2024-2025 ICS3U-E Independent Study Projects (ISPs)

Independent Study Projects. Please read our overview on why ACES pursue Independent Study Projects so vigorously.

Grade Contribution to Final Mark
10
30%
11
40%
12
60%

For the bulk of your formal education you have been, and will continue to be, required to consume curriculum chosen for you by someone else. Hopefully you will put this knowledge and skill to good use in your future. However, jumping through someone else's hoops no longer secures future success. For that, you must put yourself in the driver's seat while in secondary school to both cultivate and demonstrate your own unique initiative, motivation, and passion. RSGC ACES program is explicitly built and tailored for you to foster these greater goals. Yes, there is much to learn but there are so many great projects to be undertaken and noble problems to be identified and solved that offer stimulating contexts within which to develop and refine your interests it will quickly seem more than worth the risk, effort, and cost.

To my mind, the characteristics of a great project include such aspects as imagination, creativity, a degree of risk and, sometimes, even simplicity, to name a few. Check out the flashlight circuit 'board' this guy made out of little more that a piece of paper and a pencil? Simple, but inspiring. Consider a problem that needs a solution. Boyan Slat did at age 17 when he was in high school; four years later he is cleaning up the world's oceans. (Update: January 9, 2019) So, dig in, think, dream, research, and explore possible project pursuits. Be discerning: don't accept the first thing that comes along. You'll be expected to maintain the progress of your ISP on your web page to enable everyone to follow your efforts so have your phone handy to at all times to capture the images of your journey. Be conscious of the fact that a multi-page summary of your project will appear in your DER after Presentation Day for more permanent record of your efforts. You may wish to take into account the ISP Evaluation document that will be applied on your Presentation Day.

Also, don't underestimate the value of an enterprise/entrepreneurial aspect to your project that could see a number of units of your project in the hands of future ACES, for sale in the Dragon's Lair or beyond, reaching an even a broader audience.

2024-2025 Independent Study Projects

ACE ISP.Long (20%)
Tuesday October 15		 ISP.Medium (20%)
Saturday February 1
Proposals ISP.Long Proposal
 ISP.Medum Proposal
Evaluations
 
Nathan A.

 LED Tic Tac Toe

DESCRIPTION The project is a Tic Tac Toe game built with a 3x3 grid of multi-color LEDs that display either X or O, depending on which players turn it is. Players will use buttons to cycle through the available squares and select the desired square. The game will indicate the current player's turn with a flashing multi-color LED. When a player wins, the winning tiles and the turn indicator will flash to show the win.
MCU 328p
DESIGN The PCB will be designed using EasyEDA, and the case will be designed in Fusion and created using a 3D printer.
COMMUNICATION The communication will rely on serial for button inputs and LED control.
MECHANICAL N/A		 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Austin C.

 Wireless Charging Stand

DESCRIPTION This project is a wireless charger stand for a phone. It works by creating a magnetic field in a copper coil and transferring the current to the phone that it is connected to. This current is then used to charge the battery. I will also a design a stand that encases the wireless charger and helps line up the charger and the coil inside the phone for maximum efficacy.
MCU None
DESIGN EasyEDA to create a PCB and Fusion 360 to design a stand.
COMMUNICATION None
MECHANICAL None
 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Julian D-S.
 Dynamic 2D Display on an LED Matrix

DESCRIPTION The matrix will display dynamic 2D shapes using an Arduino. It will allow the user to generate a variety of geometric patterns, with each shape represented visually on the matrix.
MCU 328p
DESIGN Case: Material: 3D-printed plastic.
Mounting: Standoffs for the Arduino and snug slots for the matrix.
Ventilation: Small cutouts for airflow if needed.
PCB: Matrix Control: I will use a driver like MAX7219 or WS2812B addressable LEDs to simplify wiring.
Power: External 5V or 12V power supply, with proper current-limiting resistors.
Connectors: Include detachable connectors for ease of assembly. Misc: Capacitors: Decoupling capacitors for voltage stability.
COMMUNICATION I will use SPI as it is faster then I2C, it is optimized for dynamic changes that I will include in this matrix
MECHANICAL N/A
 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Hunter G.

Digital-to-Analog Audio Converter

Step 1: The ATtiny84 reads digital audio data from the SD Card Module.
Step 2: The data is sent to the DAC Module, which converts it from digital to analog.
Step 3: The Amplifier boosts the analog signal.
Step 4: The amplified signal is sent to the Speaker, which produces sound.

