Poster Presentations
Cameron, Sigonella High School, Sigonella, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Teacher, Sigonella High School
Household Hydraulics: Going With the Flow
The purpose of this project was to find household fluids that work efficiently in hydraulics. The hope was to find if common liquids (found in many kitchens) can be used in hydraulic systems. Results can be used as reference and the test system designed used for future projects. A formula was created that can help researchers calculate comparable efficiency scores on newly tested fluids. The hypothesis is that Peanut Oil would be the best and most efficient household fluid for use in hydraulics. Two tests were done on 5 liquids: a compressibility test using 4.54 kg of pressure and a timed flow test using 2.27 kg. A trend was detected showing that as compressibility became less the ability to flow through the system also reduced (longer times). While Peanut Oil had low compressibility it would not flow through the system unless under extreme pressure. This means the hypothesis was not supported. Of the liquids Whole Milk was the most efficient and Rubbing Alcohol the least. Air bubbles and cross contamination of fluids became an issue. More tests should be done to acquire data on other liquids and the hydraulic device designed for this project should be improved to use bleed valves and larger more rigid tubing which will allow for easier cleaning and increased flow capacity.
The purpose of this project was to find household fluids that work efficiently in hydraulics. The hope was to find if common liquids (found in many kitchens) can be used in hydraulic systems. Results can be used as reference and the test system designed used for future projects. A formula was created that can help researchers calculate comparable efficiency scores on newly tested fluids. The hypothesis is that Peanut Oil would be the best and most efficient household fluid for use in hydraulics. Two tests were done on 5 liquids: a compressibility test using 4.54 kg of pressure and a timed flow test using 2.27 kg. A trend was detected showing that as compressibility became less the ability to flow through the system also reduced (longer times). While Peanut Oil had low compressibility it would not flow through the system unless under extreme pressure. This means the hypothesis was not supported. Of the liquids Whole Milk was the most efficient and Rubbing Alcohol the least. Air bubbles and cross contamination of fluids became an issue. More tests should be done to acquire data on other liquids and the hydraulic device designed for this project should be improved to use bleed valves and larger more rigid tubing which will allow for easier cleaning and increased flow capacity.
Junajoy, Sigonella High School, Sigonella, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Teacher, Sigonella High School
Performance of Body Lotion Mixtures
The purpose of the experiment was to create the best body lotion mixture of cocoa butter and olive oil based on moisture retainment and grease residue. The hypothesis of the experiment
was, “If the researcher created a mixture of 75% cocoa butter and 25% olive oil then it will result in the best body lotion out of the other mixtures in the experiment in terms of greatest moisture ability and least amount of residue.” Five different body lotions made up of different proportions of cocoa butter and olive oil: 100%, 75% and 25%, and 50% and 50%. To measure the moisture ability of the different lotions, the researcher covered JELLO bowls with the lotion mixture and, after two days, stacked as many quarters as possible on the JELLO until it cracked. To measure the amount of grease residue, the researcher spread the lotion mixtures on a strip of Saran Wrap that covered a slanted textbook and measured the amount of time it took for a roll of tape to slide down the slope. The 100% olive oil lotion was able to hold the most quarters with an average of 8.67 quarters. The 75% olive oil and 25% cocoa butter had the fastest time of 43.72 sec. By calculating the zscores of the lotion mixtures’ performance, it was determined that the 75% olive oil and 25% cocoa butter lotion mixture was the best lotion. Therefore, the hypothesis was supported.
The purpose of the experiment was to create the best body lotion mixture of cocoa butter and olive oil based on moisture retainment and grease residue. The hypothesis of the experiment
was, “If the researcher created a mixture of 75% cocoa butter and 25% olive oil then it will result in the best body lotion out of the other mixtures in the experiment in terms of greatest moisture ability and least amount of residue.” Five different body lotions made up of different proportions of cocoa butter and olive oil: 100%, 75% and 25%, and 50% and 50%. To measure the moisture ability of the different lotions, the researcher covered JELLO bowls with the lotion mixture and, after two days, stacked as many quarters as possible on the JELLO until it cracked. To measure the amount of grease residue, the researcher spread the lotion mixtures on a strip of Saran Wrap that covered a slanted textbook and measured the amount of time it took for a roll of tape to slide down the slope. The 100% olive oil lotion was able to hold the most quarters with an average of 8.67 quarters. The 75% olive oil and 25% cocoa butter had the fastest time of 43.72 sec. By calculating the zscores of the lotion mixtures’ performance, it was determined that the 75% olive oil and 25% cocoa butter lotion mixture was the best lotion. Therefore, the hypothesis was supported.
