2023-2024 ICD2O Independent Study Projects (ISPs)

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 summary of your project will appear in your DER after Presentation Day for a more permanent record of your efforts. You may wish to take into account the ISP Evaluation criteria that I will use for your Proposal, Presentation, and DER Summary.

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! See Previous Grade 10 ISPs. You may even wish to check out this year's Grade 11 ISPs and Grade 12 ISPs for future inspiration.

ICD2O ISP Proposal Document

ACE
TITLE
GENERAL DESCRIPTION (copied directly from the author's proposal)
Section 1
Hayden B.
Guitar Pedal
"...external devices that can change the sound of your guitar by modulating its signal (or output)."
George B.
The Temperature Sensor
My DIY Heat Sensor project aims to create a simple yet very useful temperature sensing device using basic electronic components we have been using throughout the year assembled on a breadboard. This project is suitable as it is a good way to sum up numerous concepts, we have used through the year to create something different. My aim for the project is to have a circuit where when and object with heat is brought near it an LED will light up. I can test this with likes of something like a solder pen in the DES. Overall, this will be a good project for my development as a student and an ACE to round out the year as a whole.
Nicky C.
NBA Score Board

In the NBA points can increase by 1, 2 or 3. In this circuit there will be a 3 digit score board and 4 buttons 1 for 1 points one for 2 points and 1 for 3 points, finally there will be a reset button. This circuit can count the score for anything but is designed for Basketball. When constructing this I might add additional parts to the circuit but for now I do not want to get ahead of myself.
Phillip D.
Flock-A-Flicker Oscillator
The Flock-A-Flicker is a motorized duck decoy that mimics ducks and sends off random, quick "flashes" or "strobe" given off by a flock of contented ducks sitting on the water or dry ground, telling other ducks: It's OK to land here. This design will be able to float on water and be able to imitate a duck wing flapping on the water. It will have a PBNO switch on it to turn on and off.
Fox H.
Homemade Guitar Pedal
For my ISP I am going to be creating a guitar pedal. What does a guitar pedal do? A guitar pedal allows you to put interesting and fun effects on your electric guitar. A guitar pedal takes the output from your electric guitar and alters the signal that your guitar would send to your amplifier. The output from the guitar pedal goes into the input of your amplifier, displaying the sound. There are pedals that you can purchase, that put different effects on your guitar. For example, a delay guitar pedal. This pedal would record the signal, play it, and then and then play it a certain amount of time after, which you can tune to your liking. The Pedal that I would like to create is a fuzz pedal. The fuzz pedal would turn the clean sound, into a grainier and fuzzier sound.
Harry H.
Dance Dance Revolution Mini
There will be 4 strips of LEDs, a light will come down the strip, and when it reaches the bottom you need to click your button, almost like one of that dance dance revolution game from the 90s. if you click the button at the correct time your score will be increased by 1. The score will be shown on 2 seven segment displays. There will also be a buzzer or speaker playing a simple pattern, which will be close enough to music.
Owen K.
555 Metronome Timer Circuit
By using a 555 IC, it will create a continuous sequence of pulses. These pulses will be put out into the speaker creating a tick sound continuously determining the tempo. This is a metronome, which is used by musicians to stay at a steady tempo when practicing. There will be a dial to turn the sound up or down and make the tempo faster and slower. Also, there will be an LED that will be flashing at the same tempo as the speaker.
Evan M.
Assisting Arm
A robotic arm that can be used to pick up and relocate items. Could be used for a variety of things like assembly lines or for something like a rover on mars. It will use Arduino to control different servo motors to pick up objects.
Luke M.
555 Timer Music Box
The 555 Timer Music Box is a cool device that makes music using a special electronic chip called the 555 timer. It's like a mini synthesizer that can play different tones in a sequence, kind of like a musical pattern. You can control how fast or slow it plays and even change the sounds it makes. It's powered by batteries or a plug, and you can listen to the music it makes through headphones or speakers. This circuit is built using You can build this project using two 555 timers, a 4017 IC, some diodes, resistors, capacitors, and a speaker.
Spencer S.
555 Reaction Game
The 555 Timer Reaction Game is a cool and easy project perfect for testing your reflexes. You'll use a 555 timer IC and a CD4026 decade counter with 7-segment output to make a game where players have to hit a button quickly after a signal starts. Here's how it works: Player 1 starts the game by pressing the Start button. Then, Player 2 stops the display by pressing the Stop button. The number displayed shows how fast the player reacted – the lower the number, the quicker the reaction time! It's a fun way to challenge your friends and see who has the fastest reflexes!
