Need help choosing a research topic for Caltech? Let's collaborate!

[lambda920]

research project idea!?

Hey, I am currently a junior in high school, and I need help on choosing a research topic.
While looking and analyzing many "web pages" over the prestigious Caltech, I noticed one common thing. They only wanted students who showed a strong admiration toward science and math. And many students would show this by turning in a research project. I have, in my opinion, a great admiration for both these topics.
Currently, I want to start a research project, but not alone. I wish to collaborate with an older adult, such as a teacher. I have someone in mind who would gladly take up the oppurtunity, but I don't know what I could research to turn into Caltech, as well as any other universities.
I love to learn about the theoretical side of physics, and presently have a strong interest in particle physics. Physics, is also good too though :). Do you guys have any ideas on what I can begin researching now?

 

[Topher925]

What kind of funding/resources do you have available?

 

[makethings]

Learn something called finite volume methods in computational fluid dynamics and program a solver that will use spherical coordinates to model turbulent flow around a sphere at a reynold's number greater than two. You can surely generate some pretty pictures of flow and use them to impress those Caltech guys. All it costs would be one computer and a compiler in the programming language of your choosing. You will be able to learn lots of math and physics from this project. Should you choose to accept this project, I can help you along the way.

 

[lambda920]

Topher925: Well, I hadn't really thought of that, but I think my school will be willing to help sponsor my project. For resources, I have many maths teachers who love science. One has a degree in engineering, so I could ask her. A teacher I was willing to ask seems to know a lot about chemistry, physics. Moneywise, not sure though, I'll find out soon.