Lilianne, Ankara High School, Ankara, Turkey
Mentor: Penelope Ahearn, Teacher, Ankara High School
The Power of Suggestion
The media and your peers have a strange effect on one’s brain. People can shape your opinions, alter your memory, and leave you questioning what you believe. I saw this happening and decided to investigate. I studied the power of suggestion. I hypothesized that I would be able to alter someone’s memory by suggesting they were wrong. This led to the experiment: I had test subjects memorize a piece of paper with a bunch of pictures on it, had them write down what they remembered, told them what they missed (including a made up picture that wasn’t on the paper), and had them write down what they remembered the next day. I then observed as to whether or not they wrote down the picture that I said was there but wasn’t. My results where exactly what I wanted: most people fell for my mind trick, therefore being susceptible to the power of suggestion. I also found that boys were slightly more subject to suggestion. I only tested high school students and found that, as the test subjects got older, they were more immune to the mind games I played. I concluded that the power of suggestion is a very strong concept that is highly influential over people.
The media and your peers have a strange effect on one’s brain. People can shape your opinions, alter your memory, and leave you questioning what you believe. I saw this happening and decided to investigate. I studied the power of suggestion. I hypothesized that I would be able to alter someone’s memory by suggesting they were wrong. This led to the experiment: I had test subjects memorize a piece of paper with a bunch of pictures on it, had them write down what they remembered, told them what they missed (including a made up picture that wasn’t on the paper), and had them write down what they remembered the next day. I then observed as to whether or not they wrote down the picture that I said was there but wasn’t. My results where exactly what I wanted: most people fell for my mind trick, therefore being susceptible to the power of suggestion. I also found that boys were slightly more subject to suggestion. I only tested high school students and found that, as the test subjects got older, they were more immune to the mind games I played. I concluded that the power of suggestion is a very strong concept that is highly influential over people.
Jessie, Hohenfels High School, Hohenfels, Germany
Mentor: Joyce Dusenberry, Teacher, Hohenfels
Decomposition Rate of Homemade Bioplastics
Plastics play a big role in our everyday life , but the disposal of plastic wastes has had a huge negative impact on the environment. Plastics are very slow to decompose and unless they are recycled they remain in landfills for many years. A more biodegradable alternative needs to be discovered. For this research five different handmade bioplastics consisting of agar, banana, corn, milk, and potato material were created. Five samples from each created plastic were weighed and then buried in soil. All samples were maintained under identical environmental conditions. Every two weeks the samples are recovered from the soil, reweighed and the percent mass lost was calculated. The hypothesis was not support in that the bioplastic with the highest starch content (potato and corn) did not decompose at the fastest rate.
Plastics play a big role in our everyday life , but the disposal of plastic wastes has had a huge negative impact on the environment. Plastics are very slow to decompose and unless they are recycled they remain in landfills for many years. A more biodegradable alternative needs to be discovered. For this research five different handmade bioplastics consisting of agar, banana, corn, milk, and potato material were created. Five samples from each created plastic were weighed and then buried in soil. All samples were maintained under identical environmental conditions. Every two weeks the samples are recovered from the soil, reweighed and the percent mass lost was calculated. The hypothesis was not support in that the bioplastic with the highest starch content (potato and corn) did not decompose at the fastest rate.
Mitchell, Ansbach Middle/High School, Ansbach, Germany
Mentor: Laura Dickens, Teacher, Ansbach Middle/High School
The Effects of Social Media on Cyber Security
This research project served to unveil the unnecessary amounts of public information available on an individual through social media. The experiment was conducted through anonymous questionnaires that asked people about the topics most often displayed on a public social media profile. With this information, a program the researcher created began guessing possible passwords the respondent might use. The program compared its predictions with the respondent’s invented password until it found a match. After completing this experiment, the researcher discovered that, if a password exceeded 12 characters, the program took a much lengthier period of time than if the password was 12 characters or under. In summary, the project showed that, unless one already retains a sufficient knowledge of how to protect themselves from cyber attacks, paired with the ability to create a capable password, they are leaving themselves open to numerous attacks. This research aims to inform others of the aforementioned realities.
This research project served to unveil the unnecessary amounts of public information available on an individual through social media. The experiment was conducted through anonymous questionnaires that asked people about the topics most often displayed on a public social media profile. With this information, a program the researcher created began guessing possible passwords the respondent might use. The program compared its predictions with the respondent’s invented password until it found a match. After completing this experiment, the researcher discovered that, if a password exceeded 12 characters, the program took a much lengthier period of time than if the password was 12 characters or under. In summary, the project showed that, unless one already retains a sufficient knowledge of how to protect themselves from cyber attacks, paired with the ability to create a capable password, they are leaving themselves open to numerous attacks. This research aims to inform others of the aforementioned realities.
