Which Idea for My Personal Project?
Effect of different frequencies on cortisol levels in the context of Indian classical music.
An audio crime podcast based on specific events of the Renaissance that fall under a common theme.
Carving guitars out of wood and coaching underprivileged children.
A cookbook for pet-friendly (dog) recipes
Learning Goal: To use historical studies and build a timeline of forensic sciences through the eras.
Pros: The renaissance was a turning point in history for humanity. The theories of humanism and classicism that were developed are what set us down the path of discovery and scientific and technical innovation. It was the era during which individuals found out their ability to act for themselves rather than based on a sunpernatural belief. While this increased innovaiton, it also increased crime rates, setting the foundation for modern forensic science. I could also study how forensics and medicine were used through different eras, leading to modern medicine. This topic is important to understand how the past led to our present.
Cons: The renaissance occured from the 14th to 17th century, so it is difficult to find information and evidence regarding the time, unless it is based on art. Moreover, very few local historians still study the renaissance to such an extent. It is difficult to find information and also retrieve guest speakers for the podcast.
Resources Requires: Historians studying the renaissance, Courses on forensic sciencce and important cultural contexts of the renaissance, recording studio.
Learning Goal: To understand the effect of Indian classical music, in terms of sound therapy, on cortisol levels.
Pros: Most of the evidence of sound therapy is based on anecdotal evidence (people saying what they feel). I can use frequency to analyze the effect of different music on blood cortisol levels. It wil help me connotate frequencies to ragas to validate theories that vedic ragas can help the human mind and body.
Cons: I don't have the resources that will allow me to conduct a scientific experiment on that level. There is no product goal. There are ethical concerns as I will have to take blood samples to test the cortisol levels and there are other factors which are difficult to control that can play a role in cortisol levels.
Resources Required: Cortisol Level Testing At-Home Kit, Recording Studio, Course certificates, Lab level work.
Learning Goal: To design and write a cookbook with pet-friendly recipes, based on research and trials conducted.
Pros: I can justify my learning and product goals based on personal interest. I have prior-knowledge and access to pets.
Cons: There are ethical concerns in terms of testing on animals. Moreover, the food could cause unknown allergic reactions due to lack of research or mis-read information from my side.
Resources Required: Cooking/Baking utensils, access to designing interface, willing pets.
Learning Goal: To attempt building instruments that can be distributed in government schools for expressive learning purposes.
Pros: I have instrumental and mujsical prior-knowledge which will make it easier for me to provide nad teach instruments to under-priviledged children. I can easily find government schools willing to incorporate such extra-curriculars in the program. There are workshops to learn how to carve instruments.
Cons: There is a specific type of wood which is required which is difficult to find locally and may not be in budget for such large quantities. It requires learning how to lose many tools which can cause noise pollution.
Resources Required: Maple Wood, Tools, Equipment, Strings