Section 2
Nathan A.
Arduino Reaction Time Game
The Arduino Reaction Time Game is an interactive project created to test reaction times while providing a fun gaming experience. Using an Arduino Nano and simple hard ware, players are asked to press a button as fast as possible when the LED lights up. The game records the player's reaction time in seconds and milliseconds and displays it on three 7-segment. this project offers a versatile and engaging way to test reflexes and enjoy interactive gaming with Arduino technology.
Austin C.
Bioplastics
I will be making three different types of bioplastics. They will be made from a starch, a gelatin (animal) and an algae. I will conduct test on them (degradability, waterproofness, heat resistance, tensile strength, and maybe some more). I will also talk about upcoming types bioplastics (ex. Shrilk).
Julian D-S.
Weather Projector
The Arduino Weather Station is a small device that measures various environmental variables such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure. It uses sensors to collect data and displays it on a screen in real-time.
Sam H.
Dog Whistle Circuit
An electronic dog whistle is a device that generates ultrasonic sound waves and is used for training dogs and for controlling excessive barking habit. Because dogs and domestic cats can hear ultrasonic frequencies, humans cannot, this dog whistle device is employed to train these animals. It is also sometimes known as a silent whistle or Galton's whistle.
Taylor L.
RSGC ACES Temp Tracker
A device to check the temperature around you using a temperature sensor and LCD display screen. This device would tell you the temperature of what you are pointing the device at and display it on the screen.
Josh L.
Light-sensitive Alarm Project
The circuit shows a sudden shadow falling on the light-sensor and when it does so it sounds the bleeper. The circuit doesn’t respond to changes in brightness to avoid false alarms. The bleeper will only sound for a short amount of time because if it were to sound for a long time, they battery would run low. Breaking this beam will then cause the bleeper to sound.
Bertram M.
Controllable Heat-Activated DC Fan
In the project, there would be switches with different temperatures labeled to them. Once a switch is turned on, the fan would automatically turn on and would automatically turn off once the temperature falls below the set temperature.
William R.
LASER Entry Detection Device
This Device serves to detect a person, pet, or thing entering through a doorway, window, or other opening. A laser is shone across the threshold of the opening on which the detector is placed. A wire will run around the inside of the frame to provide power to a lase pointer through a positive and negative lead. The laser will be pointed at an LDR. Also in the circuit, a buzzer and LED, powered off due to the light hitting the resistor. When there is a break in the light, the LED and buzzer will latch onto power, with a clock circuit creating a beep and pulse with these two components. A power off button will be included, to stop the alarm when it is no longer needed.
Anka S.
Whack-an-LED
This game requires you to push buttons when the corresponding LED lights up. There is a score system and penalties for hitting the button too late. There is also a reset button and a variable resistor to change the game's difficulty. I will implement some software into this, but I will try to keep it as little as possible. (If I have lots of time I might make it so that the player can actually whack something, but I probably won’t)
Joseph S.
Metronome
The metronome is an oscillating device that creates a steady pulse or rhythm that can help musicians
and dancers to stay on track when practicing which will ultimately improve their timing when they
perform even without a metronome. The device will emit a synchronized sound through a speaker and
a flash from an LED every beat to create a steady tempo through the use of the oscillating pulse.
Tempo can be changed manually using a potentiometer to adapt to different rhythms which will make
it easier to follow when playing an instrument.
Sam S.
The Reaction Time Game
I will create a circuit that can function as a two-player game. One player presses a button, which starts a timer. The second player attempts to press their button as quickly as possible after the first player does. The time between button presses will be shown on a seven-segment display, representing the reaction time of the second player.
Jack S.
Stereo Amplifier
This 2.5W*2 audio amplifier is able to function through the use of capacitors, a potentiometer, a TEA2025B amplifier chip and speaker. Through the use of these components, when connected to an audio it is able to amplify the volume of said audio.
Nolan S.
LED Dice
Produces a random number from 1 to 6 through the use of  a 555 timer to generate a rapid series of pulses, which are then fed into a 4017 decade counter/decoder. The 4017 takes these pulses and sequentially lights up each of the 6 LEDs arranged in a dice pattern, creating the illusion of a "rolling" dice. When the button is pressed, the 555 timer runs at a very high speed, causing the LEDs to flash rapidly and simulate a dice roll. Once the finger is removed, the 555 timer gradually slows down, making the LED flashing slow down until it settles on a random number between 1 and 6. This simple circuit uses common electronic components to create an interactive dice simulation.
Jones T.
