JSHS - ORAL - LIVE STREAM 2019
2019 - ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Robert Miller, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick and Dr. Erin Maxwell - Stuttgart High School
Identification of Plesiosaurid specimens dating to the Toarcian age of the Lower Jurassic epoch from the Posidonia shale of South-West Germany
Plesiosaur specimens in the Posidonia shale formation are significantly less common than ichthyosaur specimens from the same area. Because of this, the purpose of this study is to identify plesiosaur specimens from the formation so that more can be determined about the ecology of Jurassic period Europe. The specimen this study is focusing on is SMNS51143 which has not been previously identified but has been tentatively identified in this study as Lusonectes sauvegi, a species dating from the Toarcian that has also been found in Portuguese deposits with similar ecology to the Posidonia shale formation, in that there are significantly more ichthyosaurs than plesiosaurs. The methodology used consisted of compiling a list of all known plesiosaurs from the Toarcian age of the Lower Jurassic epoch and eliminating them one by one for various anatomical reasons. Although an identification for the fossil has not yet been conclusively determined, the possible species have been narrowed down significantly. Note: This study is not yet done identifying SMNS51143. If the fossil is not Lusonectes sauvegi then it is a new species which would complicate matters significantly since the study would have to go through a process similar to the species identification process except that the process would be for higher taxa i.e. genera and families.
Plesiosaur specimens in the Posidonia shale formation are significantly less common than ichthyosaur specimens from the same area. Because of this, the purpose of this study is to identify plesiosaur specimens from the formation so that more can be determined about the ecology of Jurassic period Europe. The specimen this study is focusing on is SMNS51143 which has not been previously identified but has been tentatively identified in this study as Lusonectes sauvegi, a species dating from the Toarcian that has also been found in Portuguese deposits with similar ecology to the Posidonia shale formation, in that there are significantly more ichthyosaurs than plesiosaurs. The methodology used consisted of compiling a list of all known plesiosaurs from the Toarcian age of the Lower Jurassic epoch and eliminating them one by one for various anatomical reasons. Although an identification for the fossil has not yet been conclusively determined, the possible species have been narrowed down significantly. Note: This study is not yet done identifying SMNS51143. If the fossil is not Lusonectes sauvegi then it is a new species which would complicate matters significantly since the study would have to go through a process similar to the species identification process except that the process would be for higher taxa i.e. genera and families.
Alissa Richbourg, Aviano High School, Italy
Mentor: Robin Clement, Aviano High School
Is the Chesapeake Bay at a High Risk of Eutrophication?
The researcher analyzed various water samples from the Chesapeake Bay, including sources near agricultural, urban, and forested areas, as well as the effluent being deposited into the Bush River by the Sod Run wastewater treatment plant. These samples were tested for pH, dissolved oxygen, and concentration of nitrate, phosphate, and ammonia. The researcher was then able to analyze the collected data to identify certain problems facing the Chesapeake Bay area, such as eutrophication. The purpose of this project was to identify whether or not the bay is at a high risk of eutrophication, and test the hypothesis that higher quantities of chemical compounds would be found in human-impacted areas. The nitrate levels in Swan Harbor and Sod Run’s Effluent were found to be the highest in the sample group. The higher nitrate concentration in Swan Harbor is most likely due to the local farm land that surrounds it. Recent and high levels of rainfall in the area most reasonably caused sediment and fertilizer from the local farms to drain into nearby water sources. High levels of phosphate in Sod Run is presumably from the remaining phosphate that was not removed through the wastewater treatment plant processes. The pH levels at all eight test sites were found to be in an optimal range of 6.5-8.2. However, the dissolved oxygen level measured at three of the test sites showed dangerously low levels of dissolved oxygen, the lowest being 3.23 ppm in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. These low levels had a noticeable impact on the aquatic life, as many of the fish native to the Baltimore Harbor could not be found during the time the
researcher spent in Maryland. Higher levels of nitrate and phosphorus were found in human impacted areas such as the agricultural area of Swan Harbor and the wastewater treatment plant, which supports the researcher’s hypothesis. In conclusion, the researcher found that the bay is not currently at a high risk of eutrophication, but if the levels of nitrate and phosphorus continue to rise, the bay will experience increased algae growth, which could in turn deplete the water’s dissolved oxygen content, killing all aquatic life.
