Monday 2 September 2013
Thursday 22 August 2013
ISS Report (Update 23.8.13)
SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SINGAPORE
INVESTIGATIVE SKILLS IN SCIENCE
RESEARCH REPORT
Names: Liang Zhen Yu, Xavier Ng, Joseph Yong and Anurag M
Class: S2-08
Group Reference: F
1. Introduction
A
Frenchman, named Jean-Pierre Blanchard, was probably the first to
actually use a parachute situated in an emergency. In, 1793, Blanchard
claimed that he had escaped from an exploded air balloon, using a
parachute. Despite being an unwitnessed event, Blanchard was the first
to create a parachute made from silk. Since then, parachutes have been
used quite often in our modern day, for entertainment, or celebrations.
For example, during Singapore’s national day, parachuters called the red
lions would freefall down to the celebration cite.
For our experiment, we would be creating 20 x 20cm rectangular
parachutes, hole punch 4 corners of the parachute and string it to a
weight (0.89g), and drop it indoor. From a height of 4.5m we would then
take 3 different timings that it took to reach the floor. After that, we
would find the average time taken for each material to reach the floor.
The 4 materials used are: Plastic (NTUC plastic bag), Aluminium Foil
(Diamond brand Aluminium Foil), Paper (News paper) and Nylon bag from Gardens Party One.
1.1 Background Research
5W1H
Who?
We will be using a paper clip as the weight to weigh down the parachute. The paper clip has a total mass of 0.89 grams.
Where?
We would be dropping the parachutes from a height of 4.5m above the ground.
When?
We would conduct the experiment / drop test after school.
Why?
Parachutes
are not the most affordable and common, hence we are finding a cheap
alternative to a parachute that almost anyone is able to construct, with
the materials that they are able to get hold of in their household.
What?
We
want to test which material is able to resist air the most so as to
find a good replacement for the current parachutes used today.
How?
We
will drop the parachutes from a high ground and at the same time take
the time for the parachute to reach the ground. After which, we will
tabulate the data and come up with a bar graph to show the information.
1.2 Research Question
How changing the material used to build the parachute’s canopy would affect the time it takes to reach the floor.
1.3 Hypothesis
If we change the material of the parachute, the time taken for the parachute to drop will change.
1.3.1 Independent variable(s)
The material of the parachute.
1.3.2 Dependent variable
The time taken for the parachute to reach the floor.
1.3.3 Constants
Wind, height dropped, length of string, weight, thickness of string, size of canopy, thickness of canopy.
2. Methods
2.1 Equipment
1. 4 materials (Nylon, Plastic, Paper and Aluminium foil)
2. Fishing wire
3. Paper clip
2.2 Diagram
2.3 Procedures
1. Take a parachute of a certain material and drop it from the MPH to the ISH
2. Record the time taken for the parachute to land on the floor of the ISH
3. Repeat steps 1. and 2. 3 times to get an accurate result
4. Get an average time of landing for the material
5. Take another parachute of different material and repeat steps 1., 2., 3. and 4.
6. Compare timings of the 4 different materials for the parachute
7. Conclude which material is the best
2.4 Risk Assessment and Management
May have a chance of falling off the 4.5m area.
May have the chance to cut ourselves with the scissors that is used to cut the material up to fit the size of the canopy.
2.5 Data Analysis
1. Place the time taken for each material into a table and then transfer into a graph
2. Find the average time for each material to reach the floor
3. Conclude which material did the best by having the largest time before reaching the ground
3. Results
3.1 Sampling sites
Isabelle L.P. Swing (2009 APR 02) How Does Parachute Material Affect Speed? Retrieved from http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/History/2009/Projects/J0130.pdf
3.2 Experiment 1 results
Nylon: 2.4s
Plastic: 4.6s
Paper: 3.1s
Aluminium: 2.7s
3.3 Experiment 2 results
Nylon: 2.5s
Plastic: 4.7s
Paper: 2.9s
Aluminium: 3.1s
3.4 Experiment 3 results
Nylon: 2.4s
Plastic: 4.5s
Paper: 3.0s
Aluminium: 2.9s
3.5 Special observations
Some
of the parachute’s timing were invalid as there was wind present when
we dropped them. Also, sometimes we would either stretch out hands out
or place it above/below the certain height we were suppose to drop them,
thus causing an error in the reading.
