A. Trent Wilkerson, Ramstein High School, Germany
Mentor: Michelle Harrington, Ramstein High School
The Dirt on Fertilization: A Comparative Analysis of Leading Industrial Fertilizers
In contemporary society, common agricultural practice has emerged in which nitrous fertilizers are heavily overused. This has resulted in widespread soil depletion and degradation, with current trends predicting near-total soil depletion across the world by 2050. Such a mass-scale depletion would devastate global food stores and lead to widespread financial collapse. However, decreasing current food production to increase long-term sustainability is also unviable due to the inability to sustain the global population with lower yields. As such, modern sustainable agronomy has become a race to develop and implement strategies for managing soil resources responsibly without sacrificing yield. To analyze the effects of the primary categories of fertilizers (Nitrous, Phosphate, Potash, and Organic), the researcher measured the NPK and pH levels of the soil in addition to the growth indicators of each plant involved. This research aims to propose the solution of balanced fertilizer blends and fertilizer rotation, enabling the relative detriments and benefits of fertilizers to balance on another out and prevent extensive soil destruction.
Mentor: Michelle Harrington, Ramstein High School
The Dirt on Fertilization: A Comparative Analysis of Leading Industrial Fertilizers
In contemporary society, common agricultural practice has emerged in which nitrous fertilizers are heavily overused. This has resulted in widespread soil depletion and degradation, with current trends predicting near-total soil depletion across the world by 2050. Such a mass-scale depletion would devastate global food stores and lead to widespread financial collapse. However, decreasing current food production to increase long-term sustainability is also unviable due to the inability to sustain the global population with lower yields. As such, modern sustainable agronomy has become a race to develop and implement strategies for managing soil resources responsibly without sacrificing yield. To analyze the effects of the primary categories of fertilizers (Nitrous, Phosphate, Potash, and Organic), the researcher measured the NPK and pH levels of the soil in addition to the growth indicators of each plant involved. This research aims to propose the solution of balanced fertilizer blends and fertilizer rotation, enabling the relative detriments and benefits of fertilizers to balance on another out and prevent extensive soil destruction.
B. Eleesa Eames, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
An analysis of a thigmomorphogenesis reaction in Solanum lycopersicum, Raphanus sativus,
Ocimum basilicum Determining the Impact of Tactile Stimulation on Solanum lycopersicum, Raphanus sativus, Ocimum basilicum, and Proposing an Improved Methodology in measuring
thigmomorphogenesis responses
Outside stresses in the environment such as wind, rain, and attacks from animals have been proven to stunt the growth of plants. The same is found to be true when a plant is touched by a human. This is called thigmomorphogenesis. Thigmomorphogenesis is a plant’s response to stimulation. When a plant is touched consistently it can have a decreased percentage of growth upwards of 30 percent. Plants have this reaction as one of their only defense mechanisms. To allow the plant to be more sturdy and have the ability to withstand things like the elements, the plant begins to slow down its growth and instead puts its energy towards widening its stem for stability. The previous research that has been conducted on this experiment only has this one percentage to offer as their discovery, and it is mainly related to the height of the stem. This study investigates other ways that plant growth decreases. The experiment does this by looking at the height, weight, width, roots, and produce of vegetable plants. This data will be compared between three different sets of plants, one that is touched for 5 minutes daily, 1 minute daily, and a plant that has never been touched.
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
An analysis of a thigmomorphogenesis reaction in Solanum lycopersicum, Raphanus sativus,
Ocimum basilicum Determining the Impact of Tactile Stimulation on Solanum lycopersicum, Raphanus sativus, Ocimum basilicum, and Proposing an Improved Methodology in measuring
thigmomorphogenesis responses
Outside stresses in the environment such as wind, rain, and attacks from animals have been proven to stunt the growth of plants. The same is found to be true when a plant is touched by a human. This is called thigmomorphogenesis. Thigmomorphogenesis is a plant’s response to stimulation. When a plant is touched consistently it can have a decreased percentage of growth upwards of 30 percent. Plants have this reaction as one of their only defense mechanisms. To allow the plant to be more sturdy and have the ability to withstand things like the elements, the plant begins to slow down its growth and instead puts its energy towards widening its stem for stability. The previous research that has been conducted on this experiment only has this one percentage to offer as their discovery, and it is mainly related to the height of the stem. This study investigates other ways that plant growth decreases. The experiment does this by looking at the height, weight, width, roots, and produce of vegetable plants. This data will be compared between three different sets of plants, one that is touched for 5 minutes daily, 1 minute daily, and a plant that has never been touched.
