ORAL PRESENTATION FINALISTs
Charita, Ramstein High School, Germany
Mentor: Michelle Harrington, Teacher, Ramstein High School
The Effect of Sugary Drinks on Mice
During this study, the researcher was trying to find the effect of sugary drinks on mice. The researcher used Coca-Cola and 100 percent apple juice as the independent variable during this research. The group of mice that had just regular food was the control group. The researcher used three different groups of mice during this study. The Coca-Cola and apple juice group each had four mice in total, two males and two females. The control group only had two mice, one male and one female. All mice were tested by letting the mice run through a maze. The mice ran the maze only once in order for the mice to not remember the maze. As the mice ran through the maze, the researcher timed the mice in seconds. The researcher also, weighted all the mice separately before each testing. This was to see if weight was a factor that contributed for how fast the mice completed the maze.
During this study, the researcher was trying to find the effect of sugary drinks on mice. The researcher used Coca-Cola and 100 percent apple juice as the independent variable during this research. The group of mice that had just regular food was the control group. The researcher used three different groups of mice during this study. The Coca-Cola and apple juice group each had four mice in total, two males and two females. The control group only had two mice, one male and one female. All mice were tested by letting the mice run through a maze. The mice ran the maze only once in order for the mice to not remember the maze. As the mice ran through the maze, the researcher timed the mice in seconds. The researcher also, weighted all the mice separately before each testing. This was to see if weight was a factor that contributed for how fast the mice completed the maze.
Nathan, Sigonella High School, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Teacher, Sigonella High School
The Effects of Muscle Memory on a Hamster's Circadian Clock
The purpose of this experiment was to investigate if there was an association between hamster’s circadian clock and muscle memory. The hypothesis was if a dwarf hamster has a dysfunctional circadian clock, then it will still have 75% of its long-term muscle memory intact. For this experiment there were six hamsters: three males and three females. Each of the genders there was one control and two test hamsters. Four of the hamsters experienced a dysfunctional circadian clock and were ensured by the novel object recognition by Dr. Ruby. There circadian clocks were dysfunctional by switching nights and days back and forth throughout the entire experiment to ensure that their clocks never settle. After their dysfunctional circadian clock was confirmed they were filmed and one object was moved from original spot to a new spot. The data that was collected was if the hamster went to the original spot or to the object. If they went to the original spot then the hamster remembered where the object was. The hypothesis was not supported because the average of the muscle memory was 55.55% which is under 75%. However, one hamster had over 75% but one hamster is not enough data to prove causation, therefore, the average was used. According to the data, my hypothesis was not supported because the percentages were not over 75%. The percentages were calculated by the number of successful trials where the hamster went to the original spot over the total number of trials. The overall finding of the project is that there appears an association between circadian clocks and muscle memory and that six hamsters cannot prove that there is no causation between the two.
The purpose of this experiment was to investigate if there was an association between hamster’s circadian clock and muscle memory. The hypothesis was if a dwarf hamster has a dysfunctional circadian clock, then it will still have 75% of its long-term muscle memory intact. For this experiment there were six hamsters: three males and three females. Each of the genders there was one control and two test hamsters. Four of the hamsters experienced a dysfunctional circadian clock and were ensured by the novel object recognition by Dr. Ruby. There circadian clocks were dysfunctional by switching nights and days back and forth throughout the entire experiment to ensure that their clocks never settle. After their dysfunctional circadian clock was confirmed they were filmed and one object was moved from original spot to a new spot. The data that was collected was if the hamster went to the original spot or to the object. If they went to the original spot then the hamster remembered where the object was. The hypothesis was not supported because the average of the muscle memory was 55.55% which is under 75%. However, one hamster had over 75% but one hamster is not enough data to prove causation, therefore, the average was used. According to the data, my hypothesis was not supported because the percentages were not over 75%. The percentages were calculated by the number of successful trials where the hamster went to the original spot over the total number of trials. The overall finding of the project is that there appears an association between circadian clocks and muscle memory and that six hamsters cannot prove that there is no causation between the two.
