This page lists suggested projects where the main focus is on the computing aspects of the challenge.
| Producing Art from Algorithms | A basic generative art challenge, requiring only the simplest of mathematical and computer skills. Essentially just taking a line for a walk. |
| Modelling Epidemics | Investigate simple mathematical and computing models that follow the progress of epidemics. |
| How Many Black Holes in the Galaxy? |
The question was raised by a female student who asked if we could us it as the basis for a Gold CREST project. Massive stars live fast and die young, sometimes leaving behind a black hole. Such stars are relatively rare but have gone through many generations since the galaxies started to form. So, how many black holes (and neutron stars) might be wandering around our Milky Way? Can we detect them? Are they astrophysical important for the evolution of the galaxy? This would be a challenging project for a Yr 12 student with good maths skills who wants to see how high-school mathematics can be used to make interesting predictions. We learned that though it was hard to make exact predictions with our maths skills we could learn a lot about how we could make better estimates. We did manage to convincingly argue a lower limit on the number of black holes in the galaxy (and though it was surprisingly high, we could see that there might even be a lot more than that). The young lady got her Gold award. |