Keypad Lock Box
This ISP is a lockbox that opens when the correct 4-digit number is entered through the keypad on top. When the correct code is entered, a servo will open a hook allowing the user to open the box. When the user is finished accessing the box, there is a button on the front to close the box.
Thomas W.
Signal Jammer
A signal jammer is a device designed to disrupt or block wireless communications by emitting radio frequency signals on the same frequency band as the target device. When activated, it creates interference, preventing the target device from sending or receiving signals effectively. Signal jammers are commonly used in various scenarios such as preventing unauthorized cell phone usage in sensitive areas or disabling GPS tracking. However, their use is often regulated or illegal due to potential interference with critical communication systems.
Section 3
Austin B.
Sunrise Sensor Alarm
The Sunrise Sensor Alarm is a circuit that will take multiple components and mash them together. The basic idea is that when a light bright enough, for example the sun, interacts with the sensor, not only will a buzzer be played, but multiple LEDs will also begin to flash. On the circuit as well will be a 24HR clock that will display the time. Therefore, this circuit can not only track sunrise times but also get you up in the morning for a bright and early start to your day.
Henry G.
Mini Piano
A circuit that creates the same frequencies of musical notes to replicate a piano that is able to play a full chromatic C scale.
Hunter G.
Weather Station
The Weather Station is a project aimed at measuring basic atmospheric conditions such as temperature and humidity. This device will be designed to be user-friendly and require minimal coding, making it suitable for a Grade 10 student's capabilities. The project will involve assembling various sensors and displaying the data.
Elliot H.
Home Thermostat
The project will include the capability to automatically detect the room temperature and assess whether or not to turn on a heating system ( a small low power heating coil) based off a previously set temperature. It will do this by using a temperature detector resister that connects to the inverting pin of the LM741 and comparing it to the non-inverting pin which is connected to a potentiometer which connects to power. When set up correctly the LM741 will produce a high signal when the voltage from the room temperature detector is lower that the voltage set by the potentiometer the circuit will activate the heat coil to increase temperature till it meets the set temp. The circuit will also include a reading of temperature of the room and the set temperature, this will be done with 2 seven segment displays each.
Naol K.
Heartbeat Sensor
The heartbeat sensor displays the heartbeat through LED confirmation. For every beat, the LED would light up, indicating a heartbeat. Every time the heart pumps blood to the finger, it becomes more opaque and by putting one’s finger on the LDR (light-dependent resistor), it can detect it and make sure to spread the light coming off of the bright red LED onto the finger. LDR detects when it is more or less opaque according to when the heart pumps blood to the finger. It then converts it to an electrical pulse. This pulse is then amplified and processed through the amplifier, which results in the output (heartbeat pulse signal) being displayed on an LED. Each heartbeat pulse is indicated by a brighter flash on the LED.
Aren K.
Digital Dice
A button will be used as a method to start the randomizer. The seven-segment display will be used in order to display the numbers. Code will be used to give a slow picking effect as if it were spinning a wheel and the wheel slows down but the numbers will be showing at a fast pace before they slow down and stop.
Thomas L.
Stopwatch
The stopwatch will be created using the skills learned during the counting circuit and other projects. It will be able to record times as well as set lap times. The challenge of this project will be figuring out the correct composition to have one clock signal represent a second as well as create a 4 number display to enable the clock to count up to 59 minutes and 59 seconds. As well as this, memory will be used to create the lap ties.
Nathan L-N
1v1 Game Show Buttons
A circuit designed to show who pressed the button first between two people. This can be used in a game show setting such as a trivia game. The result of who pressed first will be shown on LEDs, one for each person.
Charlie L.
Automated Plant Watering System
The Automated Plant Watering System is designed to automate the process of watering plants based on their moisture levels. It involves using components like an Arduino chip, soil moisture sensors, water pumps, and servo motors to create a system that can know when the soil is dry and deliver water to the plants as needed. The system can be programmed to water multiple plants and can adjust watering schedules, and read moisture levels. By combing components and skills like microcontrollers programming, sensor calibration, and circuit design, this project is a solution for making sure you’re plants receive the right amount of water without manual labor
Thomas L.
Digital Clock
As the project title suggest the end product of this project will be a digital clock. It will display hours and minutes and there will be two buttons, one that controls minutes and one for hours. Normally they will add to the time, but a switch will allow them to subtract from the time. Together these components make up the time setting feature. There will also be an on/off slide switch and a potentiometer to adjust display brightness. The clock will come in a wooden case and the only components visible will be the buttons, switches, potentiometer, and 7-segment displays. This will be achieved through the use of elevated stripboard. The other components will sit within the case and will be soldered onto perma-proto boards. Finally, the case will receive power through a power jack on the side of the box.
