A: Hala Anderson, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Mobile and Multicultural Aspects of Adolescent Identity Development
Mobility and multicultural exposure have a significant impact on adolescent identity development. The purpose of this study is to investigate how these two factors influence the way adolescents approach identity development and to connect these approaches (identity processing styles) to specific aspects of (non)mobile and (non)multicultural backgrounds. First, the connection between mobility, multicultural exposure, and identity processing styles is analyzed using the responses of participants-- of varying (non)mobile and (non)multicultural backgrounds --to a demographics survey and the Identity Style Inventory 5 form. Then, interviews are conducted in order to obtain a more detailed picture of participants' background. Finally, specific aspects of participants' backgrounds pertaining to mobility and multicultural exposure are linked to trends in identity style assessment to provide more clear, targeted results. This provides a basis for understanding the roots of identity characteristics in adolescents' lifestyles which would help inform work to increase developmental benefits of mobile and multicultural lifestyles and mitigate the disadvantages. As mobility and multicultural exposure become increasingly prevalent in the globalized world, it becomes more important to understand their effects on how people view themselves and their place in the world.
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
Mobile and Multicultural Aspects of Adolescent Identity Development
Mobility and multicultural exposure have a significant impact on adolescent identity development. The purpose of this study is to investigate how these two factors influence the way adolescents approach identity development and to connect these approaches (identity processing styles) to specific aspects of (non)mobile and (non)multicultural backgrounds. First, the connection between mobility, multicultural exposure, and identity processing styles is analyzed using the responses of participants-- of varying (non)mobile and (non)multicultural backgrounds --to a demographics survey and the Identity Style Inventory 5 form. Then, interviews are conducted in order to obtain a more detailed picture of participants' background. Finally, specific aspects of participants' backgrounds pertaining to mobility and multicultural exposure are linked to trends in identity style assessment to provide more clear, targeted results. This provides a basis for understanding the roots of identity characteristics in adolescents' lifestyles which would help inform work to increase developmental benefits of mobile and multicultural lifestyles and mitigate the disadvantages. As mobility and multicultural exposure become increasingly prevalent in the globalized world, it becomes more important to understand their effects on how people view themselves and their place in the world.
B: Andre Gutierrez, Spangdahlem High School, Germany
Mentor: Alyson Darconte, Spangdahlem High School
An Analysis of Teenage Stress Before and after COVID-19
With the emergence of COVID-19, the entire world is now constantly on edge. Globally, lives have been drastically changed from what used to be “normal”. Actions such as social distancing and quarantining can make people feel isolated and can increase stress and anxiety. Now more than ever, stress levels should be at an all time high. This is why it is so important to determine the causes of stress during the pandemic so that measures may be taken so that society may take an effort to dismiss them. The results of this study showed that the COVID-19 global pandemic has significantly increased the amount of stress in teenagers between the ages of thirteen to nineteen. Thus the researcher studied how COVID-19 affected teens and came to the conclusion that the COVID-19 global pandemic has significantly increased the amount of stress in teenagers between the ages of thirteen to nineteen.
Mentor: Alyson Darconte, Spangdahlem High School
An Analysis of Teenage Stress Before and after COVID-19
With the emergence of COVID-19, the entire world is now constantly on edge. Globally, lives have been drastically changed from what used to be “normal”. Actions such as social distancing and quarantining can make people feel isolated and can increase stress and anxiety. Now more than ever, stress levels should be at an all time high. This is why it is so important to determine the causes of stress during the pandemic so that measures may be taken so that society may take an effort to dismiss them. The results of this study showed that the COVID-19 global pandemic has significantly increased the amount of stress in teenagers between the ages of thirteen to nineteen. Thus the researcher studied how COVID-19 affected teens and came to the conclusion that the COVID-19 global pandemic has significantly increased the amount of stress in teenagers between the ages of thirteen to nineteen.
C: Evan Cantwell, Sigonella High School, Sicily
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
How Does the Loft of a Golf Club Effect how Far a Golf Ball Goes When Hit?