4. Discussion
4.1 Key findings
One
of our key findings that amazed us a lot was that plastic was more air
resistant than nylon and thus it took the most time for the parachute to
fall.
4.2 Explanation of key findings
Since the plastic was very air resistant thus, the time taken for the plastic parachute was the most.
4.3 Evaluation of hypothesis
Since our hypothesis was
Changing the type of material used for the canopy affects the time taken for the parachute to reach the ground, our experiment was able to prove that changing the material of the canopy does affect the time taken for the parachute.
4.4 Areas for improvement
We
could have thought of a specific release area before releasing as that
would both save time and also get us a fairer time as we had to redo
some.
5. Conclusions
5.1 Summary of findings
Plastic took the longest time, followed by paper, aluminium then nylon. 
5.2 Practical Applications
From our experiment, plastic took the longest time to reach the floor.
From this, we can conclude that plastic might be a suitable replacement
for nylon parachutes. However, it might not be strong enough to
withstand the force of jumping from a high ground. Thus, the most
suitable material is still silk, the current material used for
parachutes today.
5.3 Areas for further study
We could have found out the proportions of a real parachute. If we got
the actual size, we could scale down the size to fit our weight such
that it is more of a real experiment.
6. Acknowledgements
We
would like to thank Ms Teo for guiding us on this experiment and
helping us understand more on what we are doing to set us on the right
track. We would also like to thank our parents for allowing us to go to
each others’ homes to finish our project.
7. Bibliography
Ask.com. (2013, AUG 01) What is the Best Material for a Parachute? Retrieved from http://www.ask.com/question/what-is-the-best-material-for-a-parachute
BBC. (2013, AUG 01) Parachutes and air resistance BBC. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/parachutes-and-air-resistance/2183.html
Buzzle. (2013, AUG 01) Parachute Materials - Parachute Fabric Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/parachute-materials-parachute-fabric.html
Isabelle L.P. Swing. (2013, AUG 01) How does parachute material affect speed Retrieved from
Karina Ramirez. (2013, AUG 01) The Effect Of Parachute Material on Parachute Speed Retrieved from http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/History/2008/Projects/J0124.pdf
Karri Weathers. (2013, AUG 01) How Do Different Materials Affect Air Resistance? Retrieved from http://www.education.com/science-fair/article/how-do-materials-affect-air-resistance/
Myonlinefair. (2013, AUG 08) Parachutes: Does the Material Really Matter?
Retreived from
Schlumberger Excellence in Education Development. (2013, AUG 01) Aerodynamics Retrieved from http://www.planetseed.com/posted_faq/48
Skwirk interactive schooling (2013, AUG 01) Air resistance force Retrieved from
Tuesday 13 August 2013
New GPP (Update 14.8.13)
SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SINGAPORE
INVESTIGATIVE SKILLS IN SCIENCE
Names: Liang Zhen Yu, Xavier Ng, Joseph Yong and Anurag M
Class: S2-08
Group Reference: F
Indicate the type of research that you are adopting:
[ ] Test a hypothesis: Hypothesis-driven research
e.g. Investigation of the anti-bacteria effect of chrysanthemum
[ ] Measure a value: Experimental research (I)
e.g. Determination of the mass of Jupiter using planetary photography
[ ] Measure a function or relationship: Experimental research (II)
e.g. Investigation of the effect of temperature on the growth of crystals
[ ] Construct a model: Theoretical sciences and applied mathematics
e.g. Modeling of the cooling curve of naphthalene
[ √ ] Observational and exploratory research
e.g. Investigation of the soil quality in School of Science and Technology, Singapore
[ ] Improve a product or process: Industrial and applied research
e.g. Development of a SMART and GREEN energy system for households
Title: An investigation on how different types of material used for the parachute’s canopy affects the time taken for the parachute to reach the ground
Question or Problem being addressed
Which material used will give us the best timings.