Doyle, Bahrain School, Bahrain
Mentor: Brian Zimmer, Teacher, Bahrain School
Angled Tread and Its Effect on Traversing Inclined Terrain with Obstacles
In response to parameters outlined by the First Tech Challenge of 2015-2016, this research paper tested two hypotheses regarding the impact of tread configuration and weight on the ability of a robot to surmount angled inclines (30 and 50 degrees) with obstacles. Four configurations of the lower front wheel were tested along with two different weights. Initial evidence seemed to show that weight and wheel placement impact the ability of a robot to complete these objectives. Using a Chi-Square Two-Sample Test the data did not indicate significance. The results of this research were utilized by the Bahrain M/HS Robotics Club and applied to the design of the robot for the First Tech Challenge.
In response to parameters outlined by the First Tech Challenge of 2015-2016, this research paper tested two hypotheses regarding the impact of tread configuration and weight on the ability of a robot to surmount angled inclines (30 and 50 degrees) with obstacles. Four configurations of the lower front wheel were tested along with two different weights. Initial evidence seemed to show that weight and wheel placement impact the ability of a robot to complete these objectives. Using a Chi-Square Two-Sample Test the data did not indicate significance. The results of this research were utilized by the Bahrain M/HS Robotics Club and applied to the design of the robot for the First Tech Challenge.
Anna, Shape, Belgium
Mentor: Deb Pennell Wilcox, Teacher, Shape
The Effect of Increased Levels of Air Pollution on the Frequency and Severity of Allergies
The purpose of this research was to identify if there was a link between the air quality of an area and the frequency and severity of allergies of individuals within that area. It was hypothesized that increased levels of particulate matter would result in more individuals reporting that they suffered from allergies within the given area. A questionnaire was developed and individuals reported the area in which they lived, their age, and the severity of their allergies, along with other information related to allergies and air quality. The air quality of the area in which they lived was analyzed following the submission of the survey. In conclusion, there was no evidence to support that particulate matter affected the severity and frequency of allergies, but enough evidence was present to suggest that higher ozone levels may lead to more allergies within a population.
The purpose of this research was to identify if there was a link between the air quality of an area and the frequency and severity of allergies of individuals within that area. It was hypothesized that increased levels of particulate matter would result in more individuals reporting that they suffered from allergies within the given area. A questionnaire was developed and individuals reported the area in which they lived, their age, and the severity of their allergies, along with other information related to allergies and air quality. The air quality of the area in which they lived was analyzed following the submission of the survey. In conclusion, there was no evidence to support that particulate matter affected the severity and frequency of allergies, but enough evidence was present to suggest that higher ozone levels may lead to more allergies within a population.
Alicia, Ramstein High School, Germany
Mentor: Ms. Ducsay, Teacher, Ramstein High School
Effects of Epinephrine and Caffeine on Zebrafish
The purpose of the experiment was to observe how caffeine and epinephrine affected zebrafish during development in order to get a better idea of how these substances affect pregnancy in humans. This experiment was conducted by exposing zebrafish to different concentrations of caffeine and epinephrine during development. Another group of fish was placed in fresh water and acted as the control group. The fish were kept in petri dishes to avoid cross contamination and make observation easier. The zebrafish were observed for a period of ten days and were checked for survival rate and motility. Caffeine in the 37.5mg/L concentration had little effect on the zebrafish while the 75mg/L and 150mg/L concentrations had an effect on the survival rate of the zebrafish. The exposure to epinephrine during development did not have an effect on either survival or motility of the zebrafish.
The purpose of the experiment was to observe how caffeine and epinephrine affected zebrafish during development in order to get a better idea of how these substances affect pregnancy in humans. This experiment was conducted by exposing zebrafish to different concentrations of caffeine and epinephrine during development. Another group of fish was placed in fresh water and acted as the control group. The fish were kept in petri dishes to avoid cross contamination and make observation easier. The zebrafish were observed for a period of ten days and were checked for survival rate and motility. Caffeine in the 37.5mg/L concentration had little effect on the zebrafish while the 75mg/L and 150mg/L concentrations had an effect on the survival rate of the zebrafish. The exposure to epinephrine during development did not have an effect on either survival or motility of the zebrafish.
