Wind powered electricity generator
Research Plan Structure
Name
This section is for the individual conducting the research to fill in their name.
Provisional Project Topic
A placeholder where the initial topic of the research project will be stated. This may evolve as research progresses.
Provisional Expo Category
This specifies the category under which the project will be presented at a science expo. The exact category may be determined based on the project's focus.
Deletion of Guidelines
After completing the research plan, delete the guidelines under the headings, which serve as prompts to guide research planning.
Introduction
A brief overview that introduces the project, providing the context and rationale for the research.
Literature Review
Background Reading: Summarize the previous literature that relates to the topic. This should cover existing research relevant to the project.
Existing Research: Detail what has already been done in this field. Mention significant studies and findings that have shaped current knowledge.
Innovative Aspect: Specify how your research will differ from existing studies, emphasizing its novelty.
Concept Definitions: Clearly define key concepts that will be used throughout the research to ensure clarity for the reader.
Significance of Research
Discuss the benefits and significance of the research being conducted. Outline who stands to benefit from the research outcomes, including potential stakeholders and the wider community.
Need or Problem Defined
Identified Need/Problem: Articulate the specific need or problem that your design or invention aims to address.
Target User: Identify who will be the direct users of the solution.
Importance of Solution: Explain why solving this problem is critical, both for the target users and for broader societal implications.
Research Questions
Formulate researchable and answerable questions that relate directly to your project.
Ensure that these questions guide the research effectively and do not yield simple Yes or No answers.
Aim
Overall Aim/Objective: Clearly state the fundamental aim of the research project, encapsulating what it intends to achieve.
Engineering Goals/Design Goals/Algorithms
Primary Goals: List the primary goals for the project. This section should cover what you expect to accomplish with your prototype, design, or solution.
Functionality Testing: Outline how these goals will serve as criteria to evaluate the functionality and success of the design or solution.
Method
Materials
Create a comprehensive list of all materials and equipment that will be used in the project, detailing their specifications and quantities.
Procedure
Design Criteria: Define the specific requirements your design or solution must meet. This can include various parameters like:
- Costing: Estimate the total cost of materials and resources.
- Availability: Discuss the availability of supplies and any requirements for procurement.
- Power Output: State any requirements for energy consumption or output performance.
- Weight and Size: Specify weight limits and physical dimensions necessary for the design.
- Timeframe: Outline the timelines for design and testing phases, noting constraints.
- Performance Goals: Describe performance expectations for the final product (e.g., efficiency, speed).
- Durability: Discuss expectations regarding the lifespan and robustness of the design.
- Style and Appearance: Note any aesthetic considerations that should be addressed.
Data Analysis
Describe methodologies for testing the prototype or solution and how results will be recorded and analyzed, including statistical methods if applicable.
Preliminary Designs
Include labeled diagrams of initial designs or prototypes with measurements and units. These should be clear and informative to illustrate conceptual ideas.
Research Plan
This heading introduces the structured plan that outlines the overall strategy for conducting the research.
Expo
Guidelines for participation in the science expo that will showcase the research findings. Specific details about presentation formats or requirements may be included here.
Ethics
Learner Ethics Checklist: Complete the ethics checklist to ensure all ethical considerations are addressed.
Ethical Violations: If any potential ethical violations are foreseen, submit the checklist alongside the research plan to the ethics clearance panel identified by the given email.
Hazardous Research: If working with potentially hazardous materials, it must be under educator or qualified researcher supervision. If no issues are identified, leave the section blank.
Safety
Specify any potential safety issues associated with the project, outlining measures to minimize risks.
Detail safety precautions that will be undertaken to ensure the well-being of all involved in the research.
Time Frames
Develop a project work plan that outlines the timeline for each stage of the project.
State the dates when periodic progress reports will be made to a teacher or mentor and when guidance will be sought.
Identify the deadlines for writing up the Project Report and completing the Poster.
References
Include a minimum of three references following the Harvard Referencing format, summarizing the key sources that contributed to the research planning and background literature.
Notes on Ethics and Academic Integrity
Read relevant documents, such as "Eskom Ego quidemes on Project Approval and Ethics," to fully understand rules around relevant research conduct.
Note that all forms of academic misconduct like plagiarism must be avoided, and adherence to the guidelines provided is crucial. Sign the Plagiarism Form to ensure compliance.
Data Book Requirements: Maintain a project notebook to document observations, data, and summaries of prior work conducted.
Teacher's/Mentor's Comments and Suggestions
A space designated for feedback from the teacher or mentor overseeing the research.
Include the name, signature, and date of the teacher/mentor who has reviewed the project plan.