Project Details

Organisation:	Data Storage Institute (DSI), A*STAR
Mentor:	Sze Jia Yin
Members:	Sharon, Izyan, Kirk and Nathaniel
Project Title:	Various aspects of plastic and synthetic shuttlecocks

A. Brief Description of Project While the feathered ones are generally more costly and fragile, they are preferred over synthetic shuttlecocks for the better performance they allow in a badminton player. Countless products available in the market, such as lightweight shuttlecocks and performance-enhanced rackets, aim to improve and cater to the needs of professionals. The amateurs are in the category of consumers who are often neglected in this market. In addition, the humid temperature in a sheltered hall presents yet another disadvantage to playing with feathered badminton shuttlecocks. Hence, we decided to explore the differences between the two types of shuttlecocks and apply this knowledge to the making of a shuttlecock picker as well as designing synthetic shuttlecocks specially suited for outdoor games. While most players refuse to use synthetic shuttlecocks as replacements for feathered ones in professional games, there is less resistance to synthetic shuttlecocks in outdoor games. In the process, an outdoor version of badminton may be created, altering the traditional game.

B. Results
For outdoor badminton Test of weight: Using the test of efficiency, the heavier shuttlecock performed best under windy conditions. Test of colour: Green performed best, followed by blue. However, as the experiment was carried out in an outdoor basketball court with minimum greenery, that may lead to green being a more easily recognized colour, as compared to blue. If we were to switch the location to nearby parks, blue would be the best alternative.

C. Reflection

Three content knowledge/skills that we have learnt

1. The procedures involved in science research, starting from brainstorming of ideas, correcting and selecting the preferred idea, planning, experimenting to presentation of the end-product.
2.
3.


Two interesting aspects about our learning

1. While recognising the distinctions between both types of shuttlecocks, we were able to apply such knowledge to the actual playing of the badmintion game itself.
2.

One take-away for life

1.

Gallery

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