DESCRIPTION This project aims to create a digital-to-analog audio converter (DAC) using an ATtiny84 microcontroller. The DAC will convert digital audio signals (from a music file) into analog signals, which can then be output through a speaker. The design will use an R-2R resistor ladder to try and achieve 16-bit audio resolution. This project will read digital music data from and SD Card and process it to generate sound
MCU mega328p & tiny84
DESIGN The circuit design will be done in EasyEDA for the DAC and ATtiny84 boards. Fusion360 will be used to design a 3D-printed Case for the whole project.
COMMUNICATION SPI will be used to transfer the digital audio data from an external source (e.g., a computer or SD card) to the ATtiny84 and the DAC.
MECHANICAL I will be using a speaker as the output of my Converter as well as a SD Card reader that will be able to transfer file on SD card to my ATtiny84.		 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Elliot H.

 Photon Wireless Communication Network

DESCRIPTION The network will contain 2 computers that can communicate between each other. This is done by setting a 2 digit number on one computer, the main computer will then use a very bright LED to transfer data between computers using a 4-digit binary message for each digit of the set number. The other computer will use its own LED to communicate back saying that it received the first number and the main computer should send the second one. In the end the secondary computer will display the set number on two 7 segment displays.
MCU 328p
DESIGN Using easy EDA to create 2 PCBs for either computer, and using fusion360 to create a case that can hold a power supply for both computers.
COMMUNICATION Using visible photons to wirelessly communicate (might have to complete demonstrations in a dark room)
MECHANICAL N/A
 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Naol K.

 The Temperature and Humidity Sensor

DESCRIPTION The temperature and humidity sensor is used to display the room temperature along with the humidity. It can be an advantageous tool in the classroom, home, or in the outside environment and can help one dress appropriately for the climate or simply answer the question of what the temperature and humidity is. This project has a bigger focus on the use of software than hardware components and it can show the applications of software. 
MCU 328p (Nano)
DESIGN EasyEDA, Fusion 360
COMMUNICATION AHT10 Sensor Module communicates through the I2C interface with the MCU.
MECHANICAL N/A
 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Thomas La.
Alarm Clock

DESCRIPTION The alarm clock project will be a fully realized alarm clock, including a time display, an alarm setting and a full encasement. The alarm will encompass all aspects of hardware using a big LCD screen, software components with Arduino coding of the time and alarm, and design for the casing of the alarm clock.
MCU ESP8266
DESIGN Easy eda will be used to create a custom PCB for the final project. This PCB will match a fusion 360 design so that it takes the appearance of an actual alarm clock.
COMMUNICATION The I2C will be used to properly connect the LCD used to display the time and alarm. An RTC (real time clock) module will also be used to update the circuit with the proper time. Finally serial communication will be used to update the code and transmit it to the nano.
MECHANICAL N/A
 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Nathan LN.
 The 4 Player Reaction Time Game

DESCRIPTION The 4 Player Reaction Time Game is a multi-player game that tests your reaction time. The game uses an Arduino Uno as its microcontroller, interacting with four large arcade-style buttons, each assigned to a different player. An LCD display serves as the screen displaying the results of each round and other information. An LED lights up after a random wait period, with the fastest button press determining the winner. The final prototype will be in a large custom 3D printed case.
MCU 328p (UNO)
DESIGN EasyEDA, Fusion360
COMMUNICATION Serial communication for displaying results and troubleshooting I2C for LCD display communication
MECHANICAL N/A
 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Thomas Lo.

 5V Voltmeter

DESCRIPTION This circuit will be able to measure any voltage between the ranges of 0 to 5 volts. It will achieve this through the use of an analog-to-digital converter, and logic chips like the 4510 and 4511. The voltage that is read will be displayed on four seven-segment displays so that the result is accurate to the millivolt and there will be a button to reset the display. Additionally, the final prototype will include a custom 3D printed case along with a custom-made PCB.
MCU ?? N/A
DESIGN This project will use EasyEDA and Fusion360.
COMMUNICATION
MECHANICAL N/A

 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Evan M.

 Chrome-Dome

DESCRIPTION A custom designed helmet with moving parts, similar to an iron-man mask. A futuristic and sleek black and red helmet with a moving faceplate. The focus of the project is the design aspect, and honing my fusion modelling skills.
MCU UNO, Nano
DESIGN Lots of fusion 360, paint, maybe EasyEDA
COMMUNICATION The uploaded sketch on the Nano or uno will trigger certain things when an input is given. This will be done without connections to a wall.
MECHANICAL Servo motors for precise control an movement of the face-plate pieces
 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Bertram M.