C. Charlize Caro, Sigonella High School, Sicily
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
The sound waves of noise cancellation headphones
This project is about noise canceling headphones and how they react to different instruments that all make unique sounds and have many variations of sound waves. There were four different types of instruments that were utilized like alto sax, flute, trumpet, and recorder, and the whole purpose of this project was to identify which types of instruments would bleed through the headphones.In fact, the hypothesis was that the recorder would bleed through the noise cancellation the best. Then analyzed the data such as the sound waves gathered up averages and compared the pitch of the different instruments, because even if they are in the same key it led to variations in the tone. In the end the recorder bled through the cancellation the most and the one instrument that was easier to block out the sound was the flute.Even if there were complications overall at times, the experiment was a success and proved my hypothesis right.
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
The sound waves of noise cancellation headphones
This project is about noise canceling headphones and how they react to different instruments that all make unique sounds and have many variations of sound waves. There were four different types of instruments that were utilized like alto sax, flute, trumpet, and recorder, and the whole purpose of this project was to identify which types of instruments would bleed through the headphones.In fact, the hypothesis was that the recorder would bleed through the noise cancellation the best. Then analyzed the data such as the sound waves gathered up averages and compared the pitch of the different instruments, because even if they are in the same key it led to variations in the tone. In the end the recorder bled through the cancellation the most and the one instrument that was easier to block out the sound was the flute.Even if there were complications overall at times, the experiment was a success and proved my hypothesis right.
D. Isabella Gelerter, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Analyzing Sexualization of Teenagers in Film
With the enhancement of technology, people are able to download movies and shows on cell phones, which can be taken and watched anywhere. Awareness of the issue of sexualization of children in movies has become an evident issue as people begin to realize the dangers of subjecting the population to sexualization of children. My project will begin from the source of this issue (the films themselves) and analyze the movies to determine levels of sexualization of teenagers and the trends since 2005, when YouTube, the first successful streaming site, was founded. I created a rubric using the APA’s definition of sexualization, “occurring when a person’s value does not come from characteristics such as personality, but rather their sexual appeal and their sexual activity,” to break down the definition into the categories of “Sexual appeal” and “Sexual activity”. From this, I created seven sub-categories, each worth anywhere between one and three points, depending on the severity. In order to choose the most popular teenage movies each year since 2005, IMDb, a popular website where people can vote on their favorite films was incorporated. By researching the most popular PG-13 movie each year from 2005 to 2022 on IMDb, a list of films to analyze was compiled to be analyzed. The movies were then analyzed and awarded points to determine the level of sexualization of each movie. The films analyzed will be the most popular movies each year since 2005. Then the data from the analysis will be compared to determine whether sexualization of teenagers in movies has become increasingly popular.
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Analyzing Sexualization of Teenagers in Film
With the enhancement of technology, people are able to download movies and shows on cell phones, which can be taken and watched anywhere. Awareness of the issue of sexualization of children in movies has become an evident issue as people begin to realize the dangers of subjecting the population to sexualization of children. My project will begin from the source of this issue (the films themselves) and analyze the movies to determine levels of sexualization of teenagers and the trends since 2005, when YouTube, the first successful streaming site, was founded. I created a rubric using the APA’s definition of sexualization, “occurring when a person’s value does not come from characteristics such as personality, but rather their sexual appeal and their sexual activity,” to break down the definition into the categories of “Sexual appeal” and “Sexual activity”. From this, I created seven sub-categories, each worth anywhere between one and three points, depending on the severity. In order to choose the most popular teenage movies each year since 2005, IMDb, a popular website where people can vote on their favorite films was incorporated. By researching the most popular PG-13 movie each year from 2005 to 2022 on IMDb, a list of films to analyze was compiled to be analyzed. The movies were then analyzed and awarded points to determine the level of sexualization of each movie. The films analyzed will be the most popular movies each year since 2005. Then the data from the analysis will be compared to determine whether sexualization of teenagers in movies has become increasingly popular.
E. Matea Torres, Sigonella High School, Sicily
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
Food Coloring
This experiment investigates and analyzes the chemical compounds of natural versus artificial dyes and determines whether or not there is a difference in benefits. The effectiveness of the food colorings will be tested by being diluted in a saltwater solution. The food dye is projected to sit in the solution for 30 seconds. Food-coloring molecules are ionic solids that contain ionic bonds. The experiment will effectively analyze which ionic bonds release dye the quickest and boldest.
