How to win the BT Young Scientist…according to Gemini
Previously we asked ChatGPT to give us some project ideas worthy of winning the competition. Today it’s Google and Gemini’s turn.
Prompt: Could you give me some project ideas that would win the BT Young Scientist
It's tricky to give guaranteed "winning" ideas, as judging depends on execution and originality. However, here are some project ideas inspired by current trends and with potential for strong investigation, categorized for easier browsing:
Environmental Science & Sustainability
Microplastic Filtration: Investigate the effectiveness of different natural materials (e.g., biochar, plant fibers) in filtering microplastics from water sources. Test various water types (tap, river, seawater) and microplastic types.
Renewable Energy Optimization: Design and test a small-scale model of a renewable energy system (solar, wind, hydro) with an innovative optimization method (e.g., tracking the sun more efficiently, optimizing turbine blade design).
Biodegradable Packaging: Explore the creation of biodegradable packaging materials from locally sourced agricultural waste (e.g., seaweed, potato starch). Test their strength, durability, and decomposition rate.
Urban Biodiversity: Study the impact of urban green spaces (parks, gardens) on local biodiversity (insects, birds, plants). Compare different types of green spaces and their management practices.
Technology & Engineering
Assistive Technology: Develop a low-cost assistive device for people with disabilities using readily available technology (e.g., voice-controlled systems, smart sensors). Focus on a specific need and user group.
AI for Early Disease Detection: Use machine learning to analyze medical images or data (with appropriate ethical considerations and data privacy) to detect early signs of a specific disease (e.g., skin cancer, eye diseases).
Smart Agriculture: Design a system using sensors and data analysis to optimize irrigation, fertilization, or pest control in agriculture, reducing resource use and environmental impact.
Improving Cybersecurity: Investigate vulnerabilities in common online systems or devices and propose solutions to enhance their security. This could involve coding, network analysis, or user behavior studies.
Health & Wellbeing
Impact of Screen Time on Sleep: Conduct a study on the correlation between screen time before bed and sleep quality in different age groups. Explore the effects of blue light filters or other interventions.
Mental Health and Social Media: Investigate the relationship between social media use and mental wellbeing in adolescents, focusing on specific aspects like social comparison, cyberbullying, or online validation.
Developing a Health App: Create a mobile app to promote healthy habits, such as tracking nutrition, exercise, or mindfulness practices. Evaluate its usability and effectiveness in a user study.
Antibiotic Resistance: Investigate the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in local environments (e.g., soil, water) and explore potential solutions to combat this growing threat.
Tips for Choosing and Developing Your Project:
Start with a Problem: Identify a real-world problem or challenge that you are passionate about solving.
Make it Measurable: Design your project with clear, measurable outcomes and data that you can collect and analyze.
Focus on Innovation: Look for ways to improve existing solutions or develop entirely new approaches.
Seek Mentorship: Find a teacher, scientist, or professional who can provide guidance and support.
Follow Ethical Guidelines: Ensure your project adheres to ethical guidelines, especially when involving human subjects or animals.
Remember, the most important thing is to choose a project that genuinely interests you and allows you to explore your scientific curiosity. Good luck!