 Ultrasonic Distance Meter

DESCRIPTION It would be able to measure distance using a ultrasonic sensor and display the result on seven segment displays.I am going to be using the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor along with some 555 chips to make oscillators, along with some CD40110 chips to use as counters that takes the output from the HC-SR04 and display them on the seven-segment display, I would also need some variable resistors to calibrate the oscillation that the 555 chips to make the sensor more accurate. There will also be a general switch to turn the device on and off.
MCU None (CD: ?)
DESIGN I will be using EasyEDA and Fusion360 to make a PCB and a case for the project.
COMMUNICATION This project would not be using any software programming
MECHANICAL N/A
 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Keaton M.

 The UNO Calculator

DESCRIPTION This Circuit is a calculator powered via an Arduino UNO controlled by a key pad to power a liquid Crystal display or LCD. This circuit will be able to do simple mathematical equations with in the limits of the capabilities of the Uno. This circuit will also be streamlined and designed to be for maximum user experience with the LCD placed at the top of a slender case, the key pad at the bottom easily accessible by the thumbs and the Arduino hidden in the case. It will also take a 9v power supply converted into a 9v supply.
MCU 328p (UNO)
DESIGN I will use EasyEDA to produce a circuit board in which to emplace my power supply voltage regulator and necessary connections to the Uno keypad and LCD. The board will be streamlined and include silk screening clearly labeling each component and input/output. I will also use Fusion360 in order to create a user-friendly case with a slot for the PCB battery and an opening for the key pad and LCD. I will make a custom PCB for the key pad with silk screening labeling the use of each button.
COMMUNICATION N/A
MECHANICAL There are few details in this circuit which are Mechanical with the only main part being the voltage regulator which will translate 9V batteries into 5V there will also be a key pad which is wired to the UNO.
 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Rhys N.

 Voltmeter

DESCRIPTION The voltmeter is based off the ICL7107 chip. This device leverages the ICL7107's integrated 3 1/2-digit analog-to-digital converter and 7-segment display driver to create a voltmeter. The voltmeter will have a range of 1999V to 0V. This chip will take an input voltage and compare it against its internal reference voltage. This reference voltage can be change to make the voltmeter more or less precise (decreases or increases range of voltage measurement). After comparing, the seven segment displays will display the input voltage.
MCU None
DESIGN EasyEDA and Fusion360
COMMUNICATION N/A
MECHANICAL N/A
 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Daniel O.

 4-Bit Basic Calculator

DESCRIPTION The 4-bit digital (hardware only) calculator can perform basic arithmetic operations on two 4-bit numbers. It is entirely built from logic gates and flip-flops without microcontrollers (MCUs). The design includes buttons for user input (backspace, clear entry, clear, equals) and uses 7-segment displays to show results, allowing decimal number display. It uses 4000-series integrated circuits (ICs) for implementing logic gates, arithmetic operations, and memory functions. The system is scalable; however, increasing the calculator beyond 4-bit would exponentially increase the number of components, specifically for multiplication and division. A battery, with a holder in the case, will power this calculator, and the calculator will only process integers.
MCU None
DESIGN EasyEDA will be used when I am making my PCB as a permanent fixture for my 4-bit Basic Calculator and Fusion360 will be used for the designing of my case.
COMMUNICATION N/A
MECHANICAL N/A
 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Jaoquin P.

 Weather Station

DESCRIPTION The Weather Station will consist of multiple sensor (anemometer, rain gauge, thermometer) connected to a LCD display. It will be able to tell things like the temperature, wind speed, or how much rain has fallen. This project will combine hardware, software, and design, with a greater focus on software and design, as I will need to code the sensors and use Fusion to design a case for the display, as well as components for the sensors.
MCU 328p (Nano)
DESIGN I will use EasyEDA to design the PCB(s) for my project. For the different external components and cases, I will use Fusion for the design.
COMMUNICATION N/A (??)
MECHANICAL N/A
 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Theo P.

