Physics students will soon be working on a "MythBusters" project modeled after the show MythBusters. Mythbusters is a science show that airs on the Discovery Channel on Wednesdays from 9 – 10 PM (and re-runs can be found on the Discovery Channel throughout the week). Each hour-long episode features 3 – 4 science myths or questions that are put to the test. The show’s hosts introduce the myth, design an experiment, perform the experiment, and then analyze the data to label the myth as “busted,” “plausible,” or “confirmed.”
In our project, students will carry out an experiment to test their own myths. Perhaps the hardest part of this assignment is coming up with a good myth to test. Myths can range for commonly-repeated statements such as "you can't fold a piece of paper in half more than 7 times" to cartoon physics such as "banana peels are really slippery" manufactures' claims about their products.
For those interested, details about the project can be found in the handout.
In the comments section, I'd like to know what myths you've heard about and would like to suggest to be tested. If possible, I'd like to avoid having any groups test a myth that has been featured on MythBusters. Post away!
To melt ice on a sidewalk in the winter, sugar can be used as a substitute for salt.
ReplyDeleteListening to certain types of music increases concentration.
ReplyDeleteIt is impossible to break a raw egg with one hand if it is placed directly into the palm and you are not allowed to touch the egg with your fingertips.
ReplyDeleteCan a potatoe be shot out of a car exhaust pipe.
ReplyDeletecan a magnigfying glass start a peice of paper on fire ... ??
ReplyDeleteEffects of white noise, and effects of cramming for a test
ReplyDeleteOr can you make fire with sticks?????
ReplyDeleteWhats white noise?
ReplyDeletecan you actually overstudy and overcram for tests ... ?????
ReplyDeleteYes, one can start a piece of paper on fire with a magnigfying glass. This is because the magnifying glass redirects the sun's rays into a concetrated beam that has a high amount of heat and energy. Which is enough to start a piece of paper on fire.
ReplyDeletedoes red really make bulls angry?
ReplyDeletedoes coffee really stunt your growth? or does lightning actually not strike in the same spot twice? OR if u eat right before u go swimming u will drown!
ReplyDeleteCan someone actually get a safe lock to open by listening to the clicks with a stethoscope?
ReplyDeleteYes u can start a fire by rubbing 2 sticks together, I've done it b4. White noise is static. You can crack crack safes but only if it is the bottom 20% in price, and bulls are actually color blind, it is the matadore fluttering the cape that makes a bull angry. I would lke to test if u hold your urine for 8 hours will your kidneys explode, i will volenteer to be the lab rat.
ReplyDeleteChewing gum helps you focus and listening to Mozart can raise your IQ.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments this week!
ReplyDeleteSo does the stuff in energy drinks (tourine or something like that) come from "bull urine"? Put that in the tester and test it...... olay!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd yeah....music can increase concentration. For me anyways. Depends on the person I would think...boom, busted!
ReplyDeleteyeah, it depends on the type of music. when i listen to Slipknot, it makes me concentrate less, because i start singing along. and yeah, i'd never thought about that if "Taurine" is from bull urine, because "Taurus" is the bull, and it comes from Latin. Also, Mr. Bearss, please post more EC on this site!!!!!!!!
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