Daniel, Sigonella High School, Sigonella, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Teacher, Sigonella High School
Could There Be a Better Food Container
The purpose of the experiment was to see which type of container would do the best job at preserving food. The hypothesis for the experiment was: If food is put in a plastic tub, a plastic bag, a paper bag, a cardboard box, a ziploc bag, tin foil and wax paper food containers outside for a week, then the plastic tub will be the container that preserves the food the best at the end of eight days. The null hypothesis for the experiment was If we put food in various food containers outside for eight days, it will be shown which food containers do the worst job of preserving food. For the experiment, an apple, banana, and a slice of bread were each placed in a cardboard box, tin boil, a plastic bag, a paper bag, wax paper, a ziploc bag, and a plastic tub, with one group left out in the open. After four days, each group of food was taken out of its container and pictures of the food were taken. This step was done again on day eight. The food was rated on a scale of 0-20, with 0 being the result of the control group on day eight, and 20 being all of the groups when the experiment started. From the data, it was shown that the plastic tub and ziploc bag did the best at preserving food with final scores of 11-20 each, while the wax paper and tinfoil had final scores of 2-20 and 1-20, respectively. The data tells us that there is a significant difference between food containers and their abilities, and that plastics are definitely better than other food containers at preserving food. My hypothesis was supported, because the plastic tub did the best at preserving the food. This shows that there is no match for plastic when it comes to maintaining the quality of food, which is a shame because of the negative impacts of plastic.
The purpose of the experiment was to see which type of container would do the best job at preserving food. The hypothesis for the experiment was: If food is put in a plastic tub, a plastic bag, a paper bag, a cardboard box, a ziploc bag, tin foil and wax paper food containers outside for a week, then the plastic tub will be the container that preserves the food the best at the end of eight days. The null hypothesis for the experiment was If we put food in various food containers outside for eight days, it will be shown which food containers do the worst job of preserving food. For the experiment, an apple, banana, and a slice of bread were each placed in a cardboard box, tin boil, a plastic bag, a paper bag, wax paper, a ziploc bag, and a plastic tub, with one group left out in the open. After four days, each group of food was taken out of its container and pictures of the food were taken. This step was done again on day eight. The food was rated on a scale of 0-20, with 0 being the result of the control group on day eight, and 20 being all of the groups when the experiment started. From the data, it was shown that the plastic tub and ziploc bag did the best at preserving food with final scores of 11-20 each, while the wax paper and tinfoil had final scores of 2-20 and 1-20, respectively. The data tells us that there is a significant difference between food containers and their abilities, and that plastics are definitely better than other food containers at preserving food. My hypothesis was supported, because the plastic tub did the best at preserving the food. This shows that there is no match for plastic when it comes to maintaining the quality of food, which is a shame because of the negative impacts of plastic.
Jacob, Aviano High School, Aviano, Italy
Mentor: Robin Clement, Teacher, Aviano High School
The Microbial Contamination of iPhones by Region
The purpose of this experiment was to see if microbial life is more present on particular sections of a phone then others. The researcher identified 4 particular zones for experimentation that were tested to see if there were large differences in the number of bacteria present in those areas. The researcher used all sterile equipment to swab one area of the phone at a time so he could test it. After swabbing the specific region of the phone the researcher would then place the swab in sterile water. One milliliter of the solution was used to inoculate the dishes, and then the researcher would let the dishes all grow for a period of three to five days. When a sufficient amount of visible colonies emerged, the researcher would then individually count them all by hand. The researcher, after testing an ample amount of phones, had averaged out all of the amounts of colonies per phone region and come to a conclusion on his work. The researcher concluded that the differences in the averages in the phone’s regions weren’t great enough to confirm his original hypothesis. Further studies and control over the variables are necessary to give a more wholesome conclusion to this experiment. More phones are needed to further explore this subject and give a better answer to the hypothesis.
The purpose of this experiment was to see if microbial life is more present on particular sections of a phone then others. The researcher identified 4 particular zones for experimentation that were tested to see if there were large differences in the number of bacteria present in those areas. The researcher used all sterile equipment to swab one area of the phone at a time so he could test it. After swabbing the specific region of the phone the researcher would then place the swab in sterile water. One milliliter of the solution was used to inoculate the dishes, and then the researcher would let the dishes all grow for a period of three to five days. When a sufficient amount of visible colonies emerged, the researcher would then individually count them all by hand. The researcher, after testing an ample amount of phones, had averaged out all of the amounts of colonies per phone region and come to a conclusion on his work. The researcher concluded that the differences in the averages in the phone’s regions weren’t great enough to confirm his original hypothesis. Further studies and control over the variables are necessary to give a more wholesome conclusion to this experiment. More phones are needed to further explore this subject and give a better answer to the hypothesis.