The purpose of this experiment was to discover more about the physics behind golf, mainly the interactions between the launch angle of a golf ball to the distance it flies in the air. The experiment showed that the golf ball's optimal launch angle out of the ones tested was eighteen degrees because the golf ball went the furthest distance when hit by an eighteen-degree golf club. When hit by an eighteen-degree club, the golf ball's trajectory was balanced between its horizontal and vertical velocities. A golf ball with too much horizontal velocity would not stay in the air long enough, while a golf ball with too much vertical velocity would fly too high and not go far enough. This experiment also explored how golf relates to many forces, including the Magnus effect, which is how the spinning of the ball creates lift; drag on the golf ball is a force that slows the ball down; gravity is the force that pulls the golf ball back to the ground, and is one of the factors restricting the distance a golf ball can fly. The data supported the hypothesis that lower lofted clubs can hit golf balls further because the eighteen-degree golf club was the lowest angled club.
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
How Does the Loft of a Golf Club Effect how Far a Golf Ball Goes When Hit?
The purpose of this experiment was to discover more about the physics behind golf, mainly the interactions between the launch angle of a golf ball to the distance it flies in the air. The experiment showed that the golf ball's optimal launch angle out of the ones tested was eighteen degrees because the golf ball went the furthest distance when hit by an eighteen-degree golf club. When hit by an eighteen-degree club, the golf ball's trajectory was balanced between its horizontal and vertical velocities. A golf ball with too much horizontal velocity would not stay in the air long enough, while a golf ball with too much vertical velocity would fly too high and not go far enough. This experiment also explored how golf relates to many forces, including the Magnus effect, which is how the spinning of the ball creates lift; drag on the golf ball is a force that slows the ball down; gravity is the force that pulls the golf ball back to the ground, and is one of the factors restricting the distance a golf ball can fly. The data supported the hypothesis that lower lofted clubs can hit golf balls further because the eighteen-degree golf club was the lowest angled club.
D: Aspen L. Thomas, Spangdahlem High School, Germany
Mentor: Alyson Darconte, Spangdahlem High School
Education About Genetically Modified Organisms Leads to a More Accepting Attitude
The process of genetically modifying organisms (GMOs) is controversial in today's society. The purpose of this study was to determine if education on genetic engineering changed the viewpoints of students to be a more accepting perspective of GMOs. Freshman biology classes, 43 students, were asked to take a pre survey before participating in three days of lesson plans designed to give them a neutral view on genetic engineering. After completing each lesson students were given an exit slip to complete so the researcher could monitor any change in their views. At the end of the lessons the students were once again given the survey to see if there was a change in their thoughts about GMOs. The students became more accepting of genetic engineering after the lessons, showing that when educated, the students will be more accepting of GMOs.
Mentor: Alyson Darconte, Spangdahlem High School
Education About Genetically Modified Organisms Leads to a More Accepting Attitude
The process of genetically modifying organisms (GMOs) is controversial in today's society. The purpose of this study was to determine if education on genetic engineering changed the viewpoints of students to be a more accepting perspective of GMOs. Freshman biology classes, 43 students, were asked to take a pre survey before participating in three days of lesson plans designed to give them a neutral view on genetic engineering. After completing each lesson students were given an exit slip to complete so the researcher could monitor any change in their views. At the end of the lessons the students were once again given the survey to see if there was a change in their thoughts about GMOs. The students became more accepting of genetic engineering after the lessons, showing that when educated, the students will be more accepting of GMOs.
E: Gabrielle Kern, Ankara High School, Turkey
Mentor: Penelope Ahearn Er, Ankara High School
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Not unexpectedly, I have observed the recent pandemic has led to a rise in the population's mental health issues. I've researched and observed the effect that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) using various credible statistics and surveys and have come to the conclusion that the intensity of the effect on every patient is different depending on the intensity of their OCD. The range of effects that the pandemic may have on OCD patients may include excessive hand washing, more time spent on cleaning, and an increase in anxiety levels.
Mentor: Penelope Ahearn Er, Ankara High School
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Not unexpectedly, I have observed the recent pandemic has led to a rise in the population's mental health issues. I've researched and observed the effect that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) using various credible statistics and surveys and have come to the conclusion that the intensity of the effect on every patient is different depending on the intensity of their OCD. The range of effects that the pandemic may have on OCD patients may include excessive hand washing, more time spent on cleaning, and an increase in anxiety levels.