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
Food Coloring
This experiment investigates and analyzes the chemical compounds of natural versus artificial dyes and determines whether or not there is a difference in benefits. The effectiveness of the food colorings will be tested by being diluted in a saltwater solution. The food dye is projected to sit in the solution for 30 seconds. Food-coloring molecules are ionic solids that contain ionic bonds. The experiment will effectively analyze which ionic bonds release dye the quickest and boldest.
F. Leilah Pacada, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
“Music or no music?” Addiction to Music, and Music Therapy: Impact of Music on mental health
As music is becoming popular around the world day by day, and becoming a beneficial tool to not just the industry itself but its listeners as well, music therapy has become an innovative treatment for those who enjoy or rather prefer music. However, music therapy has limiting factors that are yet to be explored and expanded on to truly recognize the impact of music itself. The purpose of this study was to determine psychologically and spiritually how music affects an individual, and to understand the “how” and “why” answers of the relationship between the listener and their choice of music at any given time, mood, or feeling. By doing so, this study provided a survey given to a wide demographic of teenagers to adults, to explore personal feelings and the necessity of music. Adults were given an extended survey that introduced music therapy. Based on the results and data analysis, it was concluded that music therapy is an effective treatment and can be improved in the future to ensure its reliability. Further research is to be conducted looking into genres and why our brain makes connections with music.
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
“Music or no music?” Addiction to Music, and Music Therapy: Impact of Music on mental health
As music is becoming popular around the world day by day, and becoming a beneficial tool to not just the industry itself but its listeners as well, music therapy has become an innovative treatment for those who enjoy or rather prefer music. However, music therapy has limiting factors that are yet to be explored and expanded on to truly recognize the impact of music itself. The purpose of this study was to determine psychologically and spiritually how music affects an individual, and to understand the “how” and “why” answers of the relationship between the listener and their choice of music at any given time, mood, or feeling. By doing so, this study provided a survey given to a wide demographic of teenagers to adults, to explore personal feelings and the necessity of music. Adults were given an extended survey that introduced music therapy. Based on the results and data analysis, it was concluded that music therapy is an effective treatment and can be improved in the future to ensure its reliability. Further research is to be conducted looking into genres and why our brain makes connections with music.
G. James Loftus, Spangdahlem High School, Germany
Mentor: Stacey Derose, Spangdahlem High School
The Evolution of Female Characters in Fighting Games
The purpose of this study is to determine to which extent has female characters and female representation evolved over the years inside of the genre of fighting games. I will be looking at the body types and clothing design of these games' women, and the ratio of female-to-male characters in the three biggest fighting game franchises in the world, being Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and Tekken. The results of this research will attempt to assess if over the years fighting games have changed their female character designs and ratio between men and women to more appropriately show the growing respect women are gaining in the world. The research I have gathered so far, as of February 26th, 2024, has shown mixed results of the companies behind these games changing their characters to be more representative of women in the modern world.
Mentor: Stacey Derose, Spangdahlem High School
The Evolution of Female Characters in Fighting Games
The purpose of this study is to determine to which extent has female characters and female representation evolved over the years inside of the genre of fighting games. I will be looking at the body types and clothing design of these games' women, and the ratio of female-to-male characters in the three biggest fighting game franchises in the world, being Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and Tekken. The results of this research will attempt to assess if over the years fighting games have changed their female character designs and ratio between men and women to more appropriately show the growing respect women are gaining in the world. The research I have gathered so far, as of February 26th, 2024, has shown mixed results of the companies behind these games changing their characters to be more representative of women in the modern world.
H. Claire Blackman, Sigonella High School, Sicily
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
Effectiveness of Various Methods of Seawall Construction as Protection against Tsunamis
The ultimate goal of this project was to figure out what kind of man made barrier should be used which would best defend coastal communities against the damages of tsunamis. The hypothesis was “If a concave seawall is constructed out of stone and not cardboard and inserted at the coastal point, then it will mitigate the damage done, as measured by the displacement in cm, to the coastal community better compared to a solid cardboard or stone vertical sea wall, in terms of soil displacement and property damage.”. The results showed that concave sea walls with ‘hard’ construction materials were the most effective at mitigating coastal erosion as a result of tsunamis, with lesser margins of damages than any other construction combination; The hypothesis was supported by the data. Some possible errors with technique may have influenced the project, such as minor inconsistencies in wave execution, however it barely affected the data. The project showed that concave walls worked best no matter their composition, supporting preliminary research in the field to construct more barriers this way on both small and large scales. Some future experiments to consider the specifics of a concave wall construction, or ways to build similar structures underwater to mitigate the energy long before it makes landfall.