Elliott, Aviano High School, Aviano, Italy
mentor: Robin Clement, Teacher, Aviano High School
The Volumes of Digitally Synthesized Sound Waves
Firstly, the purpose and procedures were stated. Using Ableton Live 9 as the host environment, Sylenth1 to output the waves, Ableton Live Spectrum Analyzer for visual data, and the built in Ableton peak meter and Brainworx peak and RMS meters for precise quantitative volume measurements. Secondly, each individual sound wave and sound wave blend was run through the Spectrum Analyzer to gather visual data of shapes and frequency activity. In addition to this, observations about each spectrum analysis were made. Upon gathering basic visual data, more in depth testing was done to determine the specific volume levels of each wave and wave combination. A table consisting of the peak and RMS measurements showed the power of each sound in dB. This served as an important stepping stone to discovering that the hypothesis was false. Finally, an alternate hypothesis was tested wherein the fundamental frequency of the waves were shown to constitute almost the entirety of their volume. Enlarged pictures of the spectrum analyzer were shown to illustrate that the peak amplitude measurements amounted to the volume of the entire wave. The experiment was concluded with the finding that the strength of the fundamental determined the volume, not the amount of harmonics.
Firstly, the purpose and procedures were stated. Using Ableton Live 9 as the host environment, Sylenth1 to output the waves, Ableton Live Spectrum Analyzer for visual data, and the built in Ableton peak meter and Brainworx peak and RMS meters for precise quantitative volume measurements. Secondly, each individual sound wave and sound wave blend was run through the Spectrum Analyzer to gather visual data of shapes and frequency activity. In addition to this, observations about each spectrum analysis were made. Upon gathering basic visual data, more in depth testing was done to determine the specific volume levels of each wave and wave combination. A table consisting of the peak and RMS measurements showed the power of each sound in dB. This served as an important stepping stone to discovering that the hypothesis was false. Finally, an alternate hypothesis was tested wherein the fundamental frequency of the waves were shown to constitute almost the entirety of their volume. Enlarged pictures of the spectrum analyzer were shown to illustrate that the peak amplitude measurements amounted to the volume of the entire wave. The experiment was concluded with the finding that the strength of the fundamental determined the volume, not the amount of harmonics.
Aaron, Sigonella High School, Sigonella, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Teacher, Sigonella High School
The Life of a Sole
The Purpose of this experiment is to find and compare the quality of a black van sole, and a white van sole. Does the sales of the one type of vans shoe correlate with the lasting time of the sole, or are they made the same way. If wearing a white van shoe and a black van shoe for five days, then the higher selling black van shoe sole will degrade more than the white van shoe sole. At the end of five days the white van shoe sole was 14/16 of an inch and the black van shoe sole was 12/16 of an inch. My data showed the black van shoe sole degraded more in five days than the white van shoe sole. In conclusion my hypothesis was supported by the data.
The Purpose of this experiment is to find and compare the quality of a black van sole, and a white van sole. Does the sales of the one type of vans shoe correlate with the lasting time of the sole, or are they made the same way. If wearing a white van shoe and a black van shoe for five days, then the higher selling black van shoe sole will degrade more than the white van shoe sole. At the end of five days the white van shoe sole was 14/16 of an inch and the black van shoe sole was 12/16 of an inch. My data showed the black van shoe sole degraded more in five days than the white van shoe sole. In conclusion my hypothesis was supported by the data.
Korley, Sigonella High School, Sigonella, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Teacher, Sigonella High School
The Abilities of the Brain and Personality
The purpose question for this project was: does a student’s personality, and behavior characteristics, affect not only the way a person studies and comprehends linguistics, but also their “success?” The researcher hypothesized that if a person’s scores for personality are more rounded and equal on a scale of 05, 5 being the most equal, and have a higher quiz score, above 80%, like in Eysenck’s personality theory, then the person will do better with the study of linguistics and comprehension because that have all key parts of the “makeup” of personality. This hypothesis was supported in the data. Personalities ranged from 2 to 4.5 and quiz scores ranged from 33% to 100%. When all the data was placed into a scatter plot chart and a line of regression was drawn, there was a positive correlation of +.34. The findings of this experiment prove to be that there is a slight correlation between a person’s personality and their language and comprehension abilities, however, everyone is different, and so personality does not cause ability. Further testing would need to be performed to say that personality causes comprehensive abilities.