Samantha, Sigonella High School, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Techer, Sigonella High School
Non Newtonian Shields
In this experiment, non-Newtonian fluids will be tested of their protective power. Would non Newtonian fluids be useful shields against excessive force? The experiment uses STFs (shear thickening fluids) to protect an egg against shock. STFs are non-Newtonian fluids which thicken upon the application of stress. Stress can mean a number of different things but this experiment focuses on sharp and blunt force trauma. Each fluid’s ability to protect will be measured based on the test. The fluids will all be put through three tests five times. The tests will reveal different properties of the STFs’ abilities to block or reduce shock. This experiment will be executed in an effort to take a step toward developing better ballistic shields. Past experiments have shown this researcher what STFs are capable of. Now, in an effort to improve a worldwide tool (kevlar/bulletproof vests) the researcher will strive to find important properties needed in any fluid being used for bulletproof vests. The hypothesis for this experiment is that if put through all tests as Silly Putty and Flubber, then the non-Newtonian fluid Oobleck, will prove to be the most useful shield. The researcher is trying to nullify that if put through all the same tests, then there will be no obvious choice for a fluid shield. This may be true due to the different strengths of each of the fluids. Due to the inaccuracy of the tests and data, the results were inconclusive. The only possible contender is Flubber and it barely did better than the rest.
In this experiment, non-Newtonian fluids will be tested of their protective power. Would non Newtonian fluids be useful shields against excessive force? The experiment uses STFs (shear thickening fluids) to protect an egg against shock. STFs are non-Newtonian fluids which thicken upon the application of stress. Stress can mean a number of different things but this experiment focuses on sharp and blunt force trauma. Each fluid’s ability to protect will be measured based on the test. The fluids will all be put through three tests five times. The tests will reveal different properties of the STFs’ abilities to block or reduce shock. This experiment will be executed in an effort to take a step toward developing better ballistic shields. Past experiments have shown this researcher what STFs are capable of. Now, in an effort to improve a worldwide tool (kevlar/bulletproof vests) the researcher will strive to find important properties needed in any fluid being used for bulletproof vests. The hypothesis for this experiment is that if put through all tests as Silly Putty and Flubber, then the non-Newtonian fluid Oobleck, will prove to be the most useful shield. The researcher is trying to nullify that if put through all the same tests, then there will be no obvious choice for a fluid shield. This may be true due to the different strengths of each of the fluids. Due to the inaccuracy of the tests and data, the results were inconclusive. The only possible contender is Flubber and it barely did better than the rest.
Faisal, Bahrain School, Bahrain
Mentor: Brian Zimmer, Teacher, Bahrain School
Creating a Cooling System for Cars Independent of the Engine
In hot climates, heat stress poses a serious health risk, particularly in confined environments, such as the cabin of a car. Traditional air conditioning systems for gasoline and diesel cars are coupled to the engine, requiring the engine to be left idling in order to cool stationary cars. This results in large amounts of energy loss, and releases thermal energy. The purpose of this investigation was to test the performance of a cooling system for cars that operates independent of the engine, so that it can be used when the car is stationary without leaving the engine idling. This was done by using an air compressor to release air into the cabin of the car, which would cool down upon expansion. Last year, an experiment was carried out to investigate the viability of this system, but no significant temperature drops were detected due to the cold weather at the time. This is a continuation of the investigation. Compressed air was released into the car cabin in minute-long cycles, and in each cycle air was released for a length of 10 to 50 seconds. 5 different cycles were tested, each 10 times, for a total of 50 tests. It was found that the cycle with 40 seconds of air release produced the greatest average temperature drop of 9.18 oC, with a 0.95 confidence level t-test interval of 7.10 to 11.25 oC. The drop in temperature produced was therefore statistically significant. The system could potentially make a noticeable difference to the comfort and safety of a car cabin warm weather.
In hot climates, heat stress poses a serious health risk, particularly in confined environments, such as the cabin of a car. Traditional air conditioning systems for gasoline and diesel cars are coupled to the engine, requiring the engine to be left idling in order to cool stationary cars. This results in large amounts of energy loss, and releases thermal energy. The purpose of this investigation was to test the performance of a cooling system for cars that operates independent of the engine, so that it can be used when the car is stationary without leaving the engine idling. This was done by using an air compressor to release air into the cabin of the car, which would cool down upon expansion. Last year, an experiment was carried out to investigate the viability of this system, but no significant temperature drops were detected due to the cold weather at the time. This is a continuation of the investigation. Compressed air was released into the car cabin in minute-long cycles, and in each cycle air was released for a length of 10 to 50 seconds. 5 different cycles were tested, each 10 times, for a total of 50 tests. It was found that the cycle with 40 seconds of air release produced the greatest average temperature drop of 9.18 oC, with a 0.95 confidence level t-test interval of 7.10 to 11.25 oC. The drop in temperature produced was therefore statistically significant. The system could potentially make a noticeable difference to the comfort and safety of a car cabin warm weather.
