Grade 12 Physics Passion Project

Post #1: Brainstorming Passions

This is my first process-journal post. I listed five passions and explained my personal connection to each one, focusing on what genuinely interests me before narrowing to a final project topic.

Cities Tech + Future Body + Performance Systems + Policy Building + Problem Solving

Assignment Fit Check

Includes 5 passions (meets the 5+ target from the rubric).
Each passion includes a personal connection paragraph.
Focus stays on interests, not final products.
Includes a dedicated conferencing page with issue, discussion, and next steps.

Urban Design and Cities

I think a lot about how cities are built and how design shapes daily life. Once I started noticing road layouts, sidewalks, and transit, I could not stop. I pay attention to how Mississauga feels to move through and how small design changes could make it more walkable and social.

Possible physics angle: traffic flow, forces in transportation, energy use in mobility.

Technology and the Future of Automation

I am interested in how technology changes society, especially automation like self-driving systems and AI tools. I like thinking about how these systems will affect jobs, safety, and how people move around. I keep asking whether these changes will make life meaningfully better or just faster.

Possible physics angle: sensor systems, motion prediction, reaction time, and collision dynamics.

Fitness and Strength Training

I am interested in how the body adapts to training. Lifting and improving strength feels measurable and satisfying. I like seeing progress over time and understanding why certain movements work better than others. It makes me think about discipline, consistency, and how small improvements stack.

Possible physics angle: biomechanics, lever arms, torque, and power output.

Public Policy and Incentive Systems

I enjoy thinking about systems that change behavior. Ticketing systems, reporting tools, and incentive programs interest me because they combine human psychology with structure. I like asking whether rules are designed to solve a real problem or just exist by habit.

Possible physics angle: policy choices around safety, transportation behavior, and risk reduction.

Building Projects and Problem Solving

I enjoy building things, whether through coding or planning ideas in detail. Starting with nothing and creating something that works is deeply satisfying. I like troubleshooting and refining ideas until they are coherent, useful, and testable.

Possible physics angle: prototyping, testing variables, collecting data, and iterating designs.

Search-Based Confirmation

I did external research to confirm these interests connect to real-world impact:

Built environment and policy can make physical activity easier through community design: CDC Community Design Strategies.
Transportation and land-use design choices affect emissions and travel patterns: EPA Smart Growth and Transportation.
Automated driving systems are still evolving and have specific safety limits: NHTSA Automated Vehicles Safety.
AI is expected to significantly reshape work and job tasks in many sectors: OECD Employment Outlook 2023.
Strength training is a core public-health recommendation, not just a sport niche: CDC Adult Physical Activity Guidelines.
Governments actively use behavioral insights and incentive design in public programs: OECD Behavioural Science.
Engineering design in science education centers on defining problems and testing solutions: NGSS Engineering Design Appendix.