Physics Research Papers 2011-2012 (S. Kennedy)
In this class you will be writing 4 research papers. All research papers will be
done individually. Students may have the same topic, but papers must be significantly
different. The body of each paper need to be 2-4 pages long and you need a minimum of
3-5 sources. You will also need a title page and a reference list. Papers must be typed,
times new roman, 12 font, double spaced and 1” margins. Remember to write them 3rd
person, unless otherwise instructed to do so and do not plagiarize. Be sure to use spell
check before turning in your paper, but do not depend on it to catch all mistakes. You
may turn in a hard copy of your paper or you may e-mail it (as an attachment) to the
teacher. Depending on the topic, a variety of sources will be used, be careful to evaluate
and use credible or valid sources. Internet sources are acceptable, but should not be your
only source. Google is a search engine, not an internet source. Pace library has several
data bases and these are the best places for you to do your research.
These will be due on the Friday progress reports are due. Papers maybe turned in
up to a week early and will receive extra credit points for each school day it is early.
Papers turned in late will have a 10 point deduction for every school day they are late.
1st 6 weeks: Compare the 3 types of scientific investigation. Due Friday 9-9-2011
2nd 6 weeks: Describe a system, including if it is open or closed, interactions and models
used to explain the system. Due Friday 10-21-2011
4th 6 weeks: Discuss a scientific ethical issue. Include why you chose this issue and what
your opinion is of this issue. Describe how writing this paper has changed your opinion.
Due Friday 2-3-2012
5th 6 weeks: Describe a class of waves. Due Friday March 30, 2012
Systems:
physical system
conceptual system
Complex system
Examples of complex systems that complexity models are developed for include
ant colonies, human economies and social structures, climate, nervous systems,
cells and living things, including human beings, as well as modern energy or
telecommunication infrastructures. Indeed, many systems of interest to humans
are complex systems.
Family system
Formal system
Information system
Any combination of information technology and people's activities using that
technology to support operations, management, and decision-making.
Mechanical systems
Social systems
Solar System
Systems in human anatomy
o Circulatory system
o Digestive System
o Endocrine system
o Integumentary system
o Immune system
o Lymphatic system
o Musculoskeletal system
o Nervous system
o Reproductive system
o Respiratory system
o Urinary system
Systems ecology
Ecosystems, water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, biomes,
Waves:
Electromagnetic
o Radio & television
o Microwave
o Infrared light
o Visible light
o Ultraviolet light
o Gamma rays
Sound