The purpose question for this project was: does a student’s personality, and behavior characteristics, affect not only the way a person studies and comprehends linguistics, but also their “success?” The researcher hypothesized that if a person’s scores for personality are more rounded and equal on a scale of 05, 5 being the most equal, and have a higher quiz score, above 80%, like in Eysenck’s personality theory, then the person will do better with the study of linguistics and comprehension because that have all key parts of the “makeup” of personality. This hypothesis was supported in the data. Personalities ranged from 2 to 4.5 and quiz scores ranged from 33% to 100%. When all the data was placed into a scatter plot chart and a line of regression was drawn, there was a positive correlation of +.34. The findings of this experiment prove to be that there is a slight correlation between a person’s personality and their language and comprehension abilities, however, everyone is different, and so personality does not cause ability. Further testing would need to be performed to say that personality causes comprehensive abilities.
Do Yee, Ankara High School, Ankara Turkey
Mentor: Penelope Ahearn, Teacher, Ankara High School
Does the Birth Order Affect One’s Personality
People often judge people’s personality by assuming the order they are born. First born children are often extremely responsible on their task. Second born children are friendly, outgoing, and want their parents’’ attention. Only child often feel lonely and seem to receive all love from their parents. In my experiment, I will send surveys to my classmates to examine whether the birth order actually affects people’s personality. The results can out interestingly but had several deficiencies.
People often judge people’s personality by assuming the order they are born. First born children are often extremely responsible on their task. Second born children are friendly, outgoing, and want their parents’’ attention. Only child often feel lonely and seem to receive all love from their parents. In my experiment, I will send surveys to my classmates to examine whether the birth order actually affects people’s personality. The results can out interestingly but had several deficiencies.
Gavin, Ramstein High School, Ramstein, Germany
Mentor: Ms. Ducsay, Teacher, Ramstein High School
Who can get the closest to solving a Rubik's cube… boys or girls?
People are often trying to see who can solve difficult puzzles, and what qualities enable them to solve it. The researcher wanted to examine this topic by performing an experiment. In this experiment, the researcher tested students to see if boys or girls are better at solving Rubik's puzzles. The researcher knew from data in past experiments that age affects one's ability to solve puzzles, but found no data on whether or not gender provided an advantage. Therefore, the researcher gave each student three minutes to solve each of three different puzzles and record their results and taking the average. The researcher’s hypothesis was that the boys would perform better. The results proved true to that prediction. They also showed that the girls produced better results when attempting to solve the smaller puzzles.
People are often trying to see who can solve difficult puzzles, and what qualities enable them to solve it. The researcher wanted to examine this topic by performing an experiment. In this experiment, the researcher tested students to see if boys or girls are better at solving Rubik's puzzles. The researcher knew from data in past experiments that age affects one's ability to solve puzzles, but found no data on whether or not gender provided an advantage. Therefore, the researcher gave each student three minutes to solve each of three different puzzles and record their results and taking the average. The researcher’s hypothesis was that the boys would perform better. The results proved true to that prediction. They also showed that the girls produced better results when attempting to solve the smaller puzzles.
Haein, Ankara High School, Ankara, Turkey
Mentor: Penelope Ahearn, Teacher, Ankara High School
Relationship Between Height and Sense of Direction
Between the period of October, November and December of 2015, I experimented on my fellow classmates whether the height of the subjects were in any way influential towards their sense of direction. My hypothesis was tested multiple times with different subjects for accuracy and precision and the results of the test did not support my hypothesis. The project was based on the idea of height having the power to affect a fully functioning human body’s perception of gravity since the distance away from the Earth’s gravity changes based on the altitude from the core of the Earth. I learned that many factors could and do affect the perception of gravity since our environment cannot be the same always, but also found out that the slight change between height is so minimal that it does not affect a person’s sense of direction.
Between the period of October, November and December of 2015, I experimented on my fellow classmates whether the height of the subjects were in any way influential towards their sense of direction. My hypothesis was tested multiple times with different subjects for accuracy and precision and the results of the test did not support my hypothesis. The project was based on the idea of height having the power to affect a fully functioning human body’s perception of gravity since the distance away from the Earth’s gravity changes based on the altitude from the core of the Earth. I learned that many factors could and do affect the perception of gravity since our environment cannot be the same always, but also found out that the slight change between height is so minimal that it does not affect a person’s sense of direction.
