Edmund G, Y10
I was talking to my dad abut gravity, and decided to write a program to model gravity of planetary bodies on each other in python”
Encoder
Kamran B, Year 8
I wrote this Python code because I wanted to create a program to convert to and from a made up language. It allows you to communicate with your friends in secret. A further improvement would be to make the language more random instead of 01~ = a, 02~ = b, etc.
Crowdsourcing CP Violation – Cambridge Perse Team (CPT)
Patrick B, Steph B, Tim H, Lancelot H, Jaehyeon K, Thomas R, Spencer R-S, Jun S, Patap S (Lower Sixth)
We are a team of aspiring physicists from The Perse School, Cambridge. Our aim is to honour the ingenuity of previous generations of particle physicists whilst simultaneously inspiring a new generation in schools today. The opportunity to be able to share our work with many people and get them excited about particle physics and STEM subjects is one which we would relish. We have designed, built and tested a cloud chamber that can be constructed from materials available in most schools. We propose using our cloud chamber to recreate a number of the most fundamental and revolutionary historical experiments at CERN. We intend to share the images we record online and crowdsource their analysis, allowing physics students from around the world to join our experiment.
Photo by janaka-dharmasena
Published on 17 June 2012.jpg
Hooke’s Law Computer Simulation: Equations for Spring Extension
By Alexandru M 7T
Below are the equations for spring extension under the action of a weight:
i = initial length (cm). The initial length is the original length of a spring with no weight applied on it.
e = extension per Newton (cm/N). The extension per Newton is how much a spring extends for every Newton added.
m = mass (g). Mass is the amount of grams applied to a spring that makes it extend.
G = weight (N). Weight is the force of gravity corresponding to a mass. On Earth:
G = m * 10
X = extension (cm). Extension is how much a spring extends from its initial or previous length.
X = G * e
L = total length (cm). The total length is the length of the spring when it has been extended.
L = i + X
Exobiology: The Hunt for Extraterrestrial Life
Samir C, Yr 13
What is astrobiology? Astrobiology is a true melting pot of scientific fields. It is the study of the origin, evolution and distribution of life within the universe; astrobiologists must consider how life can arise, survive and thrive on a planetary body. As perhaps the only field of study yet to prove that its subject matter actually exists, the field is at the forefront of scientific research. In the article, written for the Young Scientists’ Journal (YSJ), I discuss abiogenesis on Earth, our earliest ancestors and the search for life on Mars, Europa and Enceladus.
>>Click here to view full article<<
Photo by NASA’s Galileo Spacecraft: Surface Geology of Europa
NASA: Public Domain
SAGE Presentation, RDFZ Xishan School in Beijing
Jonny F and Gawtham R, Yr 13
In September, we went to RDFZ Xishan School in Beijing as winners of the Project Passport Competition. Our project examined some of the differences between a modern education in UK and China, with a particular focus on modern language education. Overall, despite noting some variations between the two schools, we were struck by how both the two schools and people in them had far more in common than they did differences. We really enjoyed the trip and learnt a huge amount from it. Many thanks to the wonderful people at RDFZ Xishan who hosted us so well and Nanyang Girls’ high that financed the trip. The following presentation documents some of our project and trip which will be more formally written up at a later date.
Perception is an Illusion
Natalie M, Year 13
I recently read a book called ‘The Brain’ by David Eagleman, which discussed some of the big questions on consciousness and perception and linked them with physical neural mechanisms. I was fascinated by the interface between mind and brain and was particularly intrigued to learn more about the use of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and whether it can be used to measure quantifiable differences in people’s perception of a common stimulus. Inspired by this, I wrote an essay entitled “Perception is an illusion” where I explore some of these ideas further.