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
Effectiveness of Various Methods of Seawall Construction as Protection against Tsunamis
The ultimate goal of this project was to figure out what kind of man made barrier should be used which would best defend coastal communities against the damages of tsunamis. The hypothesis was “If a concave seawall is constructed out of stone and not cardboard and inserted at the coastal point, then it will mitigate the damage done, as measured by the displacement in cm, to the coastal community better compared to a solid cardboard or stone vertical sea wall, in terms of soil displacement and property damage.”. The results showed that concave sea walls with ‘hard’ construction materials were the most effective at mitigating coastal erosion as a result of tsunamis, with lesser margins of damages than any other construction combination; The hypothesis was supported by the data. Some possible errors with technique may have influenced the project, such as minor inconsistencies in wave execution, however it barely affected the data. The project showed that concave walls worked best no matter their composition, supporting preliminary research in the field to construct more barriers this way on both small and large scales. Some future experiments to consider the specifics of a concave wall construction, or ways to build similar structures underwater to mitigate the energy long before it makes landfall.
I. Allison Barrie, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Public Opinion as a Means of Disciplining Human Rights Abuses by Multinational Corporations
Multinational Corporations are becoming increasingly prominent in the global economy with technology expediting processes involving the development of products and services. As businesses expand, instances emerge of these companies choosing locations with highly vulnerable economies and governments that can be easily manipulated by big business. With this a problem arises in finding a way to internationally regulate human rights violations that these businesses may commit since laws regarding these corporations are inconsistent throughout countries. Recognized methods to regulate human rights violations by multinational corporations include the implementation of international “soft” law, adoption of self-regulation by corporations, and use of the Alien Tort Claims Act. This research effectively analyzes the impact of public opinion on multinational corporations guilty of human rights violations, specifically investigating the success of public opinion as an alternative method to discipline large corporations responsible for human rights abuses. The research uses sentiment analysis to represent various news articles numerically and utilizes a Markov Switching Model to compare this data with sales revenue data. This research can be used to add further depth to the debate over which method of regulation of multinational corporations is most effective through contributing an entirely new method- journalistic review.
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Public Opinion as a Means of Disciplining Human Rights Abuses by Multinational Corporations
Multinational Corporations are becoming increasingly prominent in the global economy with technology expediting processes involving the development of products and services. As businesses expand, instances emerge of these companies choosing locations with highly vulnerable economies and governments that can be easily manipulated by big business. With this a problem arises in finding a way to internationally regulate human rights violations that these businesses may commit since laws regarding these corporations are inconsistent throughout countries. Recognized methods to regulate human rights violations by multinational corporations include the implementation of international “soft” law, adoption of self-regulation by corporations, and use of the Alien Tort Claims Act. This research effectively analyzes the impact of public opinion on multinational corporations guilty of human rights violations, specifically investigating the success of public opinion as an alternative method to discipline large corporations responsible for human rights abuses. The research uses sentiment analysis to represent various news articles numerically and utilizes a Markov Switching Model to compare this data with sales revenue data. This research can be used to add further depth to the debate over which method of regulation of multinational corporations is most effective through contributing an entirely new method- journalistic review.
J. Valerie Deguzman, Sigonella High School, Sicily
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
The Effect of Artificial Flavorings, Dyes, and Preservatives on Consumerism in the US
This research paper explores how artificial additives in processed foods affects consumerism. The hypothesis is if a processed food has artificial additives, it will be cheaper and purchased more frequently than food without artificial additives. The data recorded multiple brands of five different food types (cereals, cookies, sausages, hot dogs, and bacon), the price, and whether or not it has artificial additives. In conclusion, the averages of foods with artificial additives cost less than foods without, but were less popular. Another pattern found was that healthy advertising increased the price of a brand.