The researcher analyzed various water samples from the Chesapeake Bay, including sources near agricultural, urban, and forested areas, as well as the effluent being deposited into the Bush River by the Sod Run wastewater treatment plant. These samples were tested for pH, dissolved oxygen, and concentration of nitrate, phosphate, and ammonia. The researcher was then able to analyze the collected data to identify certain problems facing the Chesapeake Bay area, such as eutrophication. The purpose of this project was to identify whether or not the bay is at a high risk of eutrophication, and test the hypothesis that higher quantities of chemical compounds would be found in human-impacted areas. The nitrate levels in Swan Harbor and Sod Run’s Effluent were found to be the highest in the sample group. The higher nitrate concentration in Swan Harbor is most likely due to the local farm land that surrounds it. Recent and high levels of rainfall in the area most reasonably caused sediment and fertilizer from the local farms to drain into nearby water sources. High levels of phosphate in Sod Run is presumably from the remaining phosphate that was not removed through the wastewater treatment plant processes. The pH levels at all eight test sites were found to be in an optimal range of 6.5-8.2. However, the dissolved oxygen level measured at three of the test sites showed dangerously low levels of dissolved oxygen, the lowest being 3.23 ppm in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. These low levels had a noticeable impact on the aquatic life, as many of the fish native to the Baltimore Harbor could not be found during the time the
researcher spent in Maryland. Higher levels of nitrate and phosphorus were found in human impacted areas such as the agricultural area of Swan Harbor and the wastewater treatment plant, which supports the researcher’s hypothesis. In conclusion, the researcher found that the bay is not currently at a high risk of eutrophication, but if the levels of nitrate and phosphorus continue to rise, the bay will experience increased algae growth, which could in turn deplete the water’s dissolved oxygen content, killing all aquatic life.
Nicholas Schlosser, Sigonella High School, Sicily
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
The Effects of Hydrophobic & Colloid Substances on Torpedo’s movement within Water
The purpose of this experiment was to test hydrophobic & colloid coatings effect on the velocity of model torpedos in water. This experiment was inspired by the banning of full body suits in swim after the 2011 Olympics. The experiment answers the question how do hydrophobic & colloid substances affect the speed of torpedoes launched in water? To test this a consistent launching device needed to be made along with a way to accurately reproduce the coatings on the torpedos. Sealing wax, vaseline, and butter are the three types of coatings used on torpedos throughout the experiment. The findings show that vaseline was the fastest out of the coated torpedos however, no coating had higher velocity most likely due to the scale on which this was tested on. Based on these findings it’s easy to see why a human scale substance made specifically for increasing velocity on full body suits would be banned but not before it ruined records that may not be beatable by people without the advantage.
The purpose of this experiment was to test hydrophobic & colloid coatings effect on the velocity of model torpedos in water. This experiment was inspired by the banning of full body suits in swim after the 2011 Olympics. The experiment answers the question how do hydrophobic & colloid substances affect the speed of torpedoes launched in water? To test this a consistent launching device needed to be made along with a way to accurately reproduce the coatings on the torpedos. Sealing wax, vaseline, and butter are the three types of coatings used on torpedos throughout the experiment. The findings show that vaseline was the fastest out of the coated torpedos however, no coating had higher velocity most likely due to the scale on which this was tested on. Based on these findings it’s easy to see why a human scale substance made specifically for increasing velocity on full body suits would be banned but not before it ruined records that may not be beatable by people without the advantage.
Julia Haggard, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Quantifying The Significance Of The Ideological Drift Of Supreme Court Justices With Historical Explanation: An Analysis
The lean of the Supreme Court and its individual justices is a favorite topic of American politicos
throughout the years. Some political science academics have created scoring systems to measure the justices’ ideologies, notably Professors Segal, Cover, Martin, and Quinn. Professors Segal and Cover scored justices based off of an expert’s perception of the justice before the justice had even begun their service, and placed the justice on a scale from -1 to 1, with -1 being conservative and 1 being liberal. In more recent years, the Segal-Cover scores have been on a different scale, but for the purposes of this project, the original scale was used. Professors Martin and Quinn created a spatial model solely focusing on whether a justice voted to affirm or overturn a case. By using these two scores as the expected and observed values in a chi-square equation, the significance of a justice’s drift can be measured. In order to do this, the scores had to be on the same scale, and a conversion formula was created for this purpose. If this methodology shows that the drift is significant, the surrounding conditions, such as the Court’s
docket or the political events of the day, can be examined to determine possible causes for the change. The intent of this project is to bolster quantitative methods of measuring Supreme Court justices’ drift with historical evidence.
