Videos of Student Projects

Loyola physics majors work on many projects throughout their college years. Here is a sampling.

To Control the Height of a Ping Pong Ball

Chris' LabView project was to control the height of a ping pong ball inside a 6 ft tube. The lift force was produced by a fan at the bottom. The detector was a Vernier motion sensor at the top. PID was used to control the height of the ball. This video is Chris' presentation. Key moments are: 5:41 Tube/ball with no PID; 11:46 LabView code; and 13.52 Tube/ball with PID.

Birdfeeder Project

Maggie's LabView project used a webcam to photograph animals at a birdfeeder. A PIR detected the animals. A Vernier GoDirect voltage probe measured the PIR signal and sent it via Bluetooth to a laptop, which told the webcam when to take the photos. Key moments are: 0:01 general idea, 3:40 LabView code; 6:35 setup; 7:04 animal visitors.

The Narcissus Project

Maggie's first Arduino project utilized passive infrared (PIR) sensors to detect human movement, a stepper motor, and Lego gears to rotate paper flowers. The project was inspired by the myth of Narcissus, who loved his own reflection. Maggie learned Premiere Pro to make this video.

Actually, It Is Rocket Science

Collin's project was entitled "." He inserted a Vernier accelerometer with Bluetooth capability into the payload section of a model rocket. He wrote a LabView program to control the launch and collect data on the rocket trajectory.

Make Your Mark: Physics and Art Installation

Jordan's project was entitled "." She wanted to create an interactive art exhibit that encourages spectators to consider their impact on the world. This was accomplished with a motion sensor that could respond to human movements and change the color displayed on the wall. NeoPixel lights were wrapped around a mirror that also changed color according to the motion. Jordan worked with LabView and an Arduino controlled by LabView.