Quinn M.
Reaction Game
The reaction game is very simple. You have 2 players and the first will click a start button, and after that, second player will have to freeze it, and the time will show on a seven-segment display. The lower the number, the faster the reaction was from player 2.
Keaton M.
1 Hour Stopwatch
This Project will be a stopwatch that can go up to 1 hour. The circuit will have a 555 to create an oscillating current and then I will use the same parts as used in the counting circuit, but it will be bigger and the displays will count to an hour. Also, certain displays will go to only 6 and not 9. The circuit will then be soldered into a permanent bread board and placed inside a wood box with holes for a button and seven segment displays.
Rhys N.
555 Timer Music Box
The 555 Timer Music Box is a device designed to create 10 different musical notes. It uses two main components: The 555 timer IC and a 4017-decade counter. The first 555 timer is set up to produce a square wave, which is an on-off pattern, while the other 555 timer produces a frequency that goes to a speaker, generating the actual tone. The 4017-decade counter uses the clock signal from the first 555 timer and sets one of its 10 output pins to high in sequence. Each of these outputs is connected to a different resistor. These resistors are wired to the control the voltage going to the control voltage pin of the second 555 timer. As the 4017 cycles outputs, it changes the voltage on this pin, this changes the frequency of the 555 timer’s output and produces 10 different pitches. This circuit functions as a simple synthesizer, cycling through 10 different notes to create a musical sequence.
Daniel O.
Arduino Based Alarm Clock
The Arduino Based Alarm Clock uses the Arduino Nano and a DS3231 Real Time Clock (RTC) Module to create a working clock. The 16x2 LCD display serves as a visual representation for the clock when coded on Arduino IDE, and the buzzer is the alarm feature of this clock. The RTC module will provide time and date information. This information will be taken from library functions and displayed on the LCD. The real-time information will be compared with the coded alarm time to create an alarm feature. When the times match, the buzzer will start to beep for a specified length of time. The RTC connects to the Arduino Nano, and the Arduino displays/outputs the information via the LCD and buzzer.
Jaoquin P.
Fire Detector
The Fire Detector is an alarm that will use multiple sensors to detect fire. It will consist of these sensors, other analog components. There will be an oscillating circuit incorporated into the prototype to create the alarm aspect. This circuit will be first prototyped onto a breadboard, then transferred to a solderable breadboard for a more permanent version.
Theo P.
Simple Alarm
My project is an alarm clock with the ability to have a stopwatch, and timer functions as well. By using multiple 7-segment displays in conjunction with multiple CMOS 4000 series IC’s, a buzzer, and multiple passive components, this alarm will be able to set the hour and minute to go off with the use of a buzzer/speaker.
Sam R.
LED Water Level Indicator
For this ISP, I will design and build a simple water level indicator using a breadboard prototype and LED lights, where a microcontroller interacts with water level sensors placed at different heights in a container to monitor the water level and display it visually using a series of LED lights, with additional features like a buzzer to indicate high or low water levels, all enclosed in a compact, water-resistant housing to protect the electronics.
Navid SFS.
Stopwatch Circuit
This circuit will utilize a 555 timer alongside 2 4033 Decade Counter/Decoder to create a stopwatch that can count up to 99 seconds.
Nathaniel W.
Chess Clock
My circuit will be a chess clock with two 3-digit 7-segment displays. It will use a 3-button latch system, with one button for each player and a reset button. The circuit will be able to be in 1 of 3 states at any time. The first state has clock A counting down and clock B holding a value. The second state has clock B counting down and clock A holding a value. The final state is a reset, with neither clock counting and both at their maximum value.
William X.
Chaser Lights Game
This ISP is a reaction game. There will be a string of LEDs and the game starts with one of the LEDs lights up (this is the “Goal LED”). Then, by pressing the PBNO, the LED string illuminates in sequence under the control of the 555 timer IC and the 4017 IC, with the Goal LED remains up. When another PBNO is pressed, this process will stop. The last LED that illuminates before pressing the PBNO remains up as well (this is the “Attempt LED”). When the Attempt LED and the Goal LED are the same LED (in this case it will appear as only one LED is up), one point will be awarded to the player, displayed through the 7-segment display. The speed of the LED string illuminating in sequence can be adjusted by a potentiometer.
Grade Contribution to Final Mark
10
30%
11
S:M = 20%:20% = 40%
12
S:M:L = 20%:20%:20% = 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. 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.