St. John's University

Project description

The St. John’s University chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma plans to host its 2017 induction ceremony by inviting local scientists, St. John’s University physics alumni, current students and faculty, and local high school students to collaborate to solve emerging environmental issues involving physics. The ceremony will start with forming for 5‐8 teams comprised of a mix of faculty, alumni, and students. After the teams become acquainted they will begin brainstorming approaches to build better‐less costly solar ovens using the provided commonly available materials and a commercial solar oven as a starting point example. The team will assemble 1/8‐scale ovens so warming under a heat lamp can be used for testing and comparison from the provided materials: plastic wrap, packing materials including foam and aluminum foil. The completed ovens will be tested in a friendly competition. Following the contest, new members will be honored and inducted to Sigma Pi Sigma. Another significant part of the ceremony is for invited local scientists to talk about the emerging issues in energy and environment, future employment prospects, and for our alumni to share how physics is applied in their careers. Particular emphasis is on the use of physical insight to address environmental and to help the disadvantaged. By inviting local high school students to the event, the ceremony will foster interaction between students, alumni, and local communities and inspire St. John’s students as well as local high school students to pursue careers in science and engineering fields. The induction ceremony is a chance for our vibrant Sigma Pi Sigma students to inspire and welcome our high school students to choose to better the world through the application of physics. The award will be used to cover expenses for the solar oven contest building materials and prizes, souvenirs for alumni, and the ceremony dinner.

Ms. Rachel Tyo, Senior, Physics, SPS Member

Project media

Proposal