Here is a sample of some past projects that EYES teams have created:
1. Magnet Madness
The goal of the project is to spark student interest in electrical engineering
by illustrating how magnetism works. We will define and discuss magnets and review
their practical applications, which include high-speed magnetic levitating (Maglev)
trains, magnetically induced electric toothbrushes, and metal detectors. Many
everyday items do not seem magnetic. However, students will discover that products
such as multivitamin tablets, cereal-containing iron crushed into powder, aluminum
foil, and paper are all magnetic. We will reinforce the concepts involved in magnetism
by creating real, working compasses.
2. Fluid Mechanics
How do hurricanes form? How do baseballs curve in mid-flight? How can airplanes
fly without flapping wings? What do these three questions have in common? Their
answers involve fluid mechanics and can be found in the EYES lesson. We will
discuss the history and practical applications of fluid mechanics in engineering,
and conduct interactive demonstrations that illustrate the scientific principals
involved. Topics will include Bernoulli’s principle, turbulence, viscosity, vortices
and lots more. A segment of the lesson will be devoted to the role of fluids
in power generation–specifically in the generation of hydraulic and wind power.
3. DNA (Onion DNA Extraction)
The DNA project will promote student interest in biological engineering. In three
lessons, students will learn the basic concept of DNA. They will participate in
activities that will help them understand the connection between the concept and
its practical applications. To accomplish this, team leaders will conduct an interactive
experiment in which students learn to extract DNA from onions through a series
of chemical reactions. By the end of the lessons, students will have a better
understanding of the connection between the living organism and its DNA. Furthermore,
it will enhance their appreciation of the field of bioengineering in today’s world.
4. Ice Cream, How Sweet it is!
The Ice Cream project isn’t simply about making ice cream! While we carry out
the relatively simple procedure of making ice cream, students will observe chemical
reactions and become acquainted with chemical engineering’s basic concepts. Students
will also learn the principals involved in experiment design, and will learn to
recognize the weaknesses of an experiment and how to improve them. They will also
have an opportunity to discuss engineering fundamentals and how they are applied
in our daily lives.
