to connect their senior project with theoretical physics, mentioning a potential idea of building a small particle accelerator but noting a lack of experience with high voltage electricity.
  • One participant inquires about the original poster's programming skills, suggesting that programming could be a viable avenue for the project.
  • The original poster confirms familiarity with Python and mentions plans to learn Java, indicating a willingness to incorporate programming into their project.
  • Another participant proposes the idea of creating simulations, such as a solar system or a chaotic double pendulum, as potential project options.
  • The original poster expresses interest in the simulation idea, considering the possibility of integrating it with particle physics by simulating basic interactions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the potential of using programming and simulations as project ideas, but there is no consensus on a specific project direction, as multiple ideas are still being explored.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the original poster's uncertainty about practical implementation and the need for further exploration of project ideas that align with their interests and skills.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students interested in physics and programming, educators looking for project ideas, and individuals seeking inspiration for STEM-related projects.

AMuonParticle
Messages
3
Reaction score
1
I'm currently a junior in high school, and I'm really interested in physics, especially particle physics and quantum mechanics. At my school, everybody needs to do a big senior project to graduate, involving multiple papers and about 30 hours of work, usually to build something or organize a community event. Most people end up restoring an old car or something similar, but I would really like to tie in my interest in theoretical physics. I still have another 6 months before I need to know exactly what I'm going to do. Does anyone have any recommendations for a long term project involving these areas of physics? My first thought was to build a small particle accelerator, but I don't have any experience working with electricity, so I'd probably accidentally fry myself from the high voltage. Other ideas?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Are you good with programming?
 
micromass said:
Are you good with programming?
I'm no expert, I know python pretty well, and I'm starting to learn Java. I'll be taking AP Computer Science next year so I should be a lot more well-versed with Java by the time I'm actually working on the project.
 
AMuonParticle said:
I'm no expert, I know python pretty well, and I'm starting to learn Java. I'll be taking AP Computer Science next year so I should be a lot more well-versed with Java by the time I'm actually working on the project.

Well, you could write some kind of simulation. Like simulate a solar system, a chaotic double pendulum, etc.
 
micromass said:
Well, you could write some kind of simulation. Like simulate a solar system, a chaotic double pendulum, etc.
That's actually a pretty good idea. I might be able to tie that into particle physics by simulating some basic interactions. I'll definitely consider that as an option, thanks!
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Dr. Courtney

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
673
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K