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
The Effect of Artificial Flavorings, Dyes, and Preservatives on Consumerism in the US
This research paper explores how artificial additives in processed foods affects consumerism. The hypothesis is if a processed food has artificial additives, it will be cheaper and purchased more frequently than food without artificial additives. The data recorded multiple brands of five different food types (cereals, cookies, sausages, hot dogs, and bacon), the price, and whether or not it has artificial additives. In conclusion, the averages of foods with artificial additives cost less than foods without, but were less popular. Another pattern found was that healthy advertising increased the price of a brand.
K. Eva Tomola, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
If Students Communicate Their Dreams Together Actively, Will Their Dream Frequency and Quality of Dreams Increase?
Dreams have been an enigma for most of history. In modern times the understanding of dreams has increased. Experts inform us that dreams serve many functions in our physical and mental health. Dreams allow the mind to process sensory input, recent information, and emotions. They also allow the mind to draw connections that are not possible during the sensory focused waking hours. Dreams may help the mind and body prepare for fight or flight response in light of perceived dangers. Ironically, as modern understanding of the importance of dreams has increased, the importance of dreams in community, society, and culture has decreased, with a corresponding potential effect on mental health. As a phenomena caused by cerebral cortex stimulation by other parts of the brain during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, dreams are negatively affected by digital device stimulation, late night exercise, and alcohol and THC use. Experts agree that these factors contribute to reduced frequency of dreams and disrupted sleep cycles. Others have also questioned whether the quality of dreams is also affected by its shifting place in society. This paper presents a study of high school student dream frequency of three weeks comparing a control group that did not meet to discuss and share dreams with a test group that did meet. Based on the data from this study, regular dream sharing was not a factor in dream frequency or quality. However, subsequent studies should increase sample size, dream sharing frequency, and the length of the study to provide definitive results.
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
If Students Communicate Their Dreams Together Actively, Will Their Dream Frequency and Quality of Dreams Increase?
Dreams have been an enigma for most of history. In modern times the understanding of dreams has increased. Experts inform us that dreams serve many functions in our physical and mental health. Dreams allow the mind to process sensory input, recent information, and emotions. They also allow the mind to draw connections that are not possible during the sensory focused waking hours. Dreams may help the mind and body prepare for fight or flight response in light of perceived dangers. Ironically, as modern understanding of the importance of dreams has increased, the importance of dreams in community, society, and culture has decreased, with a corresponding potential effect on mental health. As a phenomena caused by cerebral cortex stimulation by other parts of the brain during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, dreams are negatively affected by digital device stimulation, late night exercise, and alcohol and THC use. Experts agree that these factors contribute to reduced frequency of dreams and disrupted sleep cycles. Others have also questioned whether the quality of dreams is also affected by its shifting place in society. This paper presents a study of high school student dream frequency of three weeks comparing a control group that did not meet to discuss and share dreams with a test group that did meet. Based on the data from this study, regular dream sharing was not a factor in dream frequency or quality. However, subsequent studies should increase sample size, dream sharing frequency, and the length of the study to provide definitive results.
L. Raegan Cayce, Sigonella High School, Sicily
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
The True Path to Success? Is Participation in Team-Sports More Beneficial than High Grade Points for Predicting Career Success and Social Mobility?
The purpose of this research project was to provide logical reasoning for more financial aid to be provided to athletes, in the form of scholarships for post-secondary schooling, in order to dampen the disparity between an unreasonable difference between scholarships given to students for academics, when compared to those gifted to athletes. My hypothesis was that the athletes I received data from would possess more desirable or “better” attributes when compared to students with GPAs higher than 4.1. The attributes I tested were IQ, mental flexibility, work ethic, and integrity; these subjects were determined through research and data provided in academic journals. The data I received placed the groups of athletes as much higher in terms of ‘potential success’ when viewing through the lens of the 4 attributes that I’d selected for this research project. The only area where athletes were exceeded was in work-ethic, and that was only by the group who were both “scholars” and athletes. From these results, we can conclude that my hypothesis was in fact supported. Thus, I determined that in terms of potential success, athletes on team sports were more likely to succeed in careers when compared to their “scholarly” counterparts.
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
The True Path to Success? Is Participation in Team-Sports More Beneficial than High Grade Points for Predicting Career Success and Social Mobility?