F: Molly Branson, Spangdahlem High School, Germany
Mentor: Alyson Darconte, Spangdahlem High School
How Parental Divorce affects High School Students Ideologies of Long Term Romantic Relationships
With all of the stigmas that surround the institution of divorce, a study on the effects of parental divorce on high school students was warranted. The way one thinks about long term romantic relationships is in fact correlated to parental relationships. If a child becomes witness to a parental divorce with the factors of tension, possibly having to choose sides, and not seeing one parent as often the child is more likely to have a worsened idea of a good and healthy relationship. While also being more likely to consider the reason they have issues in their romantic relationship to be somewhat related to commitment phobia or relationship anxiety. The results of the survey in this research conducted on high school students of both intact and divorced parents found that high school students who do come from divorced parents are less likely to get married, have little to no idea of what a healthy relationship looks like, and are more likely to have trouble forming long term relationships due to phobias and anxieties.
Mentor: Alyson Darconte, Spangdahlem High School
How Parental Divorce affects High School Students Ideologies of Long Term Romantic Relationships
With all of the stigmas that surround the institution of divorce, a study on the effects of parental divorce on high school students was warranted. The way one thinks about long term romantic relationships is in fact correlated to parental relationships. If a child becomes witness to a parental divorce with the factors of tension, possibly having to choose sides, and not seeing one parent as often the child is more likely to have a worsened idea of a good and healthy relationship. While also being more likely to consider the reason they have issues in their romantic relationship to be somewhat related to commitment phobia or relationship anxiety. The results of the survey in this research conducted on high school students of both intact and divorced parents found that high school students who do come from divorced parents are less likely to get married, have little to no idea of what a healthy relationship looks like, and are more likely to have trouble forming long term relationships due to phobias and anxieties.
G: Kiana Montgomery, Spangdahlem High School, Germany
Mentor: Alyson Darconte, Spangdahlem High School
Determining how Reinforced Self Affirmation effects Interrogative Suggestibility during Witness Testimony
Eyewitness testimony has been respected as a vital piece of evidence in the American legal system, but humans’ recollection of events are inherently flawed through bias as well as human error, and this subjective interpretation of events is only amplified when taking into consideration the manipulative ways in which they are interrogated. Interrogative suggestibility (IS) refers to the manipulative and misleading cues elicited by an interrogator throughout their questioning and negative feedback concerning the quality of the recallment of events, and how it impacts/influences one’s recallment of accounts during police interviews. Reinforced Self-Affirmation (RSA) is one method which aims to reduce IS by increasing self-confidence in one’s own memory and overall judgement inso that the subject will prioritize their own memory over external cues to prevent misinformation. What is the best method in minimizing interrogative suggestibility that is effective in increasing the accuracy of eyewitness testimony? The research paper’s aim was to assess whether or not RSA is an effective method in reducing interrogative suggestibility, focusing on the results of two separate experiments, in which one experiment failed to provide adequate evidence to support the hypothesis that RSA is an effective method in reducing IS, and the other, conducted by Malwina Szpitalak and Romauld Polczyk at the Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland, proving the hypothesis.
Mentor: Alyson Darconte, Spangdahlem High School
Determining how Reinforced Self Affirmation effects Interrogative Suggestibility during Witness Testimony
Eyewitness testimony has been respected as a vital piece of evidence in the American legal system, but humans’ recollection of events are inherently flawed through bias as well as human error, and this subjective interpretation of events is only amplified when taking into consideration the manipulative ways in which they are interrogated. Interrogative suggestibility (IS) refers to the manipulative and misleading cues elicited by an interrogator throughout their questioning and negative feedback concerning the quality of the recallment of events, and how it impacts/influences one’s recallment of accounts during police interviews. Reinforced Self-Affirmation (RSA) is one method which aims to reduce IS by increasing self-confidence in one’s own memory and overall judgement inso that the subject will prioritize their own memory over external cues to prevent misinformation. What is the best method in minimizing interrogative suggestibility that is effective in increasing the accuracy of eyewitness testimony? The research paper’s aim was to assess whether or not RSA is an effective method in reducing interrogative suggestibility, focusing on the results of two separate experiments, in which one experiment failed to provide adequate evidence to support the hypothesis that RSA is an effective method in reducing IS, and the other, conducted by Malwina Szpitalak and Romauld Polczyk at the Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland, proving the hypothesis.
H: Allison Havard, Sigonella High School, Sicily
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
Drying Nail Polish Faster: What is the Best Method?