Independent variable: Material of the parachute’s canopy
Dependent variable: Time taken for the parachute to reach the ground
Constant variable:
1. Size of canopy
2. Length of wire connecting canopy to the weight
3. Weight of the weight
4. Place the parachutes are dropped from
Goals / Expected Outcomes / Hypotheses
Changing the type of material used for the canopy affects the time taken for the parachute to reach the ground
Description in detail of method or procedures (The following are important and key items that should be included when formulating ANY AND ALL research plans.)
Equipment list:
4 materials (Nylon, Paper, Plastic and Aluminum)
Fishing wire
Paper clip as weight
Diagram:
Procedures: Detail all procedures and experimental design to be used for data collection
1. Take a parachute of a certain material and drop it from the MPH to the ISH
2. Record the time taken for the parachute to land on the floor of the ISH
3. Repeat steps 1. and 2. 3 times to get an accurate result
4. Get an average time of landing for the material
5. Take another parachute of different material and repeat steps 1., 2., 3. and 4.
6. Compare timings of the 4 different materials for the parachute
7. Conclude which material is the best
Risk and Safety: Identify any potential risks and safety precautions to be taken.
-NIL-
Data Analysis: Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data/results that answer research questions or hypotheses
1. Place the time taken for each material into a table and then transfer into a graph
2. Find the average time for each material to reach the floor
3. Conclude which material did the best by having the largest time before reaching the ground
Bibliography: List at least five (5) major references (e.g. science journal articles, books, internet sites) from your literature review. If you plan to use vertebrate animals, one of these references must be an animal care reference. Choose the APA format and use it consistently to reference the literature used in the research plan. List your entries in alphabetical order.
Karri Weathers. (2013, AUG 01) How Do Different Materials Affect Air Resistance? Retrieved from http://www.education.com/science-fair/article/how-do-materials-affect-air-resistance/
BBC. (2013, AUG 01) Parachutes and air resistance BBC. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/parachutes-and-air-resistance/2183.html
Skwirk interactive schooling (2013, AUG 01) Air resistance force Retrieved from
http://www.skwirk.com.au/p-c_s-11_u-399_t-988_c-3779/air-resistance-force/nsw/science-technology/forces-and-their-effects/types-of-forces
Schlumberger Excellence in Education Development. (2013, AUG 01) Aerodynamics Retrieved from http://www.planetseed.com/posted_faq/48
Ask.com. (2013, AUG 01) What is the Best Material for a Parachute? Retrieved from http://www.ask.com/question/what-is-the-best-material-for-a-parachute
Isabelle L.P. Swing. (2013, AUG 01) How does parachute material affect speed Retrieved from
http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/History/2009/Projects/J0130.pdf
Karina Ramirez. (2013, AUG 01) The Effect Of Parachute Material on Parachute Speed Retrieved from http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/History/2008/Projects/J0124.pdf
Buzzle. (2013, AUG 01) Parachute Materials - Parachute Fabric Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/parachute-materials-parachute-fabric.html
Myonlinefair. (2013, AUG 08) Parachutes: Does the Material Really Matter?