 Pocket Piano

DESCRIPTION The Pocket Piano is a compact, multi-octave digital piano designed for portability. Powered by an ATmega328p microcontroller, it controls the pulse width modulation (PWM) of a piezo buzzer to produce different tones as you press corresponding keys. You can navigate between octaves using simple buttons. The piano keys, 3D-printed for a realistic touch, are mounted onto buttons, and the entire system is housed in a custom 3D-printed case. The design also includes LEDs for power indication integrated into a printed circuit board (PCB).
MCU 328p (Nano)
DESIGN There will be use of EasyEDA as well as Fusion360.
COMMUNICATION empty
MECHANICAL I will be using a piezo speaker to emit the sound outputted from the piano.
 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Anka S.
Connect 4

DESCRIPTION This is a Connect 4 game with the circles being bi-colored LEDs for the two opponents. It is powered by an Arduino Nano. There are two modes: 2-player mode where two human players play against each other, and a single player mode where the human faces a bot that is coded. The selection of squares is 3 buttons: 2 for going left and right, and one for selecting. When selecting, the LED blinks using a 555 chip. There is also a reset button to reset the board.
MCU 328p (Nano)
DESIGN The PCB will be made in EasyEDA and the case will be designed in Fusion360.
COMMUNICATION N/A
MECHANICAL N/A
 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Jack S.
A real time audio processing device with effects

DESCRIPTION The idea behind my ISP is to have an audio effects device that is capable of applying various sound effects including Chorus and Reverb to an inputted audio. Using components including a DSP, op amps, capacitors, resistors and potentiometers to manipulate the audio in real time through controls like switches or push buttons. This system enables users to explore sound by using live audio and manipulating it with effects.
MCU 328p (Nano)
DESIGN EasyEDA, Fusion 360 and JLCPCB
COMMUNICATION N/A
MECHANICAL N/A
 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Jones T.
Morse Code Translator

DESCRIPTION The Morse Code Translator is an Arduino-Based circuit that takes an input from a button, and translates into text on a small LCD screen by using Arduino code. The project is divided into two parts, a case with a large button for the input, and a case that houses a custom PCB on the inside and an LCD screen on the outside. They are connected by a wire that can be varied in length for short or long-range message transmission,
MCU 328p (Nano)
DESIGN EasyEDA PCB, Fusion360 Custom Case
COMMUNICATION USB Data Transfer to Arduino Wire connections between the Button and Arduino, and between the Arduino and Screen.
MECHANICAL There will be a hinge on both cases to open the case and see the internals.


?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
Nathaniel W.

 Bluetooth Controlled Forklift

DESCRIPTION This project will be a forklift made primarily with 3D-printed materials. It will focus heavily on design with some focus on mechatronics, given the lift system on the front. This project will also be a dive into Bluetooth, as it will also feature a Bluetooth controller using an HC-05 module to communicate to another one on the vehicle. The forklift will use a front-wheel drive system with a caster wheel at the back.
MCU 84/328P (Nano)
DESIGN The two PCBs for the vehicle and controller will be made in EasyEDA. All of the 3D design for the vehicle, controller encasement, and mechanical parts will be done in fusion.
COMMUNICATION This project will use HC-05 modules to communicate with Bluetooth between the controller, which will have an ATtiny84 microcontroller, and the nano on the main body of the vehicle.
MECHANICAL Three stepper motors will be used in the vehicle, one for each of the front wheels, which will be controlled independently, and one connected to the pulley which will move the forks up and down the front of the forklift.		 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION
William X.

 Trigonometer

DESCRIPTION The Trigonometer is a device that is capable of graphing three kinds of primary trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, and tangent functions) with high resolutions on four 32 ´ 8 LED matrices with on-board MAX7219 IC. A telephone keypad and several PBNOs will be used to input equations, types of function, and parameters. These pieces of information will be displayed on a TFT LCD. The TFT LCD will also display the basic properties of the function graphed and some trigonometric identities and equations by default. A couple of potentiometers will be used to zoom in and out on the graphs as well as adjust brightness. A joystick will be included to provide another way of graphing the functions.
MCU 2560
DESIGN EasyEDA will be used to create two custom PCB(s) (the circuit/prototype will be monstrous).
Fusion 360 will be used to create one or two custom 3D printed case(s) (depending on the difficulty of the design that allows folding the case).
COMMUNICATION The MAX7219 LED Matrix Modules and the TFT LCD will both use SPI interface.
MECHANICAL The telephone keypad is the major mechanical component for this project. It will be used to inputs numbers and parameters for the equations of the functions. A joystick is used for creating a graph without inputting parameters (by dragging the joystick, the amplitude and the period of the customize graph can be adjusted).
 ?

 

DESCRIPTION
MCU
HARDWARE
SOFTWARE
DESIGN
MECHANICAL
COMMUNCATION