We decided to choose to investigate on the harmful effects of radioactive particles on the environment due our interest in the subject. Also, information can be easily accessible as the physics textbook and the internet provide as good resources for research, especially since radioactive particles is a new phenomenon in the world because it is a result of nuclear weapons being used. Thus, our group aims to 1) investigate the effects of these radioactive particles on the environment, as well as 2) find other methods to replace the usage of nuclear power, and 3) list the pros and cons of each methods

Background:

Radioactive particles contaminate out Earth’s fragile resources and environment. These radioactive particles are produced in the processing of radioactive isotopes, the manufacture and testing of nuclear weapons and the running of nuclear power reactors. In the case of a nuclear explosion, fine dust particles will be injected into the strastosphere which may decrease the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface thus affecting the production of crops in various parts of the Earth. Radioactive particles in the atmosphere may contaminate the Earth and water resources when they are brought down to the ground by rain or snow or circulated throughout the Earth by wind. This will in turn pose serious health problems for anyone coming into contact with them.

Physics SIA meeting 1

Venue: Computer lab 3
Time: 2.30pm- 6.00pm(after school)
Date: 18 January 2008
Attendance: Joan, Jiali and Marie

Agenda:
Selection of research topic
Proposal Writing
Online Journal

1. SELECTION OF RESEARCH TOPIC

1.1 BRAINSTORMING
As we have to decide on an area of research related to a physics principle behind an environmental issue covered in the textbook, we briefly looked through our physics textbook to generate ideas. During our brainstorming session, ideas such as global warming, alternative sources of energy, NEWater treatment and so on were brought up by us.

1.2 FINAL DECISION
After much discussion on the basic physics principles behind each topic, we decided to select the topic “Radioactive waves’ effects on the Environment” as all of us had interest and passion on the negative effects of radioactive waves have on the environment, and other alternative ways to replace nuclear power. We hope to use physics principles and to further research into this topic to find out more about other alternative ways to replace nuclear power and compare the pros and cons of each method.

2. PROPOSAL WRITING

2.1 RATIONALE FOR RESEARCH TOPIC
As mentioned earlier, the main objective of this project is to find out other alternative ways to replace nuclear power, and to compare each method’s pros and cons. Alternative methods are being researched on such that the negative effects of nuclear power (radioactive waves) can be reduced to the lowest level.

2.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION OF RESEARCH TOPIC
As background information is required for our research topic, “Radioactive waves’ effects on the Environment”, we referred to our physics textbook and some websites for information. Each one of us summarized the information we have researched, and later consolidated all the information and research we have gathered.

2.3 PHYSICS PRINCIPLE BEHIND RESEARCH TOPIC
As we are supposed to find out and briefly describe the physics principle behind out research topic, we also referred to our physics textbook and some websites for information. We consolidated all the information we have researched on and also cross referenced to other websites to ensure that the information was reliable.

2.4 SOURCES OF REFERENCES OF MATERIALS
After some discussion, we decided that the internet is the most available resource for our research. However, we also feel that reference books are important for our research too, as we feel that they are more reliable. Newspapers articles and online journals should be included too, as they are updated and tell us the changes in the world and environment related to our research topic, nuclear energy.

3. Online journal

3.1 Creation of Online Journal

We decided that Joan will first create the online journal using blogger.com, and later we can further edit the layout of the blog, and start posting about our research topic. Our online journal should include minutes of meetings, articles and information related to our research topic and also annotations of articles where possible.

3.2 Delegation of jobs for online journal

After some discussion, we decided that each one of us will take turns to post the minutes of each meeting on the online journal. Furthermore, we have to annotate articles or post information that we find related to our research topic and post it on the blog.