Need ideas please

[minendo]

I have to do a 4-5 minute speech for my com class on Friday explaining complex information. Pretty much what I have to do is explain how something works so that others will understand. One of the requirements is that I need at least 4 printed sources that I will make reference to within the speech. I am struggling for ideas and thought that maybe you guys could help.

Ideas I have pondered so far:
Computer chip implants (VeriChip)
How barcodes work

Please post what you think would be an interesting topic to speak on to a group of undergrad students.

If you do not have a valid topic or just want to post crap, do not hit the damn reply button.

 

[lawaris]

couldn't u talk about the computer chips per se ?

it could cover a lot ... and the students will find it easy to understand.

You know starting from the fabrication to their complex design ......

And why the microns matter so much ...........

 

[vi edit]

FDA - drug approval process (harder than it sounds!)
What happens when you type in a web page into a browser

 

[Viper GTS]

3D acceleration would be cool, most people have no clue how their games work.

Viper GTS

 

[Instagib]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
3D acceleration would be cool, most people have no clue how their games work.

Viper GTS

Yeah you could explain about the video card it self.

 

[minendo]

My biggest problem is that I can not go over five minutes or else I lose ten percent of the grade. I could talk for an hour explaining various computer topics.

I like the FDA idea since it does pertain to my major.

 

[vi edit]

What's your major?

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
What's your major?

Food science/food engineering.

 

[kranky]

I vote for the barcode idea. There should be plenty of stuff on the web that explains how it works, and it's a topic that you can reasonably explain in five minutes.

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: kranky
I vote for the barcode idea. There should be plenty of stuff on the web that explains how it works, and it's a topic that you can reasonably explain in five minutes.

The only problem is that the sources I use have to be published as in no websites unless they have been published in a journal, magazine, newspaper, etc.

 

[minendo]

Do you think I would be able explain the verichip in five minutes based on the short summary below?

How VeriChip Works


An implantable, 12mm by 2.1mm radio frequency device, VeriChip is about the size of the point of a typical ballpoint pen. It contains a unique verification number. Utilizing an external scanner, radio frequency energy passes through the skin energizing the dormant VeriChip, which then emits a radio frequency signal containing the verification number. The number is displayed by the scanner and transmitted to a secure data storage site by authorized personnel via telephone or Internet.

 

[vi edit]

Is a verichip like a speedpass?

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Is a verichip like a speedpass?

I guess it works in a similar manner, but it is the chip that has been implanted in animals to aid in identifying lost dogs/cats. The chip was recently implanted into a family of three in Florida. See here for more details.

I find it quite interesting, but I don't know if I could thoroughly explain it in 4-5 minutes and be able to cite at least for sources.

 

[minendo]

Anyone else care to share their ideas/opinions?

 

[bunker]

Idea for ya:

Cochlear implants. My sister in-law has one and I think they're freaking amazing.

*Edit - should be pretty easy to find printed info on it too!