Retreived from
https://sites.google.com/a/hanalani.org/kalanid/research-paper/abstract
INVESTIGATIVE SKILLS IN SCIENCE
Names: Liang Zhen Yu, Xavier Ng, Joseph Yong and Anurag M
Class: S2-08
Group Reference: F
Indicate the type of research that you are adopting:
[ ] Test a hypothesis: Hypothesis-driven research
e.g. Investigation of the anti-bacteria effect of chrysanthemum
[ ] Measure a value: Experimental research (I)
e.g. Determination of the mass of Jupiter using planetary photography
[ ] Measure a function or relationship: Experimental research (II)
e.g. Investigation of the effect of temperature on the growth of crystals
[ ] Construct a model: Theoretical sciences and applied mathematics
e.g. Modeling of the cooling curve of naphthalene
[ √ ] Observational and exploratory research
e.g. Investigation of the soil quality in School of Science and Technology, Singapore
[ ] Improve a product or process: Industrial and applied research
e.g. Development of a SMART and GREEN energy system for households
Title: An investigation on how different types of material used for the parachute’s canopy affects the time taken for the parachute to reach the ground
Question or Problem being addressed
Which material used will give us the best timings.
Independent variable: Material of the parachute’s canopy
Dependent variable: Time taken for the parachute to reach the ground
Constant variable:
1. Size of canopy
2. Length of wire connecting canopy to the weight
3. Weight of the weight
4. Place the parachutes are dropped from
Goals / Expected Outcomes / Hypotheses
Changing the type of material used for the canopy affects the time taken for the parachute to reach the ground
Description in detail of method or procedures (The following are important and key items that should be included when formulating ANY AND ALL research plans.)
Equipment list:
4 materials (Nylon, Paper, Plastic and Aluminum)
Fishing wire
Paper clip as weight
Diagram:
Procedures: Detail all procedures and experimental design to be used for data collection
1. Take a parachute of a certain material and drop it from the MPH to the ISH
2. Record the time taken for the parachute to land on the floor of the ISH
3. Repeat steps 1. and 2. 3 times to get an accurate result
4. Get an average time of landing for the material
5. Take another parachute of different material and repeat steps 1., 2., 3. and 4.
6. Compare timings of the 4 different materials for the parachute
7. Conclude which material is the best
Risk and Safety: Identify any potential risks and safety precautions to be taken.
-NIL-
Data Analysis: Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data/results that answer research questions or hypotheses
1. Place the time taken for each material into a table and then transfer into a graph
2. Find the average time for each material to reach the floor
3. Conclude which material did the best by having the largest time before reaching the ground
Bibliography: List at least five (5) major references (e.g. science journal articles, books, internet sites) from your literature review. If you plan to use vertebrate animals, one of these references must be an animal care reference. Choose the APA format and use it consistently to reference the literature used in the research plan. List your entries in alphabetical order.
Karri Weathers. (2013, AUG 01) How Do Different Materials Affect Air Resistance? Retrieved from http://www.education.com/science-fair/article/how-do-materials-affect-air-resistance/
BBC. (2013, AUG 01) Parachutes and air resistance BBC. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/parachutes-and-air-resistance/2183.html
Skwirk interactive schooling (2013, AUG 01) Air resistance force Retrieved from
http://www.skwirk.com.au/p-c_s-11_u-399_t-988_c-3779/air-resistance-force/nsw/science-technology/forces-and-their-effects/types-of-forces
Schlumberger Excellence in Education Development. (2013, AUG 01) Aerodynamics Retrieved from http://www.planetseed.com/posted_faq/48
Ask.com. (2013, AUG 01) What is the Best Material for a Parachute? Retrieved from http://www.ask.com/question/what-is-the-best-material-for-a-parachute
Isabelle L.P. Swing. (2013, AUG 01) How does parachute material affect speed Retrieved from
http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/History/2009/Projects/J0130.pdf
Karina Ramirez. (2013, AUG 01) The Effect Of Parachute Material on Parachute Speed Retrieved from http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/History/2008/Projects/J0124.pdf
Buzzle. (2013, AUG 01) Parachute Materials - Parachute Fabric Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/parachute-materials-parachute-fabric.html
Myonlinefair. (2013, AUG 08) Parachutes: Does the Material Really Matter?
Retreived from
https://sites.google.com/a/hanalani.org/kalanid/research-paper/abstract
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