Isaac R.

Radiation Lab

Writing & Links

The purpose of the Radiation Lab is to investigate the frequency and power of the radiation released from the radar of self-driving cars, and the potential health risks associated with it. This is especially important because of how close the school is to a Waymo service Depot.
2/19/25
Today I reformatted my journal so the oldest entries are at the bottom an the newest are at the top.
After that I continued to plan my Waymo test day and research different methods to detect radiation.
2/11/25
Today I planned how I was going to test the Waymo radar. I decided to get five people to help me, so each person would be responsible for a different type of sensor. we will tape each type of sensor to a PVC pipe three feet from the end, and rest the pipes on chairs to maintain a constant height, distance, and direction on the sensor. each person will record the date their sensor collects for 30 seconds on each side of the car. they will also record the sensors as the car pulls up to the curb. we will then take readings of all the sensors during the ride.
2/5/25
Today I continued to figure out how to log more data on the software I used last class.
2/4/25
Today I Tried to Figure out how to save data on the new detector I ordered. I also tried to log the saved data on the software where the sensor came from. I need to find out how to log more than 60 sec of data on the software.
1/28/25
Today I read through the instruction manual and downloaded the software that came with the new sensor I ordered.
1/22/25
Today I looked back on the detector I ordered and tried to find an alternative one. the new detector I plan to use can identify possible sources of the radiation it detects and logs data.
1/17/25
Today I figured out the frequency range that is being detected by the EMF detectors we have. I also found a new detector specifically for microwaves.
1/14/25
Today I looked into how reliable the Bioinitiative is, so I can potentially use it as a reference for EMF health risks.
1/7/25
Since it is the first day of the second semester today, I made plans and deadlines for myself. This semester I plan to have enough research by the end of this year to publish a technical paper.
12/17/24
Today Prepared for the poster session tonight by looking over my poster.
12/9/24
Today I did some final edits to my poster and then submitted it so it will be printed for the upcoming poster session.
12/3/24
Today I worked on my poster in preparation for the poster session on December 17th.
11/26/24
Today I did more research on the type of radiation that is released from Waymo radars.
11/20/24
Today I tried to find images for my poster that could help me explain my project and its background. I also talked with Megan about a potential experiment: I could put a radio telescope in my car and park it outside the Waymo service station and leave it running with a camera to see what happens when a Waymo leaves over the course of an hour.
11/19/24
Earlier today the Waymo project was approved by the board, and is not called the “Radiation Lab” " To further the lab I did more research into there sensor layout of the Waymos.
11/18/24
Today I reviewed my pitch for the Waymo Project in preparation for the board meeting tomorrow.
11/15/24
Today I did some more research into the effects of microwave radiation on humans.
11/11/24
Today researched the effects of microwaves on the human body, and what different levels of exposure do.
11/8/24
Today I refined the experiment I wanted to do using a Waymo so it would give me better more accurate results.
11/4/24
Today I worked on creating a pitch for my Waymo Project that I can use to propose my project to the WISRD board.
10/28/24
Today I learned how to calculate the length that the antenna of a radio telescope would need to be to detect microwaves. I need to do more research to find out what frequency the Waymo cars use, the the radio telescope I make will detect their radiation.
10/22/24
Today I worked on preparing 3D-printed skulls for the WILD project’s Dark Matter Day booth.
10/18/24
Today I spoke with Megan about an idea for a project I had about studying the radiation given off by Waymo self-driving cars. I did some research into the type of radar used and what the hazards associated with them were and found that it released microwave radiation. I thought of a few ways that this could be tested:
- Test 1: we could monitor the microwave radiation released from a parking lot vs the microwave radiation released by the Waymo charging lot.
- Test 2: EMF readings could be taken from different sides/ the inside of the Waymo versus EMF readings from normal car sides/inside.
- Test 3: Microwave radiation could be recorded from a street where there were no Waymos and the results could be compared to the microwave radiation reales from a street with no Waymos driving on it.
To do these tests, an EMF detector would be needed, and having 2 would make it easier, and there was also a piece of equipment in WIZRD that Megan suggested I use.
10/4/24
Today I read three lessons from Seven Brief Lessons in Physics by Carlo Rovelli and then formatted my inquirer article, so I have a better understanding of what I need to write.
9/30/24
Today I looked into what anti-matter, dark matter, and dark energy is, and how we think it works. I also digitized and simplified the drawing I made above of the Lagrangian theory everything.
9/27/24
Today I rewrote the information I had for my inquirer.
9/20/24
I did research into what the standard model equation is and what each part means.
9/18/24
I finished the standard model I was making by the end of class.
9/17/24
While researching, I found four different standard modules, each with a different parts, but I could not find one with all of the elements. I started to make my own version that had all the aspects in the same model. I will need to keep working on this next class.
9/13/24
Today, I did more research into the standard model. I looked into what an axion is, and the antimatter variations of quarks and leptons.
9/9/24
Today, I learned about the new cosmic ray detector and what each part does. I also did some research on what would be needed to build a cloud chamber. the last thing I did was draft an inquiry pitch on the standard model.
8/27/24
Today I researched the standard model and cosmic rays. I looked into how nuclear fusion and fission play a role in cosmic rays as well as the effects a solar flare has in it.
Ever since Isaac was 4, he was fascinated by science. At first, his interests were focused on archaeology and paleontology, which he pursued for 3 years before becoming more interested in engineering. He continued to focus on this until he turned 11. After some time, his intreats shifted to biology and chemistry, and then agin to physics. As he continued to study this, he became increasingly more interested in astrophysics and cosmology. When he joined WISRD, he continued to develop his interests in this by researching the standard model. After several months of studying this, he decided to start a project that revolved around testing the amount of radiation that is released by self driving cars, and if this radiation is dangerous. This has been his primary focus in WISRD and he plans to continue this project.
Standard Model Research Sources:
Waymo Project Sources: