1. www.coecxs.org The Sudoku Effect Millie Kustra Santa Maria College Introduction The project required us to explore the method of iteration by creating and solving a Sudoku puzzle. It is important to investigate this area of science as it gives us a greater understanding of how scientists use the method of iteration. This method is used to solve diffraction data to get the shapes of biological molecules. When I first started this project I believed that It would be very hard as I thought that physics was very difficult. Aim/Motivation Our aim was to: Develop a sudoku game that demonstrates the process that scientists use to solve diffraction and do develop a science lesson to take back to school. How has being part of GTP changed my appreciation for physics? Before taking part of the GTP project I had a very abstract view of what physics was. I mainly knew about physics from a few classes in school and the big bang theory. This gave me a completely wrong idea. To learn about physics you don’t have to be a genius, you just have to have the passion. Physics is very grounded in real world applications, aiming to solve many problems that face humanity. How has our understanding of science, scientists and career opportunities changed through this experience. Relate to the work that you have experienced in the lab or the department. I believed that all scientists were nerdy and extremely smart. I thought that physicists were like Sheldon Cooper from big bang theory. Through the project I have learnt that not all physicists are like that and are actually quite down to earth. Conclusions Write your conclusion here Physics uses maths to express complex ideas I have become more interested in participating in science I have learnt that physicists are all different types of people and not just nerds I am more likely to pursue science in year 12 and beyond. Acknowledgements - Physics department, Dr Barone-Nugent, Hayden and Olivia - The Growing Tall Poppies Science Partnership Program Reflection about the job opportunities that physics can open up for me. Physics has many pathways that lead to great and interesting career opportunities. If one doesn’t go into the field of physics there are jobs available in medicine, engineering, teaching, astronomy and many more. A degree in physics can take you anywhere. How important is it to know the types of jobs you can follow to the subject choices you make? For some jobs it is required so it is very helpful but other jobs you don’t have to have the exact subjects. The Australian Synchrotron Ripple Tank diffraction pattern Diffraction Patterns of laser light through different size slits Briefly describe what you did and how. How was working with scientists different from the usual investigation and inquiry you do at school? What data did you collect and what did it mean At school, usually the inquiry and investigation that we take part in has no relation to real world problems. Working with scientists is very different. Scientists try to solve these problems and understand how the world works. Taking part in the project has helped me to understand how the things we learn actually relate back to real life. Insert Group Photo The Sudoku Effect How is this project related to a real world problem? Iteration is a method used throughout science. It is important to understand the concept if you want to have a greater understanding of science. Challenging Stereotypes of what I thought physicists were like Male vs female stereotypes It is believed by many that the typical physicist is a male. This is a very outdated view as women have as much as an important and prominent role in the world of science and physics. Can I identify with physicists and physics? Many people think that physicists are extraordinarily smart and detached from the real world. Taking part in this project has helped me to understand that physicists are actually quite down to earth. Do I think I am able to do physics, am I capable? I have realised that I am able to do physics, as it is not as hard as I thought it was. Has it changed my mind about studying physics or staying in physics studies? Although I am not going to study physics in the future, this project has made me a lot more interested in understanding the field.