Although making intricate designs with beautiful colors on fingernails is enjoyable, it can be far too tedious and frustrating to wait for the paint to dry fully when there are other things to be done. A solution to this could be testing different methods of drying nail polish faster to see which one works most efficiently. The hope goal was to cut down the amount of time spent being extra cautious and waiting for the polish to dry. The biggest theory surrounding the drying of nail polishthis is that it is because of specific solvents. The most commonly named solvents are ethyl acetate and butyl acetate, which are both hydrophobic chemical compounds. It was hypothesized that if different methods of drying nail polish faster than normal are tested, then the baking spray will cause the biggest decrease in drying time. The independent variable was the methods of drying used, including a hair dryer, cooking spray, an “Insta- Dri” polish, and homemade solution. The dependent variable was how long it took the nail lacquer to dry using each method. The control was the actual polish used for each method, which was Sally Hanson’s “O-zone You Didn’t" nail lacquer.
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
Drying Nail Polish Faster: What is the Best Method?
Although making intricate designs with beautiful colors on fingernails is enjoyable, it can be far too tedious and frustrating to wait for the paint to dry fully when there are other things to be done. A solution to this could be testing different methods of drying nail polish faster to see which one works most efficiently. The hope goal was to cut down the amount of time spent being extra cautious and waiting for the polish to dry. The biggest theory surrounding the drying of nail polishthis is that it is because of specific solvents. The most commonly named solvents are ethyl acetate and butyl acetate, which are both hydrophobic chemical compounds. It was hypothesized that if different methods of drying nail polish faster than normal are tested, then the baking spray will cause the biggest decrease in drying time. The independent variable was the methods of drying used, including a hair dryer, cooking spray, an “Insta- Dri” polish, and homemade solution. The dependent variable was how long it took the nail lacquer to dry using each method. The control was the actual polish used for each method, which was Sally Hanson’s “O-zone You Didn’t" nail lacquer.
I: Christopher Mench, Spangdahlem High School, Germany
Mentor: Alyson Darconte, Spangdahlem High School
The Effect of a Decreasing ‘Middle Skill’ Workforce on the United States Economy
With the election of President Barack Obama in 2008, the democratic party strived to make college more accessible and affordable. In 2016, the percentage of 24-32 year olds with a degree of any kind had increased from 41% to 48%, a ways off of the goal of 60%. Yet, as this increased, the number of “blue-collar” workers decreased. The purpose of this research is to analyse any correlation, and ways to solve this problem. A survey was conducted on 275 High School participants, gauging their likelihood of attending college, trade school, or the military. A followup question was added later and given to 181 of the participants, asking if trade classes were offered in their school. A test was conducted to compare the differences in likelihood of attending trade school and whether or not trade classes were offered to them in highschool. The test proved that there was no difference between the two variables, and that the appeal of trade school was equally low in schools that offered trade courses. This meant that exposure to such activities utilized in blue collar career fields would not adequately spark sustainable interest in teenagers. The conclusion reached is that, in order to stop the decline in skilled workforces, schools should enlighten students about both college and career equally, as well as in the home.
Mentor: Alyson Darconte, Spangdahlem High School
The Effect of a Decreasing ‘Middle Skill’ Workforce on the United States Economy
With the election of President Barack Obama in 2008, the democratic party strived to make college more accessible and affordable. In 2016, the percentage of 24-32 year olds with a degree of any kind had increased from 41% to 48%, a ways off of the goal of 60%. Yet, as this increased, the number of “blue-collar” workers decreased. The purpose of this research is to analyse any correlation, and ways to solve this problem. A survey was conducted on 275 High School participants, gauging their likelihood of attending college, trade school, or the military. A followup question was added later and given to 181 of the participants, asking if trade classes were offered in their school. A test was conducted to compare the differences in likelihood of attending trade school and whether or not trade classes were offered to them in highschool. The test proved that there was no difference between the two variables, and that the appeal of trade school was equally low in schools that offered trade courses. This meant that exposure to such activities utilized in blue collar career fields would not adequately spark sustainable interest in teenagers. The conclusion reached is that, in order to stop the decline in skilled workforces, schools should enlighten students about both college and career equally, as well as in the home.