Eve, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Engineering Learning Connections: The Impact of Tactile Manipulative Apparatuses on the Abecedarian Behavioral Assessment of Pattern Building, Focus and Retention
The research analyzed whether EFL Boards, functioning horizontally and vertically impacted the abecedarian behavioral assessment of pattern building, focus and retention. Pattern building is primary to learning, and measuring accuracy paired with EFL Boards provided learning connections to focus and increased abilities to retain information. Seventy participants completed one base horizontal and one base vertical rudimentary shape assessments. Six experimental trials followed utilizing the EFL boards horizontally and vertically. Numerical measures were recorded and participants completed a post experimentation survey. Data was recorded for base, trials and surveys. Through Z-tests and statistically significant p-scores (<0.05) the horizontal use of the EFL board demonstrated increased shape completion rates while the vertical use of the EFL board emphasized decreasing shape completion notations. The behavioral changes represented in the horizontal use of the EFL board highlighted that this engineered product was a viable instrument in early stages of testing. It may be an improved pattern building, focus and retention tool used to increase learning beyond abecedarian testing. This product may be applicable in the school setting, at home, and work. Furthermore, students must ultimately recognize their unique learning style, and utilize tools such as the EFL Board that provide an alternative to technology.
The research analyzed whether EFL Boards, functioning horizontally and vertically impacted the abecedarian behavioral assessment of pattern building, focus and retention. Pattern building is primary to learning, and measuring accuracy paired with EFL Boards provided learning connections to focus and increased abilities to retain information. Seventy participants completed one base horizontal and one base vertical rudimentary shape assessments. Six experimental trials followed utilizing the EFL boards horizontally and vertically. Numerical measures were recorded and participants completed a post experimentation survey. Data was recorded for base, trials and surveys. Through Z-tests and statistically significant p-scores (<0.05) the horizontal use of the EFL board demonstrated increased shape completion rates while the vertical use of the EFL board emphasized decreasing shape completion notations. The behavioral changes represented in the horizontal use of the EFL board highlighted that this engineered product was a viable instrument in early stages of testing. It may be an improved pattern building, focus and retention tool used to increase learning beyond abecedarian testing. This product may be applicable in the school setting, at home, and work. Furthermore, students must ultimately recognize their unique learning style, and utilize tools such as the EFL Board that provide an alternative to technology.
Shaele, Aviano High School, Italy
Mentor: Robin Clement, Teacher, Aviano High School
Effects of Plaque Reducing Dental Treats in Canines
The purpose of the experiment was to determine which plaque removing dental treats were most effective in reducing the amount of plaque in the mouths of canines. The two treatments being tested were Greenies and DentaStix. Test subjects were divided into three groups, Greenies, DentaStix, and a Control group, with 25 individual subjects and 30 different results acquired with five subjects participating in a control group and later as a testing group. Dogs received their assigned treatment for seven days. Before and after photos were taken and analyzed with Vernier Logger Pro 3.9, a photo analyzing program. Differences were noted between the two testing groups and the control group, but no significant differences were noticed between group 1 and group 2. The p-scores between the testing groups and the control group were both 0.01. Further testing will need to take place to get more accurate averages to better identify whether there was a significant difference between the two methods of plaque reduction.
The purpose of the experiment was to determine which plaque removing dental treats were most effective in reducing the amount of plaque in the mouths of canines. The two treatments being tested were Greenies and DentaStix. Test subjects were divided into three groups, Greenies, DentaStix, and a Control group, with 25 individual subjects and 30 different results acquired with five subjects participating in a control group and later as a testing group. Dogs received their assigned treatment for seven days. Before and after photos were taken and analyzed with Vernier Logger Pro 3.9, a photo analyzing program. Differences were noted between the two testing groups and the control group, but no significant differences were noticed between group 1 and group 2. The p-scores between the testing groups and the control group were both 0.01. Further testing will need to take place to get more accurate averages to better identify whether there was a significant difference between the two methods of plaque reduction.