Hairy Science Alex Karamesinis, Chau Vo, Alex Luu and James Woodland The Peninsula School Introduction The aim of this experiment was to determine the diameters of various types of hair using light diffraction based on Young’s double slit experiment and atomic force microscopy. It is important because it proves the practicality of physics application in determining the dimensions of microscopic objects. Aim/Motivation Our aim was to use the principles of diffraction to measure the width of an extremely small object. Also, to investigate the surface structure of extremely small objects, particularly hair, through the use of an atomic force microscope. How has being part of GTP changed my appreciation for physics? Our understanding of science, scientists and career opportunities Conclusions All disciplines of science are strongly interconnected. We have learnt a lot about the life of researchers and students at university. Physicists are cool, passionate people with a great interest in helping others. We will surely continue with our physics education in high school and beyond. Acknowledgements - Department of Chemistry and Physics, LaTrobe University Mentors Paraschos Astikidis Hannah Coughlan Nick Tran Grant Mills - The Growing Tall Poppies Science Partnership Program : Dr Eroia Barone-Nugent Job opportunities Researcher Nanotechnologist Professor Lecturer Engineer Mechatronics Electrical Software Civil Mechanical It is important to know about the wide variety of career options and the interdisciplinary nature of science. It’s crucial to follow your passions when choosing subjects. The Australian Synchrotron Ripple Tank diffraction pattern Diffraction Patterns of laser light through different size slits Results Insert Group Photo Growing Tall Poppies The Peninsula School How is this project related to a real world problem? Challenging Stereotypes Male vs female stereotypes Although the males outnumber females in physics, there are many high achieving women pursuing science as evident at the university. Can I identify with physicists and physics? We could see ourselves working in their positions in the future. It was easy to identify with them because they are everyday people. Do I think I am able to do physics, am I capable? As we saw at the university, we believe we can do anything we set our mind to. Has it changed my mind about studying physics or staying in physics studies? This has encouraged to pursue our physics study throughout year 11 and 12, and into the future. Our expectations of scientists Who they actually are The same principle was used by Rosalind Franklin to discover the helix structure of DNA Growing Tall Poppies has shown the diversity of people involved and the variety of opportunities to enter the research fields. For example, people come from all different age groups, from different backgrounds, but share the same passion for science. This overcomes any previous stereotypes, particularly that of the lack of women in science, to enable them to work together to solve problems that might involve knowledge from many fields. This graph shows the varying light intensity of the diffraction across the horizontal plane due to constructive and destructive interference of the light waves. Based on this graph we were able to determine the width of Alex K’s hair – 78 microns. This is a 3D rendering of a single hair strand that was generated using an atomic force microscope. It is approximately 60 microns wide. Physics forms the basis for many other areas of science but often goes unnoticed. GTP has shown that physics is very important in many things that we take for granted such as buildings, electronics and health care. Scientists are not anti-social creatures as many people believe. Much of their work is done through communication with one another and people in different areas.