Related Links
Project Summary
| Difficulty | 5 |
| Time required | Long (a couple of weeks) to Very Long (several weeks to months) |
Donate to Science Buddies
|
| * Note: This is an abbreviated project idea, without notes to start your background research or a procedure for how to do the experiment. You can identify abbreviated project ideas by the asterisk at the end of the title. If you want a project idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk. |
Abstract
The different species of wood used in construction offer a variety of challenges based on density, porosity, oils in the wood, flexibility, elasticity, etc. The intended use, e.g., structural or cosmetic, presents different challenges as well. The glue must be compatible with the wood, the use, and the climate, so many experiments are possible. For example, you could design an experiment to test the durability of different adhesives using the same wood. Or, you could try different wood samples using the same adhesive. Or, you could look at the effect of different environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, rain, salt spray exposure, etc.). Or, you could do a larger study that includes multiple variables. If you run a multi-variable study, remember that you'll need to have a sufficient number of samples so that you can make comparisons between groups with only a single variable—wood type, glue type, or climate—changing. One way to measure the outcome would be to test the strength of the glue joint at the end of the experiment. (Poretti, 2006)Bibliography
Poretti, D., 2006. Personal communication.Variations
- For more science project ideas in this area of science, see Materials Science Project Ideas.
Last edit date: 2007-01-22 19:43:18
Career Focus
If you like this project, you might want to think about career opportunities in
Materials Science.
You’ve probably heard the expression “build a better mousetrap.” Industrial engineers are the people who figure out how to do things better. They find ways that are smarter, faster, safer, and easier, so that companies become more efficient, productive, and profitable, and employees have work environments that are safer and more rewarding. You might think from their name that industrial engineers just work for big manufacturing companies, but they are employed in a wide range of industries, including the service, entertainment, shipping, and healthcare fields. For example, nobody likes to wait in a long line to get on a roller coaster ride, or to get admitted to the hospital. Industrial engineers tell companies how to shorten these processes. They try to make life and products better—finding ways to do more with less is their motto. Learn more about this career: Industrial Engineer.
|
Join Science Buddies
Become a Science Buddies member! It's free! As a member you will be the first to receive our new and innovative project ideas, news about upcoming science competitions, science fair tips, and information on other science related initiatives.
Support Science Buddies
If this website has helped you, won't you consider a small gift so we may continue developing resources to help teachers and students?
|