The lean of the Supreme Court and its individual justices is a favorite topic of American politicos
throughout the years. Some political science academics have created scoring systems to measure the justices’ ideologies, notably Professors Segal, Cover, Martin, and Quinn. Professors Segal and Cover scored justices based off of an expert’s perception of the justice before the justice had even begun their service, and placed the justice on a scale from -1 to 1, with -1 being conservative and 1 being liberal. In more recent years, the Segal-Cover scores have been on a different scale, but for the purposes of this project, the original scale was used. Professors Martin and Quinn created a spatial model solely focusing on whether a justice voted to affirm or overturn a case. By using these two scores as the expected and observed values in a chi-square equation, the significance of a justice’s drift can be measured. In order to do this, the scores had to be on the same scale, and a conversion formula was created for this purpose. If this methodology shows that the drift is significant, the surrounding conditions, such as the Court’s
docket or the political events of the day, can be examined to determine possible causes for the change. The intent of this project is to bolster quantitative methods of measuring Supreme Court justices’ drift with historical evidence.
Annette Belleman, Brussels High School, Belgium
Mentor: Mari Brown, Brussels High School
Efficient Solar Panel Arrangement
In this study, the use of the natural structural shapes of photosynthesizing plants were used to design more efficient solar panels. Because the study was conducted in Belgium, native species of plants and trees in Belgium were analyzed to create general structures for the solar panels to make the experimental designs. For the experiment, the following panels were created: a control to simulate the standard flat panel, a second control to simulate standard solar field array of panels, three panels designed based on Belgian flora, and another experimental panel modeled after an efficient design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The panels were tested at different times of several days in the months of August and September. Measured with a multimeter, the voltage outputs (measured in volts) of the different panels were analyzed in terms of the modules used by each panel (which was ten for all the panels) and in terms of the area used by each panel (measured in square centimeters). Shown through
two-sample t-tests and graphs, though all the panels had approximately the same voltage outputs per solar module, all the experimental panels and especially the design from MIT were more efficient than the controls in terms of area. In conclusion, this study showed that flora structure can be used to improve solar panel efficiency in terms of area, which can be critical for locations with limited available space or costly space for use such as highly concentrated urban areas.
In this study, the use of the natural structural shapes of photosynthesizing plants were used to design more efficient solar panels. Because the study was conducted in Belgium, native species of plants and trees in Belgium were analyzed to create general structures for the solar panels to make the experimental designs. For the experiment, the following panels were created: a control to simulate the standard flat panel, a second control to simulate standard solar field array of panels, three panels designed based on Belgian flora, and another experimental panel modeled after an efficient design from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The panels were tested at different times of several days in the months of August and September. Measured with a multimeter, the voltage outputs (measured in volts) of the different panels were analyzed in terms of the modules used by each panel (which was ten for all the panels) and in terms of the area used by each panel (measured in square centimeters). Shown through
two-sample t-tests and graphs, though all the panels had approximately the same voltage outputs per solar module, all the experimental panels and especially the design from MIT were more efficient than the controls in terms of area. In conclusion, this study showed that flora structure can be used to improve solar panel efficiency in terms of area, which can be critical for locations with limited available space or costly space for use such as highly concentrated urban areas.
Mary McLellan, Alconbury High School, United Kingdom
Mentor: Michele Jackson, Brussels High School
Solar Powered Water Filtration: Redefining Water Production
The purpose of this environmental engineering project was to reiterate and improve a project began in 2015 to discover a system of water filtration which minimizes both cost and environmental impact. The design is intended to have applications in areas plagued with a water crisis or battling with a water mafia, and to be used in both coastal and landlocked areas. Desalination was determined to be the most efficient method for alternative water collection and filtration; the MK 2 design is based off of multistage flash desalination at its most basic level. The testing phase ran for a period of 43 days in three locations, and MK 2 was modified three times. Data was collected daily, with variables: condensation, humidity, wind speed, sunrise and sunset, internal temperature, external temperature, cloud cover, UV index, and amount of water collected (ml). MK2 included the addition of Fresnel lenses, which aided in the increase of temperatures inside of the system. Significant condensation was noted in the system on most of the test days, and water was occasionally noted in the troughs. It can be concluded that the system is durable, and able to withstand outdoor conditions. The system also conclusively produced clean water. It was determined that the project would function better with the addition of a solar panel and heating pad system, an environment with more sun hours to further increase the temperature, as well as increasing airflow inside the system. It is clear that MK3 of the design will be required.
