TEL3M Independent Study Projects (ISPs): Fall 2016

Independent Study Projects. Please read the philosophy of why ACES pursue Independent Study Projects so vigorously.

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, possibly, a problem that needs a solution. Boyan Slat did at age 17 when he was in high school; four years later he was cleaning up the world's oceans. So, dig in, think, dream, research, and explore possible project pursuits. Be discerning: don't accept the first thing that comes along. Above all, remember this is your education. You can choose a path of little resistance, but who would you be short-changing?

You'll be expected to maintain the progress of your ISP so have your phone handy to at all times to capture the images of your journey. Be conscious of the fact that a two-page summary of your project will appear in your ER 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 for sale in the Dragon's Lair or beyond, reaching an even a broader audience.

ACE
 Orig. Sheet? Detail
(L/M/H)		 Course
Correlation
TITLE
DESCRIPTION
Gavin B.
 Y M H
Scoreboard
Two 7-segments displays that can count up to 99 and reset back to 0.
Graydon B.
 Y M/H H
AutoWind Desk Fan
I will assemble a desk fan that will turn on automatically when the surrounding temperature reaches a set point.
Spencer C.
 Y M/H H
Rain Alarm
This circuit helps around the house to let you know when there is rain. A buzzer will be triggered when it senses moisture.
Nick C.
 N H H
Binary Converter
In this project I will be creating a double-digit binary converter with 4-5 switches which represent a 0 or 1 in binary and it will be converted into a 7-segment LED display or a bicolor LED Matrix in Base 10.
Luke C.
 Y M L/M
Cell Phone Signal Detector
I will assemble a circuit that detects or senses the presence of cell phones by detecting their signals
Cameron G.
 Y L M
Digital Thermometer
A digital display housed in a safe case displaying the current temperature.
Ryan H.
 N M L/M
Laser Security Alarm Circuit
I will assemble a circuit that uses a laser light and a detector and gets activated when someone crosses it.
Will H.
 Y L M
Traffic Lights
I will be making traffic lights using a 555 Timer IC.
Matias K-L.
 Y H M
Laser Piano
Seven lasers, each fitted to point directly at an LDR. When you block the laser, resistance of the LDR increases allowing current to trigger a high on an AND gate which would lead to some form of sound generator.
Reid L.
 Y M H
Light-Sensitive Alarm
When light is bright enough in the room, the device will beep and flash an LED. PRessing a button will 'SNOOZE' the alarm nd pressing both buttons will turn off the alarm.
Connor M.
 Y M/H L
Simple Metal Detector Circuit
I will develop a circuit that uses a 555 Timer IC and the principles of inductors and RLC circuits to create a working metal detector circuit.
William M.
 N M H
The Baseball Scoreboard
This project will be used to keep track of outs, runs, and balls in an inning and will restart in the inning after three outs.
Aaron N.
 Y M L/M
Analogue Mono Synth
I will attach a keyboard to an array of effects that can be controlled using a potentiometer a switches.
Stefan P.
 Y H L/M
Random Number Generator
To display a random number on a seven-segment display based on the amount of time a button is pushed for. There are two LEDs that light up based on numbers preconfigured.
Dan R.
 Y M/H H
Digital Thermometer
I will assemble a circuit that changes the colour of an LED based on the temperature of the surrounding area.
Liam S.
 N/Y M H
Stoplight with Push to Walk Button
I will assemble a stoplight that runs through its cycle but when a button is pressed is runs through the cycle at twice the speed.
R. J. S.
 Y L L
Radio Restoration
To restore an old radio that was given as a gift. Include a speaker.
Ben V.
 Y M M/H
7-Segment Display Stopwatch
A stopwatch in seconds using ICs and seven segment displays featuring a start/stop push button and a reset push button
Andrew W.
 Y L M
A Reaction Speed Tester
Test the reaction speed of the user...

Grade Contribution to Final Mark
10
30%
11
S:M = 20%:35% = 50%
12
S:M:L = 20%:25%:30% = 75%

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. Fortunately (hopefully) you will put this knowledge and skill to good use in your future. However, jumping through someone else's hoops alone does not, typically, secure future success. For that, you must demonstrate your own initiative, motivation, and passion. These qualities need to be cultivated and our Grade 10 hardware course is a perfect place to start. There is so much to learn and there are so many great projects out there that offer stimulating contexts within which to develop and refine your interests.