Scholars Whether you are a university student, a faculty member, a private collector, or a historian, there is a place for you as a scholar at The Plethoreum. Before long, you will find instructions on this Web site explaining how you can pursue your scholarly ambitions and contribute to the larger body of knowledge displayed in The Plethoreum's virtual museum. In the meantime, review the following project concepts, which are provided to stimulate your imagination: Learn about musical instruments -- Music students will develop an exhibit using photos and audio excerpts to experience the various instruments of a symphony orchestra. From a photograph of an orchestra, museum visitors will click on a musician and hear a piece of music with that musician's instrument audibly predominant. In this way, the visitor can hear the chosen instrument within context of the composition. Study of bridges -- This project will show how bridge designs have evolved. New materials and new transportation requirements are two key factors that cause changes in bridge designs. The resulting exhibit will include photos of different styles of bridges, a graphical simulation of stresses applied to bridges, an interactive component that allows the viewer to disassemble and reassemble a bridge, and an interactive model that allows the viewer to test the structural properties of selected bridge designs. A study of firearms -- This project will combine a historical perspective on firearms with a scientific explanation of the related properties of physics. The exhibit will include the following items: a timeline showing major developments in firearms; three-dimensional (3-D) photos so that each firearm can be seen from different angles; and a projectile simulations demonstrating the effects of friction and gravity on the projectile. Study of language translation -- The purpose of this project is to explain and demonstrate the problems inherent in automating language translation. Grammatical structures and simple word associations are two common problems. The failure of most translators, however, is the inability to ascertain the contextual dimension of a word or phrase, such that the result is the proper translation of idiomatic phrases known only within the context of a certain culture. The exhibit will contain textual and audio examples of both proper and humorous translations. Simple interactive translation models will also be included. Principles of theatrical set design -- Scenery and other set pieces are an essential component in many theatrical productions. This exhibit will use 3-D photographs and CAD drawings to demonstrate how a set is built. The exhibit will focus on techniques that demonstrate how the proper visual effect can be achieved with minimal resources. 3-D modeling for mathematical functions -- Visualizing 3-D mathematical functions is a challenge for many mathematics students. This project will produce interactive models that generate 3-D graphics of common mathematical functions. Demonstrate geological effects -- For this exhibit, laboratory experiments in wind and water erosion will be conducted. An exhibit explaining the erosion process and the effects of erosion will be presented using diagrams and photos. The exhibit will also contain video excerpts of the experiments. Demonstrate the laws of supply and demand -- This project will create an interactive model, based on the familiar example of a lemonade stand, that demonstrates the dynamic effects of prices caused by competitive and other external forces. Study the basic principles of ecology -- This project will create an interactive model that illustrates the effects of changes in an ecological system. The model will include both deterministic and probabilistic elements to help the viewer understand how small changes over time can dramatically affect the population of a species. Participants will include: biology, biochemistry, chemical engineering and environmental engineering students.