The purpose of this environmental engineering project was to reiterate and improve a project began in 2015 to discover a system of water filtration which minimizes both cost and environmental impact. The design is intended to have applications in areas plagued with a water crisis or battling with a water mafia, and to be used in both coastal and landlocked areas. Desalination was determined to be the most efficient method for alternative water collection and filtration; the MK 2 design is based off of multistage flash desalination at its most basic level. The testing phase ran for a period of 43 days in three locations, and MK 2 was modified three times. Data was collected daily, with variables: condensation, humidity, wind speed, sunrise and sunset, internal temperature, external temperature, cloud cover, UV index, and amount of water collected (ml). MK2 included the addition of Fresnel lenses, which aided in the increase of temperatures inside of the system. Significant condensation was noted in the system on most of the test days, and water was occasionally noted in the troughs. It can be concluded that the system is durable, and able to withstand outdoor conditions. The system also conclusively produced clean water. It was determined that the project would function better with the addition of a solar panel and heating pad system, an environment with more sun hours to further increase the temperature, as well as increasing airflow inside the system. It is clear that MK3 of the design will be required.
Othniel Wetlesen, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Dr. Klaus Dirnberger
Verification of Polymer Biodegradation by Bacteria within the Wax Moth Larvae Through
Means of Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis
In continuation of former research, this study seeks to conclusively prove the polymer degrading ability of bacteria found in the Common Wax Moth larvae. After the study of gestation rates in response to polymer diets of the larvae showed positive (but not conclusive) results, the bacteria of said larvae was harvested and cultured to treat polymer samples. Through the use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis to detect by-products of chemical polymer degradation of samples treated with bacteria, the conclusive answer of degradation is hoped to be found.
Means of Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis
In continuation of former research, this study seeks to conclusively prove the polymer degrading ability of bacteria found in the Common Wax Moth larvae. After the study of gestation rates in response to polymer diets of the larvae showed positive (but not conclusive) results, the bacteria of said larvae was harvested and cultured to treat polymer samples. Through the use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis to detect by-products of chemical polymer degradation of samples treated with bacteria, the conclusive answer of degradation is hoped to be found.
Munro Manning, Sigonella High School, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Teacher, Sigonella High School
Moving Forward Against Hydroponics Shortcomings
This project sought to investigate and develop solutions to persist and critical problems to the developed hydroponic system. In order to provide consistently better results out of the hydroponic system, it was decided that each plant needs a hydroponic mix designed for a specific plant rather than a broad spectrum of plant species. Two new hydroponic mixes were then designed, developed, and tested against a proven hydroponic mix. The two solutions (Solution 1 and Solution 2) were provided to ten plants in a hydroponic system each where their effect on the rice plants were observed. The first solution was designed to hold a higher amount of phosphorous, exactly 3 times more per plant than the control. The second solution was to hold a higher amount of nitrogen, also exactly 3 times more per plant. After the data was reviewed in the discussion, it was clear that after 6 weeks, the second solution rice plants had outperformed the solution 1 and the control plants significantly in every single category. The project then concluded that solution 2 was a significantly more effective hydroponic mix than the control mix that was originally used for the hydroponic system.
This project sought to investigate and develop solutions to persist and critical problems to the developed hydroponic system. In order to provide consistently better results out of the hydroponic system, it was decided that each plant needs a hydroponic mix designed for a specific plant rather than a broad spectrum of plant species. Two new hydroponic mixes were then designed, developed, and tested against a proven hydroponic mix. The two solutions (Solution 1 and Solution 2) were provided to ten plants in a hydroponic system each where their effect on the rice plants were observed. The first solution was designed to hold a higher amount of phosphorous, exactly 3 times more per plant than the control. The second solution was to hold a higher amount of nitrogen, also exactly 3 times more per plant. After the data was reviewed in the discussion, it was clear that after 6 weeks, the second solution rice plants had outperformed the solution 1 and the control plants significantly in every single category. The project then concluded that solution 2 was a significantly more effective hydroponic mix than the control mix that was originally used for the hydroponic system.