You might think that one sure-fire way to keep your computer safe from hackers is to disconnect it from the internet entirely. But did you know that even without internet, a computer can transmit data using light, sound, vibrations, or even heat? In this project, you will investigate how a spy or hacker can steal data from an "air-gapped" computer that has no internet connection. You can even use Google's Science Journal app to demonstrate how the data can be picked up by a nearby smartphone.
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Math_p049
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Time Required
Average (6-10 days)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
Desktop or laptop computer required. See materials list for details.
Cost
Very Low (under $20)
Safety
Some methods proposed in this project can cause your computer to overheat if you are not careful. This may damage your computer. See the procedure for details.
Wondering what sustainable, high-producing agriculture might look like? This science project explores how analyzing bird's-eye-view pictures of a field can make farmers aware of variations in their fields. Farmers can use this information to optimize their farming practices, or even feed this information to high-tech agricultural equipment so the machines can automatically adjust their actions (like fertilizing or watering) to the needs of a piece of land.
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EnvSci_p065
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Time Required
Short (2-5 days)
Prerequisites
Familiarity with image-editing software, or willingness to learn it.
When you go to the supermarket, how do you pick out ripe fruits and vegetables? You might look at their size or color, or feel them for firmness. That might be easy to do when you pick out a half dozen apples, but imagine if you had to examine thousands of apples growing in a field, or strawberries coming down a conveyor belt getting ready for packaging. Suddenly, it is a lot harder to do yourself! What if a machine could pick and sort the produce for you? In this project, you will address part…
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Elec_p088
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Time Required
Average (6-10 days)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
Electronic circuit components required. See the materials section for details.
Cost
Low ($20 - $50)
Safety
Short circuits can get very hot. Follow the directions carefully to avoid short circuits.
Do you like your hair shiny and beautiful? The key to keeping your hair nice and clean is to use a good shampoo. But with so many different products in the store, how do you know which one works best for you? In this science project, you will put a variety of shampoos to the test, including your own self-made organic shampoo recipes. Do you think these will perform better than a store-bought product?
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Chem_p109
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Time Required
Short (2-5 days)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
Readily available
Cost
Low ($20 - $50)
Safety
This project uses acetone for one test. Acetone is a flammable liquid. Keep away from open flames, sparks, or heat. Acetone is irritating to skin and eyes. Be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Work in an area with adequate ventilation. Adult supervision is recommended.
Do you filter your tap water before drinking? Many commercials claim these filters make your drinking water cleaner and safer. But what, exactly, are these filters doing and is the water really cleaner afterwards? The cleaning power comes from their filling material, called activated carbon. It exists in all kind of forms: powder, granules, foams, and blocks. Do you think it matters what type of activated carbon is inside the filter? In this activity you will investigate whether larger or…
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Chem_p108
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- Less Details
Time Required
Short (2-5 days)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
Readily available
Cost
Low ($20 - $50)
Safety
Avoid dispersing the powdered activated carbon into the air and try not to breathe in the particles.
Would you like to add an unusual twist to a yummy food like ice cream? In this kitchen science project, you will make mind-bending hot ice cream. You will experiment with, and of course munch on this gastronomic treat. It is easy, it is delicious, and it is fun! Go ahead and try it out!
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FoodSci_p079
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Time Required
Short (2-5 days)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
This project requires special materials. See the Materials and Equipment list for details. Estimated project time includes time for shipping specialty materials.
Cost
Low ($20 - $50)
Safety
Adult supervision while using the microwave recommended.
When you delete a file, by accident or on purpose, is the information really gone? Can you get it back? If you accidentally deleted your five-page report for school, you are hoping it is not gone. On the other hand, if you do not want someone to get their hands on the goofy and unflattering pictures you and your best friend took while staying up late the other night, you probably hope it is gone for good! It might be nice to know for sure either way. Try this project to find out.
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CompSci_p061
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Time Required
Short (2-5 days)
Prerequisites
You should already be comfortable using a computer.
Material Availability
Requires a computer with a hard-disk drive and an adult helper who is comfortable using the computer.
Did you know that you can use magnets to build a train that floats above its tracks? In this project, you will also use magnets to make the train stop, preventing it from crashing into the end of the track. Will adding more magnets help the train stop sooner?
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Phys_p105
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Time Required
Very Short (≤ 1 day)
Prerequisites
Attention to detail and patience are needed for this project. After building, you will need to make adjustments to get it working perfectly. The train floats above the tracks well once everything is lined up carefully.
Material Availability
Specialty materials required. See Materials section.
Cost
Low ($20 - $50)
Safety
Keep magnets away from small children and pets who might swallow them.
Vibrobots are fun little robots built from common household supplies, that are powered by vibrating motors. In this engineering project, you will design and built your own vibrobot. Would you rather have a robot that skitters quickly across a table or one that spins wildly in circles? How about a sumo-wrestling bot that can push others out of its way? The choice is up to you!
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Robotics_p030
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Time Required
Very Short (≤ 1 day)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
A kit is available for your convenience from our partner
.
This project is inspired by the Banaue Rice Terraces, 2,000 year old structures carved into mountainsides in the Philippines. See if you can recreate the water flow of this ancient marvel, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, using just household materials! The 2017 Fluor Engineering Challenge is over but you can still try out the project and compare your design to the high scores, or use the idea for a science fair or classroom activity.
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CE_p025
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- Less Details
Time Required
Very Short (≤ 1 day)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
Readily available
Cost
Low ($20 - $50)
Safety
Adult supervision recommended for cutting materials that can create sharp edges, like plastic cups.