J: Kalea Mommaerts, Ramstein High School, Germany
Mentor: Susan Holt, Ramstein High School
A Study of the Effectiveness of Three Types of Face Masks
The usage of a face mask has been widely recommended by various health professionals and public health officials during the COVID-19 pandemic. The efficiency of facial masks was studied during this time of COVID-19 transmission prevention. Three types of masks were studied: (Non-medical disposable, Cloth, and Gator masks). Non-medical disposable masks are composed of non-woven material that filters the bacteria out, but is still breathable and hydrophobic. Cloth masks are usually made from cotton and polyester, which results in these materials not being 100% water resistant. Gators are made from thin materials and/or fabrics, are not water resistant, and have elastic properties. The research was carried out by a spray bottle filled with dyed water and was measured by the amount of water drops that fell on a poster board. Results demonstrated that the gator was the mask with the least efficiency and the other samples had no droplets pass through. The findings support the success of preventive measures of the use of non-medical disposable and cloth masks in the spread of COVID-19 as opposed to the lack of efficiency the gator mask provides. This would lead into future research of the durability of facial masks used over time.
Mentor: Susan Holt, Ramstein High School
A Study of the Effectiveness of Three Types of Face Masks
The usage of a face mask has been widely recommended by various health professionals and public health officials during the COVID-19 pandemic. The efficiency of facial masks was studied during this time of COVID-19 transmission prevention. Three types of masks were studied: (Non-medical disposable, Cloth, and Gator masks). Non-medical disposable masks are composed of non-woven material that filters the bacteria out, but is still breathable and hydrophobic. Cloth masks are usually made from cotton and polyester, which results in these materials not being 100% water resistant. Gators are made from thin materials and/or fabrics, are not water resistant, and have elastic properties. The research was carried out by a spray bottle filled with dyed water and was measured by the amount of water drops that fell on a poster board. Results demonstrated that the gator was the mask with the least efficiency and the other samples had no droplets pass through. The findings support the success of preventive measures of the use of non-medical disposable and cloth masks in the spread of COVID-19 as opposed to the lack of efficiency the gator mask provides. This would lead into future research of the durability of facial masks used over time.
K: Matthew Landers, Spangdahlem High School, Germany
Mentor: Alyson Darconte, Spangdahlem High School
Password Breaker: Can you say your information is safe?
In a world that is filled with private information from banking accounts to emails. All of this information is different but has one thing in common. That one thing is a password. Passwords are an essential part of the protection of everybody's personal information. Knowing that the only thing that is keeping hackers from getting into your information, so why would you not want to create a stronger password? Over 2.5 billion people are getting hacked a year for their personal information which most cases could be easily avoided if certain precautions were taken. The experiment was used to test the possibilities that companies could add more characters to increase the security of the passwords. The results conducted that the amount of attempts were close to doubled when adding twice as many characters. That means that the people are less likely to be hacked if companies implemented a way to have more characters accessible to the users.
Mentor: Alyson Darconte, Spangdahlem High School
Password Breaker: Can you say your information is safe?
In a world that is filled with private information from banking accounts to emails. All of this information is different but has one thing in common. That one thing is a password. Passwords are an essential part of the protection of everybody's personal information. Knowing that the only thing that is keeping hackers from getting into your information, so why would you not want to create a stronger password? Over 2.5 billion people are getting hacked a year for their personal information which most cases could be easily avoided if certain precautions were taken. The experiment was used to test the possibilities that companies could add more characters to increase the security of the passwords. The results conducted that the amount of attempts were close to doubled when adding twice as many characters. That means that the people are less likely to be hacked if companies implemented a way to have more characters accessible to the users.
L: Naomi Munyaka, Ankara High School, Turkey
Mentor: Penelope Ahearn Er, Ankara High School
Frequency conspiracy or conspiration?
Music is a language that speaks to everyone. The researcher has always had an interest and a yearning to learn about the universe, its vibrations, music and its mysteries. This idea first arose from seeing sand resonance patterns, it was fascinating to see the distinct shape that each frequency produced. Initially the researcher began with patterns of rain and their predictability, then the researcher decided to investigate the effectiveness of sleep music according to its pitch however this course of study was not continued. After, the researcher was determined to study the two most debated frequencies, to prove whether their effects are a conspiracy or a conspiration. After extensive research, the researcher hypothesized that 440 Hz could be attributed to negative emotions and 432 Hz could be associated with positive emotions. In this investigation the researcher used 440 Hz and 432 Hz tuned pieces of well known music, in differing genres. The dependent variable was the emotional effect of the frequencies (independent variable.) The results revealed that there is a correlation of positive emotions with 432 Hz, and a negative correlation with 440 Hz although not significant. The researcher concluded that there was no definite significance in the negative impact of 440 Hz, however there was a positive correlation between 432 Hz and more positive emotions. In doing this investigation, the researcher had difficulties with digitizing the experiment because of the ongoing restrictions on meeting in person.