The purpose of this research project was to provide logical reasoning for more financial aid to be provided to athletes, in the form of scholarships for post-secondary schooling, in order to dampen the disparity between an unreasonable difference between scholarships given to students for academics, when compared to those gifted to athletes. My hypothesis was that the athletes I received data from would possess more desirable or “better” attributes when compared to students with GPAs higher than 4.1. The attributes I tested were IQ, mental flexibility, work ethic, and integrity; these subjects were determined through research and data provided in academic journals. The data I received placed the groups of athletes as much higher in terms of ‘potential success’ when viewing through the lens of the 4 attributes that I’d selected for this research project. The only area where athletes were exceeded was in work-ethic, and that was only by the group who were both “scholars” and athletes. From these results, we can conclude that my hypothesis was in fact supported. Thus, I determined that in terms of potential success, athletes on team sports were more likely to succeed in careers when compared to their “scholarly” counterparts.
M. Ava Harris, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Religious Influence on Educational Policy in the United States over time
In the area of education policy, it has been extremely difficult for the Supreme Court of the U.S. (SCOTUS) to clearly define the parameters public school policies must abide by in regard to religion to correctly fit this principle. Many have argued the wall to be malleable while others argue it should be impenetrable. Even with years of cases and precedent, SCOTUS has yet to devise a definitive standard of constitutionality for every case. As such, bills and policies regarding religious presence in public schools have become increasingly difficult for lawmakers to create and interpret. Those who agree with religious presence in public schools have proposed bills attempting to endorse public displays and participation in religious practices at school. The same group has proposed bills aiming to ban or limit teaching that goes against certain religious ideologies, namely evolution, sex education, and talk of sexual orientation. Whether or not these bills are constitutional, the courts are continuously made to decide as angry parents cry indoctrination. With recent legislation deemed “Don’t Say Gay” and others banning books and classes on the basis of morality, the religiosity of government has been called into question with many arguing these morals to be solely based on religion. This may lead one to wonder whether this rise in religiously based legislation is a perceived or true increase.
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Religious Influence on Educational Policy in the United States over time
In the area of education policy, it has been extremely difficult for the Supreme Court of the U.S. (SCOTUS) to clearly define the parameters public school policies must abide by in regard to religion to correctly fit this principle. Many have argued the wall to be malleable while others argue it should be impenetrable. Even with years of cases and precedent, SCOTUS has yet to devise a definitive standard of constitutionality for every case. As such, bills and policies regarding religious presence in public schools have become increasingly difficult for lawmakers to create and interpret. Those who agree with religious presence in public schools have proposed bills attempting to endorse public displays and participation in religious practices at school. The same group has proposed bills aiming to ban or limit teaching that goes against certain religious ideologies, namely evolution, sex education, and talk of sexual orientation. Whether or not these bills are constitutional, the courts are continuously made to decide as angry parents cry indoctrination. With recent legislation deemed “Don’t Say Gay” and others banning books and classes on the basis of morality, the religiosity of government has been called into question with many arguing these morals to be solely based on religion. This may lead one to wonder whether this rise in religiously based legislation is a perceived or true increase.
N. Athena Stewart, Rota High School, Spain
Mentor: Nancy Rogers, Rota High School
Do Demographics Influence World History Knowledge?
This was a study done to examine whether or not demographics affected one’s knowledge of global historical events. The hypothesis was that if a participant belonged to a certain demographic, the participant would know more about a given event due to their demographic. A survey group of 48 participants from multiple different nationalities, generations, and genders was used to determine an answer to this question. I came to the conclusion that those born between the years of 1981-1996 knew more than those in other generations, and males knew more - especially about more violent events - than other genders. Additionally, it was shown that participants knew more about longer lasting global events than shorter lasting country-specific events.
Mentor: Nancy Rogers, Rota High School
Do Demographics Influence World History Knowledge?
This was a study done to examine whether or not demographics affected one’s knowledge of global historical events. The hypothesis was that if a participant belonged to a certain demographic, the participant would know more about a given event due to their demographic. A survey group of 48 participants from multiple different nationalities, generations, and genders was used to determine an answer to this question. I came to the conclusion that those born between the years of 1981-1996 knew more than those in other generations, and males knew more - especially about more violent events - than other genders. Additionally, it was shown that participants knew more about longer lasting global events than shorter lasting country-specific events.
O. Oscar Bentson, Sigonella High School, Sicily
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
Does Water Purity Affect Water Surface Tension
Does water purity affect water surface tension? When talking about the parameters of biology and industries it's important to remember the role of water surface tension. But before talking about water surface’s importance we first need to understand what it is. The goal of this paper is to answer this question and determine what applications this area of science can have on the connection between human and environmental interaction. The hypothesis was if impurities were added to a small sample of water it would significantly impact the level of surface tension. The data showed that substances like soap and salt greatly impact its level and proved the hypothesis that they have an impact. The conclusion to this paper showed that there were variables like temperature and tools used that could have impacted the results of the experiment but the core of the paper was to inform the reader about water surface tension and its application to the real world.
