Tuesday, September 29, 2009

1st term paper Outline

Physics in "Superman" The Movie (1978 version)

I. introduction
a. Superman's body chemistry is different from humans
b. laws of physics on earth don't apply to him
c. thesis statement

II. Denser molecular composition
a. when hit with a crowbar, not affected
b. falls faster than a human
c. not hurt by close-range bullets

III. Strength
a. can lift the earth's crust
b. can rescue a falling airplane
c. can break through a thick layer of ice frozen around him

IV. Speed
a. How fast can he run?
i. runs faster than a train
b. how fast can he fly?
i. flies across the country faster than a rocket

V. Flight
a. flies in a linear movement, not parabolic like falling
b. can fly up, down, or remain stationary with enough leverage to lift objects
i. newton's law of action-reaction (he would experience a reaction to a run-in with a heavy falling object)

VI. Conclusion
a. Summarize points
b. Restate thesis

I'm very unsure about this outline. I think this movie will be a good choice, but suggestions on how to organize the paper would be greatly appreciated.

1 comment:

  1. I think the movie is a good choice and there are lots of possible physics topics; don't feel that you have to address everything in the movie. Focus on three main things, say speed, flight, and strength (force) then see if the movie treats these in a consistent fashion in various scenes. Try to stay with the facets that are in the realm of physics as opposed to chemistry or biology. Finally, have some fun thinking about what's happening in the movie and whether it makes sense independent of the plot or dialogue.
    Full credit (10 points)

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