Biomechanics Project

Biomechanics Research Projects

Objective: To research a topic in biomechanics and do a project to display what you have learned.

Groups: You should work on your own if you are doing a research report with no experiment or building element. You may work in pairs IF you present a proposal to me that explains exactly what your project is and what each of you will be responsible for, AND I ok it.

Format of presentation: Open. You should choose a format well-suited to your topic. For example, a topic in technology can often be well-represented by a display or experiment, while a theoretical topic is better suited to an essay or perhaps poster paper presentation. Other formats to consider are: demonstration, computer-based presentation (PowerPoint or web page, for example), video, model, debate and oral presentation.

What you will be doing: You will be expected to complete the following steps:

Choose a topic of interest to you, give a brief outline of exactly what you will be learning in carrying out the project, a format for your presentation and a couple of good initial sources (correctly cited) that you will be using to get to know your topic. (Due May 11.)
Research your topic, gathering at least 3 up-to-date sources that are well-suited to your level of understanding and your topic. (Due May 13.)
Present a detailed outline or concept map of your topic and how you intend to deal with it given your format. (Due May 18.)
Present you final project with a bibliography. (Due May 20.)

Topic suggestions and possible initial sources:

The library has many back issues of Natural History magazine which has a monthly column on biomechanics. I have noted particularly useful issues below as starting sources for the topics I have suggested, but you may want to browse them if you would like to find your own topic.

Topic	Source or ideas
Biomechanics of climbing	Natural History, Nov. 2004, p. 22 Explain article and test predicted result for mountain paths in and around CBBA. See me.
Gecko grip	Natural History, Jul. 2000, p. 42 www.extra.rdg.ac.uk/eng/BIONIS/current_issues.htm news.man.ac.uk/1054290245/index_html Explain nature of gecko grip and possible applications. Build a workable model. See me.
Getting moisture from fog	Natural History, Feb. 2004, p. 26 Explain article and try to build a simple model.
How the snake-necked turtle catches its prey	Natural History, Mar. 2003, p. 38 Explain article in terms of Newton’s Laws.
Electric fields and animals	Research and explain how electric eels and mud sharks generate electric fields in their bodies and what they use them for.
Water transport and failure in trees	Natural History, Oct. 2000, p. 36 Explain article and build simple model.
Assisted long jump in Greek Olympics	Natural History, Apr. 2003, p. 42 Explain article and do experiment to test prediction.
Velcro	en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velcro A simple project. Not suitable for high grades. (You could design and build your own Velcro for higher marks.)
Physics of nerve and muscle cells	How is current established in these cells?
Pinecone clothes	www.extra.rdg.ac.uk/eng/BIONIS/current_issues.htm Explain and build simple model.
Lotus effect	www.extra.rdg.ac.uk/eng/BIONIS/current_issues.htm Read entry near bottom.
Artificial muscles	Scientific American, Oct. 2003. Cover. Explain
Penguin feathers	www.extra.rdg.ac.uk/eng/BIONIS/
Shark skin	www.extra.rdg.ac.uk/eng/BIONIS/
Sonar and dolphin skin

How you will be marked: Your project will be marked out of 20 on difficulty of material, research, understanding and presentation. A further 4 marks will be assigned according to how you work on your project during class time and how punctual you are in each of the steps.

	4	3	2	1
Difficulty	I chose a topic that challenged me but that I was able to master.	I chose a topic that was a bit below or above my level.	I chose a topic that I already had a pretty good understanding of.	I chose a topic that I had already learned about in this or a previous class.
Research	I researched my topic thoroughly and found lots of information in various formats (WWW, books, articles) suited to my level.	I researched my topic well and found more than three sources mostly on the web. Most of my sources were at the right level for me.	I researched my topic a bit and found three or four web sources. A few of my sources were at the right level.	I did a little research on my topic and found three web sources which were either too easy or difficult for me.
Understanding	I understood my topic well and was able to show what I learned.	I mostly understood my topic and was able to show what I learned.	I understood some of my topic and showed some of what I knew.	I understood little of my topic.
Presentation	My format was suited to my topic. My presentation was clear and interesting.	My format was pretty well suited to my topic. My presentation was usually clear and interesting.	My format was somewhat suited to my topic. My presentation was occasionally clear and interesting.	My format was not suited to my topic. My presentation was confusing.