1. www.coecxs.org Corinne.C, Ashlee.C, Elena.F, Sophie.M, Caitlin.M Mater Christi College Introduction What is the project about? Analysing the lengths of wavelengths in the colour spectrum using diffraction (the bending/interference of light) Why is it is important to investigate this area of science? Physics structures our understanding of the world. Diffraction of light allows for medical imaging and the viewing of things such as proteins at an atomic level What expectations did I have of physics and physicists when I started? I believed the field of physics was largely worked on through theory by suggesting and creating explanations of how things like forces work Aim/Motivation Our aim was to: Create a light diffractormeter What motivates scientists to investigate this area; why is it important either to other sciences or individuals, community or society? How has being part of GTP changed my appreciation for physics? 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. Conclusions Write your conclusion here I learnt that there is always more to explore, another step to take that the possibilities are endless. I have become more open to the idea of following the subject of physics Anyone with passion can become a physic's. I am most likely going to continue physics as it opens so many doors in areas that don’t seem to involve physics at all. Acknowledgements - The name of department you have been working in: Names of Mentors - The Growing Tall Poppies Science Partnership Program : Reflection about the job opportunities that physics can open up for me. Nanotechnology, astronomy, engineering, bureau of meteorology, commercial lasers, computing How important is it to know the types of jobs you can follow to the subject choices you make? Very important as the further you follow a subject the more the more restricted the area you can work in becomes The Australian Synchrotron Ripple Tank diffraction pattern Diffraction Patterns of laser light through different size slits Briefly describe what you did and how. What data did you collect and what did it mean We created a colour spectrum, calculated the wave length of the colour red, found the spectrums angle and found the angles that the colours blue and red create when diffracting of the grating of a dvd The wavelengths allows for lab scientists to be able to get the most accurate results using the wavelength of the colour which can impact our lives in the future Insert Group Photo Name of Project or Group How is this project related to a real world problem? Physics structures our understanding of the world. Diffraction of light allows for medical imaging and the viewing of things such as proteins at an atomic level Challenging Stereotypes of what I thought physicists were like Male vs female stereotypes Men seem more commonplace in a physics lab however there is no bias towards men. Women have the potential to become a physicist however less chose the career pathway then men. Can I identify with physicists and physics? Physicists are adults that explore all different kinds of ideas. Physics seems daunting and it is suggested that physics requires a high level of mathematical smarts and a very high patience level for all the boring paperwork and maths they seem required to do. Do I think I am able to do physics, am I capable? Through this experience I believe I have found that I have the capability to follow a pathway in physics however I don’t have an intense passion as I do for another career I hope to be apart of. Has it changed my mind about studying physics or staying in physics studies? The program has shown me that Physics is not as daunting or difficult as it seems and I would be content to follow it through as a study in VCE. The work I did in the physics department has allowed me to receive information about an under represented field of science physics. I always thought physicists had to be educated in a wide variety of things like the behaviour of atoms under heat and finding string theory. The reality that one studies a specific field is comforting in that you don’t have to be a genius to have a career in physics. Creating a light dffiractor wasn’t too difficult and exploring lights wavelengths made sense It has given me exposure to an area of science which is not represented as strongly in the media as other fields are. It has educated me in the possible career paths that stem off physics and how important physics is in the development of man kinds knowledge of the world and its role in producing new age technology.