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
Does Water Purity Affect Water Surface Tension
Does water purity affect water surface tension? When talking about the parameters of biology and industries it's important to remember the role of water surface tension. But before talking about water surface’s importance we first need to understand what it is. The goal of this paper is to answer this question and determine what applications this area of science can have on the connection between human and environmental interaction. The hypothesis was if impurities were added to a small sample of water it would significantly impact the level of surface tension. The data showed that substances like soap and salt greatly impact its level and proved the hypothesis that they have an impact. The conclusion to this paper showed that there were variables like temperature and tools used that could have impacted the results of the experiment but the core of the paper was to inform the reader about water surface tension and its application to the real world.
P. Isabella Segalla, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Discovering and analyzing the trends amongst military dependents regarding mental health disorders and how the military lifestyle increases the severity of the disorders.
The mental health of military service members is not a new topic of discussion. Scientists are constantly developing new and improved treatment methods to reduce the adverse side effects widely seen among service members. Numerous studies, both in progress and completed, have revealed that the standard military lifestyle negatively affects the mental health of those who live it. All current military lifestyle and mental health studies only focus on active or retired members and sometimes spouses. This project highlights that the military lifestyle affects more than those actively serving. By surveying over 180 high school students whose parents are currently involved in the military, it is apparent that the lifestyle does impact teens' mental health. The results from the survey were neither entirely negative nor positive, but they did ensure military dependents, children specifically, are also impacted by this lifestyle. If military dependents continue to be overlooked, one can infer the repercussions of the lifestyle will only worsen, negatively impacting the dependent mentally, emotionally, and socially. By surveying students from Stuttgart High School and eventually other Department of Defense schools, the information gathered will allow for a consensus about how students are generally impacted, the issues they face, and, most importantly, how to combat them. The research has the potential to discover recurring trends and alleviate the severity of their impact, improving the overall health of military dependents.
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Discovering and analyzing the trends amongst military dependents regarding mental health disorders and how the military lifestyle increases the severity of the disorders.
The mental health of military service members is not a new topic of discussion. Scientists are constantly developing new and improved treatment methods to reduce the adverse side effects widely seen among service members. Numerous studies, both in progress and completed, have revealed that the standard military lifestyle negatively affects the mental health of those who live it. All current military lifestyle and mental health studies only focus on active or retired members and sometimes spouses. This project highlights that the military lifestyle affects more than those actively serving. By surveying over 180 high school students whose parents are currently involved in the military, it is apparent that the lifestyle does impact teens' mental health. The results from the survey were neither entirely negative nor positive, but they did ensure military dependents, children specifically, are also impacted by this lifestyle. If military dependents continue to be overlooked, one can infer the repercussions of the lifestyle will only worsen, negatively impacting the dependent mentally, emotionally, and socially. By surveying students from Stuttgart High School and eventually other Department of Defense schools, the information gathered will allow for a consensus about how students are generally impacted, the issues they face, and, most importantly, how to combat them. The research has the potential to discover recurring trends and alleviate the severity of their impact, improving the overall health of military dependents.
Q. Solenn Neal, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Has World Wrestling Entertainment Made a Significant Change in Sexism Portrayed in the Program Since 2018?
Women in WWE have been sexualized since it started in 1980. They participated in lingerie matches, acted as arm candy for male wrestlers, and were portrayed as being one dimensional. In 2018 WWE made a commitment to change for the better and portray female wrestlers as being equal to the men with the event, WWE: Evolution. Since then, they have also been allowed to participate in one of WWE’s largest events, the Royal Rumble. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether or not women have been portrayed in a more similar way to the portrayal of men since WWE made this commitment in 2018. This was carried out by qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing the men’s and women’s 2018 and 2024 Royal Rumbles matches.
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Has World Wrestling Entertainment Made a Significant Change in Sexism Portrayed in the Program Since 2018?