Munro, Sigonella High School, Sigonella, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Teacher, Sigonella High School
Shape Test
This purpose of this project was to find out how shapes and colors affect people. It was found from the research that a color test would require too much time and it would have too much error, so a shape test was done instead. It was hypothesized how the shape test could find out a person's shape preference. The hypothesis was tested by having the shape test designed as a survey. Two identical surveys were sent out on surveymonkey.com; where anonymous people answered the survey. After enough people took my surveys, the results were collected so they could be analyzed. Some questions were similar to each other to reduce the amount of human error. After the data was analyzed, the averages were found between the similar questions. It was found that the averages of person’s shape preference was almost always proportional to whether or not they were a left or right brain thinker. It was concluded that if you take a shape preference test correctly, you should have your shape preference predicted.
This purpose of this project was to find out how shapes and colors affect people. It was found from the research that a color test would require too much time and it would have too much error, so a shape test was done instead. It was hypothesized how the shape test could find out a person's shape preference. The hypothesis was tested by having the shape test designed as a survey. Two identical surveys were sent out on surveymonkey.com; where anonymous people answered the survey. After enough people took my surveys, the results were collected so they could be analyzed. Some questions were similar to each other to reduce the amount of human error. After the data was analyzed, the averages were found between the similar questions. It was found that the averages of person’s shape preference was almost always proportional to whether or not they were a left or right brain thinker. It was concluded that if you take a shape preference test correctly, you should have your shape preference predicted.
Jacob, Hohenfels High School, Hohenfels, Germany Mentor: Joyce Dusenberry, Teacher, Hohenfels
Effect of Magnetic Fields on the Growth of Sprouting Hyacinths Plants
The effects of light, temperature, and moister on plant life and growth are all known and well documented, but the effect of the earth's magnetic field is not as well known or explored. To study the effect of magnetic fields on plants growth ten sprouting Hyacinthus plants were potted with increasing amounts of Rare Earth Neodymium-Magnets. Every Hyacinthus plant received 3 more Neodymium-Magnets (60 N additional magnetic force) than the plant preceding it. The plants experienced the same environmental conditions (water, sunlight, temperature) the only variable was the amount of magnetic force surrounding the plant. The growth of the 10 Hyacinthus plants was recorded every other day at the same time so that 48 hours passed between data collections. The hypothesis was not supported by the results of the set period of time the research was conducted in. The growth rates of the Hyacinthus plants were the same regardless of the amount of magnetic force that they were exposed to.
The effects of light, temperature, and moister on plant life and growth are all known and well documented, but the effect of the earth's magnetic field is not as well known or explored. To study the effect of magnetic fields on plants growth ten sprouting Hyacinthus plants were potted with increasing amounts of Rare Earth Neodymium-Magnets. Every Hyacinthus plant received 3 more Neodymium-Magnets (60 N additional magnetic force) than the plant preceding it. The plants experienced the same environmental conditions (water, sunlight, temperature) the only variable was the amount of magnetic force surrounding the plant. The growth of the 10 Hyacinthus plants was recorded every other day at the same time so that 48 hours passed between data collections. The hypothesis was not supported by the results of the set period of time the research was conducted in. The growth rates of the Hyacinthus plants were the same regardless of the amount of magnetic force that they were exposed to.
Maile, Sigonella High School, Sigonella, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Teacher, Sigonella High School
Baked Good Calorie and Content Count
The purpose of this project was to see if the student could replace the original sweeteners in baked goods with alternative sweeteners in the hopes of getting results with less calories, carbohydrates, fats, protein, sodium and sugar. The hypothesis proposed for this experiment was, “If honey, muscovado sugar, strawberries, pineapples, walnuts, and dried cranberries are used in place of the original sweetener or solid ingredient in baked goods, then a cake with honey and strawberries and brownies with muscovado sugar and walnuts will produce the least amount of calories, carbohydrates, fats, protein, sodium and sugar.” In this experiment, the student baked two cakes and two brownies that contained different alternative sweeteners and solid ingredients. The student baked all four of these desserts for the purpose to see which one would result in less calories as well as carbohydrates, fats, protein, sodium and sugar. To measure the calories, she constructed and used a calorimeter, and to find the other content, the carbohydrates, fats protein, sodium and sugar, she used a recipe calculator. The hypothesis was partially supported. The Walnut Brownie was supposed to have less in everything, but merely had less in two out of the six pieces of content. It had more in 3/6, while the amount of sodium was equal. Therefore, only part of the hypothesis was supported, because the Strawberry Honey Cake only had less in sugar, making a small part of that half of the hypothesis true, but was equal in two, and then more in the remaining three. The Walnut Brownie supported the hypothesis a little more than the cake did, it had a less amount of content in two, making this small part of that half of the hypothesis true, but was equal in one, and contained more in the remaining three.
