I have a class where we called Sophomore Gifted Lyceum and for 2nd semester we have a semester long project that we are starting. It can be about anything really, just it needs an end product that can be displayed at the end of the semester.

I was thinking what I could do that would not cost very little ...
1)Something car related? Build a gas operated rc car?
2)Something in music?
3)Some psychological experiment?

HELP!

 

...a project about anything. Well, at least there are a lot of options.

 

Do some kind of movie, that's usually pretty easy and if done properly looks great.

 

"I was thinking what I could do that would not cost very little ..." this reads like you want it to be expensive

Rig up an anodizer and do some plating. the process is cool to describe and talk about plus it is like magic. it involves all kinds of science principles and can be researched quickly on google and is inexpensive.

 

do #1. You can time it, and then mod it Then time it again, and see if your mods worked. Not what I'd call "cheap," however.

Electroplating, on the other hand, can be very cheap, looks cool and is easy to do.
http://www.finishing.com/faqs/howworks.html

 

Have the class build some sort of assembly (i.e. model car, simple electric motor using wood dowels, wire, etc., or any simple crude assembly). Break the class into small sub-groups. Have each sub group work on one component of the assembly. But, the other groups can't see each others component until the end of the semester when it's time to do the final assembly.

During the course of the semester the sub-groups have to make presentations on their progress and show simple (or complex) drawings of their component. The other groups are allowed to ask questions and gather as much information as they need to ensure the final assembly comes together properly. Have each group do a separate final report and final presentation.

Grade them on each presentation (each member of the subgroup gets the same grade), the final sub-assembly component (sub-group grade) and grade them on the final assembled project (everyone in the class gets the same grade).

The class learns some science, some hands on skills, some teamwork skills, some technical communication skills, some oral presentation/public speaking skills, some time management skills, etc.

This will be the closest thing to "real world" experience they'll get in high school.