Women in WWE have been sexualized since it started in 1980. They participated in lingerie matches, acted as arm candy for male wrestlers, and were portrayed as being one dimensional. In 2018 WWE made a commitment to change for the better and portray female wrestlers as being equal to the men with the event, WWE: Evolution. Since then, they have also been allowed to participate in one of WWE’s largest events, the Royal Rumble. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether or not women have been portrayed in a more similar way to the portrayal of men since WWE made this commitment in 2018. This was carried out by qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing the men’s and women’s 2018 and 2024 Royal Rumbles matches.
R. Isaac Jenkins, Ramstein High School, Germany
Mentor: Michelle Harrington, Ramstein High School
The Effectiveness of Different Natural Detergents on the ant Species of Camponotus Ligniperda
This study was conducted to observe the effectiveness of different natural detergents such as chili powder and lemon juice. The purpose of the study was to find an alternative to market deterrents which also kill ants, this study is meant to advance the study in natural deterrents on different species and provide data to hopefully encourage companies and entrepreneurs to create a safe alternative to the market deterrents which only deter and does not kill ants in the process. The reason why this study is important to conduct is that ants are important to the ecosystem and are very important to most plants as they aerate the soil around the plants with their tunnels and allow water and air to get into the roots and speed up the process of growth. The study was conducted by drawing a circle of the substance that is the same for every substance used, the researcher would drop an ant into the middle of this circle and then start a timer, if after 5 minutes the ant still hasn't escaped, it would be marked down as a “no escape” and and anything below that would be marked down at the specific time. The researcher would then place the ants into a separate container and after all 15 ants are tested, the researcher would perform the same task but put the ants that are finished with that segment into a different container still separated from the original colony in order to get the most accurate results.
Mentor: Michelle Harrington, Ramstein High School
The Effectiveness of Different Natural Detergents on the ant Species of Camponotus Ligniperda
This study was conducted to observe the effectiveness of different natural detergents such as chili powder and lemon juice. The purpose of the study was to find an alternative to market deterrents which also kill ants, this study is meant to advance the study in natural deterrents on different species and provide data to hopefully encourage companies and entrepreneurs to create a safe alternative to the market deterrents which only deter and does not kill ants in the process. The reason why this study is important to conduct is that ants are important to the ecosystem and are very important to most plants as they aerate the soil around the plants with their tunnels and allow water and air to get into the roots and speed up the process of growth. The study was conducted by drawing a circle of the substance that is the same for every substance used, the researcher would drop an ant into the middle of this circle and then start a timer, if after 5 minutes the ant still hasn't escaped, it would be marked down as a “no escape” and and anything below that would be marked down at the specific time. The researcher would then place the ants into a separate container and after all 15 ants are tested, the researcher would perform the same task but put the ants that are finished with that segment into a different container still separated from the original colony in order to get the most accurate results.
S. Xavian Appiah, Spangdahlem High School, Germany
Mentor: Stacey Derose, Spangdahlem High School
Factors of an Animated short film that most contribute to emotional engagement and audience
retention
Animation is one of the most up and growing industries in the world. However, in recent years massive studios such as disney and pixar stories have been lacking emotional engagement and retention. On the other hand animated short films in recent years have continuously been impacting more and more people each year. This led me to the following research question, What major factors in an animated short contribute most to emotional engagement & audience response? In this paper I created an animated short film and removed major factors found in prior research, each film missing a factor building up to a completed film. Using a survey using qualitative and quantitative questions gathered the emotions felt by the audience and plotted in two dimensional models of emotion to determine the arousal and valence evoked by each film and the factor corresponding to it. The research has yet to be fully conducted however when finished will more than likely show a result of the major factors of story, music, sound, followed by squash and stretch and solid drawing contributing the most to success while other factors are not providing a negligible increase.
Mentor: Stacey Derose, Spangdahlem High School
Factors of an Animated short film that most contribute to emotional engagement and audience
retention
Animation is one of the most up and growing industries in the world. However, in recent years massive studios such as disney and pixar stories have been lacking emotional engagement and retention. On the other hand animated short films in recent years have continuously been impacting more and more people each year. This led me to the following research question, What major factors in an animated short contribute most to emotional engagement & audience response? In this paper I created an animated short film and removed major factors found in prior research, each film missing a factor building up to a completed film. Using a survey using qualitative and quantitative questions gathered the emotions felt by the audience and plotted in two dimensional models of emotion to determine the arousal and valence evoked by each film and the factor corresponding to it. The research has yet to be fully conducted however when finished will more than likely show a result of the major factors of story, music, sound, followed by squash and stretch and solid drawing contributing the most to success while other factors are not providing a negligible increase.