The purpose of this project was to see if the student could replace the original sweeteners in baked goods with alternative sweeteners in the hopes of getting results with less calories, carbohydrates, fats, protein, sodium and sugar. The hypothesis proposed for this experiment was, “If honey, muscovado sugar, strawberries, pineapples, walnuts, and dried cranberries are used in place of the original sweetener or solid ingredient in baked goods, then a cake with honey and strawberries and brownies with muscovado sugar and walnuts will produce the least amount of calories, carbohydrates, fats, protein, sodium and sugar.” In this experiment, the student baked two cakes and two brownies that contained different alternative sweeteners and solid ingredients. The student baked all four of these desserts for the purpose to see which one would result in less calories as well as carbohydrates, fats, protein, sodium and sugar. To measure the calories, she constructed and used a calorimeter, and to find the other content, the carbohydrates, fats protein, sodium and sugar, she used a recipe calculator. The hypothesis was partially supported. The Walnut Brownie was supposed to have less in everything, but merely had less in two out of the six pieces of content. It had more in 3/6, while the amount of sodium was equal. Therefore, only part of the hypothesis was supported, because the Strawberry Honey Cake only had less in sugar, making a small part of that half of the hypothesis true, but was equal in two, and then more in the remaining three. The Walnut Brownie supported the hypothesis a little more than the cake did, it had a less amount of content in two, making this small part of that half of the hypothesis true, but was equal in one, and contained more in the remaining three.
Ian, Hohenfels High School, Hohenfels, Germany
Mentor: Joyce Dusenberry, Teacher, Hohenfels
Difference in Drag Between Realistic Car Models vs. Unrealistic Car Models
Model Cars have been developed over time to copy the design of realistic commercial cars but the model builders often add original twists making the design unrealistic. With the possibility of a faster car being developed, realistic die-cast car models were tested against unrealistic die-cast car models. The purpose of this research was to discover if the unrealistic cars were more aerodynamic than realistic cars. Each group had five variations of realistic and unrealistic cars. With an unchanging track of 3.5 meters each individual car ran the track ten trials for each set of data. A control was set to measure how each car performed against one another without the influence of wind. The performance was timed using two Vernier photo-gates to measure car speed. Once the control was completed, the final meter and a half of track ran through a cardboard constructed wind tunnel, where the wind speed gradually increased three times. The hypothesis was not supported, for the unrealistic cars had visibly faster times than those of realistic design.
Model Cars have been developed over time to copy the design of realistic commercial cars but the model builders often add original twists making the design unrealistic. With the possibility of a faster car being developed, realistic die-cast car models were tested against unrealistic die-cast car models. The purpose of this research was to discover if the unrealistic cars were more aerodynamic than realistic cars. Each group had five variations of realistic and unrealistic cars. With an unchanging track of 3.5 meters each individual car ran the track ten trials for each set of data. A control was set to measure how each car performed against one another without the influence of wind. The performance was timed using two Vernier photo-gates to measure car speed. Once the control was completed, the final meter and a half of track ran through a cardboard constructed wind tunnel, where the wind speed gradually increased three times. The hypothesis was not supported, for the unrealistic cars had visibly faster times than those of realistic design.
Elyse, Aviano High School, Aviano, Italy
Mentor: Robin Clement, Teacher, Aviano High School
The Effects of Salinity at Different Concentrations on Plant Growth and Soil
The purpose of this experiment was to study plants that have been exposed to seawater, and determine which levels of salinity would negatively affect plant growth. The researcher’s hypothesis was that 100% seawater would have immediate negative effects, and that the solutions of 10%, and possibly 1%, seawater would also harm the plants. 24 grass plants and 24 bean plants were planted, and each plant received an individual treatment of saltwater concentration or control treatment. When watering, the researcher measured the conductivity and pH of the drainage water for each plant, as well as observing any visible signs of wilting in the plants. Following the watering period, the data was collected, organized, and analyzed. The researcher found that her hypothesis was sound, and did a statistical analysis using the averages and standard deviations on the data collected. She found that most of the data collected was meaningful, although there were a few outliers in her data due to faulty probes. A definite trend appeared in the data. The researcher noted that there is a strong, positive correlation between the concentration strength and conductivity, and a strong, negative correlation between the concentration strength and pH.
