Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My 7th grader is doing a variation on the "Take a Musical Step Back in Time" project. I'd like a little help filling out the forms.

1. Would you consider this a "physics" or "mechanical engineering" project?

2. The SRC for the fair says that surveying volunteers to evaluate which diaphragm makes the best sound does not require human subjects forms, but we need to fill out Form 3 "Risk Assessment" and notify volunteers of any safety rules and risks before participating. Not sure what to put here --

Safety rules for volunteers -- I just brainstormed a few ideas here -- are we missing anything? Don't get hair caught in the gears. (She build her record player out of K'Nex, there are exposed plastic gears in the set-up.) Don't put your ear too close until you hear the sound from a distance. Stop if it hurts your ears.

Can I put as sources for safety information "Common sense" or do we actually need to research this somehow?

Thanks,

Hi. I talked with one of our staff scientists (who has also served as a judge for advanced science competitions) about your questions. In terms of how to classify the project, she suggests you go with "physics." She said:

The judges are more likely to be thinking about the physics of sound and why the phonograph your 7th grader has designed works the way it does.

She also suggested that your student may get better discussion and feedback on the project in this category.

In terms risk assessment form, she said that the safety ideas you came up with are great.

Common sense is a good source. For completeness you could also talk about the duration of the listening being relatively short, and the proximity of the sound to the listener's ear being more than with headphones thus increasing safety and cite this age-appropriate source: http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/rock_music.html

I hope that helps! We wish your student good luck with the project and would love to know how it turns out.

Amy
Science Buddies

Physics it is, then. Thanks!