The purpose of this experiment was to study plants that have been exposed to seawater, and determine which levels of salinity would negatively affect plant growth. The researcher’s hypothesis was that 100% seawater would have immediate negative effects, and that the solutions of 10%, and possibly 1%, seawater would also harm the plants. 24 grass plants and 24 bean plants were planted, and each plant received an individual treatment of saltwater concentration or control treatment. When watering, the researcher measured the conductivity and pH of the drainage water for each plant, as well as observing any visible signs of wilting in the plants. Following the watering period, the data was collected, organized, and analyzed. The researcher found that her hypothesis was sound, and did a statistical analysis using the averages and standard deviations on the data collected. She found that most of the data collected was meaningful, although there were a few outliers in her data due to faulty probes. A definite trend appeared in the data. The researcher noted that there is a strong, positive correlation between the concentration strength and conductivity, and a strong, negative correlation between the concentration strength and pH.
Tanvi, Ankara High School, Ankara, Turkey
Mentor: Penelope Ahearn, Teacher, Ankara High School
Link Between Senses
This experiment was conducted to observe how senses work together. It is a known fact that smell and taste are linked together, but some recent studies suggest a link between sight and taste too. In this experiment fifteen subjects were given fruit juices of the following juices: watermelon, muskmelon, apple, pear, and orange. With their eyes closed, they were asked to identify the fruit while smelling rosewater. Then they repeated the same steps without smelling rosewater. The results of this particular experiment concluded that while there is a clear link between smell and taste, the link between sight and taste was not significantly visible. It is important to note that the results of this experiment varied from the result of experiment conducted by scientists. This may be due to many factors, one being a change in environment. The subjects were tested on different days. It is possible that during the second half of this experiment the subjects were more relaxed and concentrated resulting in a higher percentage of accuracy when identifying the fruits. Next time, this experiment is performed, it would be ideal if the whole experiment was conducted on one day. Moreover, before the start of the experiment it is crucial to assure that the subjects are familiar with what each fruit tastes like. Consistency is the key in this experiment.
This experiment was conducted to observe how senses work together. It is a known fact that smell and taste are linked together, but some recent studies suggest a link between sight and taste too. In this experiment fifteen subjects were given fruit juices of the following juices: watermelon, muskmelon, apple, pear, and orange. With their eyes closed, they were asked to identify the fruit while smelling rosewater. Then they repeated the same steps without smelling rosewater. The results of this particular experiment concluded that while there is a clear link between smell and taste, the link between sight and taste was not significantly visible. It is important to note that the results of this experiment varied from the result of experiment conducted by scientists. This may be due to many factors, one being a change in environment. The subjects were tested on different days. It is possible that during the second half of this experiment the subjects were more relaxed and concentrated resulting in a higher percentage of accuracy when identifying the fruits. Next time, this experiment is performed, it would be ideal if the whole experiment was conducted on one day. Moreover, before the start of the experiment it is crucial to assure that the subjects are familiar with what each fruit tastes like. Consistency is the key in this experiment.
Ryan, Sigonella High School, Sigonella, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Teacher, Sigonella High School
Solar Panel Temperature Efficiency
The purpose of the experiment was to see if solar panels could become more efficient so they could be more readily used. Also it was to see if solar panels could be utilized in extreme environments, such as space. This would be so power could be used in places where other forms of energy production would be impractical or impossible. The hypothesis was if a solar panel is exposed to a colder temperature, then it will produce more volts. The null hypothesis is if a solar panel is exposed to a colder temperature, then it will not produce more volts. The data showed that as the temperature decreased, the DCV (direct current voltage) decreased as well. The rate at which the voltage decreased was about 0.01volts per two degrees Fahrenheit lowered. The lowest the voltage came to was 11.74 DCV at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The highest the voltage was 11.79 DCV at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This shows that the type of solar panel used, which was a SCM 5W model solar panel, produces less DC volts as the temperature decreases. This also shows that the optimal temperature of the SCM 5W solar panel is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The hypothesis was not supported because the voltage did not increase as the temperature decreased.
The purpose of the experiment was to see if solar panels could become more efficient so they could be more readily used. Also it was to see if solar panels could be utilized in extreme environments, such as space. This would be so power could be used in places where other forms of energy production would be impractical or impossible. The hypothesis was if a solar panel is exposed to a colder temperature, then it will produce more volts. The null hypothesis is if a solar panel is exposed to a colder temperature, then it will not produce more volts. The data showed that as the temperature decreased, the DCV (direct current voltage) decreased as well. The rate at which the voltage decreased was about 0.01volts per two degrees Fahrenheit lowered. The lowest the voltage came to was 11.74 DCV at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The highest the voltage was 11.79 DCV at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This shows that the type of solar panel used, which was a SCM 5W model solar panel, produces less DC volts as the temperature decreases. This also shows that the optimal temperature of the SCM 5W solar panel is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The hypothesis was not supported because the voltage did not increase as the temperature decreased.