Mentor: Penelope Ahearn Er, Ankara High School
Frequency conspiracy or conspiration?
Music is a language that speaks to everyone. The researcher has always had an interest and a yearning to learn about the universe, its vibrations, music and its mysteries. This idea first arose from seeing sand resonance patterns, it was fascinating to see the distinct shape that each frequency produced. Initially the researcher began with patterns of rain and their predictability, then the researcher decided to investigate the effectiveness of sleep music according to its pitch however this course of study was not continued. After, the researcher was determined to study the two most debated frequencies, to prove whether their effects are a conspiracy or a conspiration. After extensive research, the researcher hypothesized that 440 Hz could be attributed to negative emotions and 432 Hz could be associated with positive emotions. In this investigation the researcher used 440 Hz and 432 Hz tuned pieces of well known music, in differing genres. The dependent variable was the emotional effect of the frequencies (independent variable.) The results revealed that there is a correlation of positive emotions with 432 Hz, and a negative correlation with 440 Hz although not significant. The researcher concluded that there was no definite significance in the negative impact of 440 Hz, however there was a positive correlation between 432 Hz and more positive emotions. In doing this investigation, the researcher had difficulties with digitizing the experiment because of the ongoing restrictions on meeting in person.
M: Kenneth Colin Roedl, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
“Let’s Talk About Sex”: An Analysis of Rap Music’s Lyrical Transformation Throughout Time & the Prevailing Prejudice the Genre Faces
With “up in your face” rappers like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lil Baby dominating the radio soundwaves, rap music and its lyrics may seem like a stark contrast to artists like Tupac, Salt-N-Pepa, and 50 Cent who controlled the genre less than three decades agos; however prior to this research, there has been very limited evidence to base this opinionated claim off of. This study intends to complete two things: 1.) Evaluate and review the lyrical content of rap music, particularly Billboard Rap #1s, in order to determine whether a drastic change in the genre’s use of vulgarity, sexuality, positivity, violence, and word play has occurred since the chart’s origin in 1989; 2.) Determine if the audience’s opinion towards their idea of “lyrical shifting” has a.) occurred and b.) painted current rap music in a positive or negative portrayal. By utilizing the work of DeAngelo K. Brown, this study intended to allow rap music to speak for itself while allowing discussion from outside sources occur simultaneously, further questioning if the facts and prejudice equally align. It is important to note that several other variables were collected while the methodology was taking place such as rapper’s sex, age, race as well as the song’s success on the billboard in order to account for lurking variables which could potentially occur. In order to answer the study’s initial questions a mixed method was used, consisting of a lyrical scale (dubbed the Roedl Rap Examination Scale) as well as the “Rap’s Impact on Music Explicitness” (RIME) Survey. This research could potentially be used as a guide for future papers which could utilize the Roedl Rap Examination Scale as a comparison measurement for other genres of music, helping to eliminate musical stereotypes associated with genres.
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School
“Let’s Talk About Sex”: An Analysis of Rap Music’s Lyrical Transformation Throughout Time & the Prevailing Prejudice the Genre Faces
With “up in your face” rappers like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lil Baby dominating the radio soundwaves, rap music and its lyrics may seem like a stark contrast to artists like Tupac, Salt-N-Pepa, and 50 Cent who controlled the genre less than three decades agos; however prior to this research, there has been very limited evidence to base this opinionated claim off of. This study intends to complete two things: 1.) Evaluate and review the lyrical content of rap music, particularly Billboard Rap #1s, in order to determine whether a drastic change in the genre’s use of vulgarity, sexuality, positivity, violence, and word play has occurred since the chart’s origin in 1989; 2.) Determine if the audience’s opinion towards their idea of “lyrical shifting” has a.) occurred and b.) painted current rap music in a positive or negative portrayal. By utilizing the work of DeAngelo K. Brown, this study intended to allow rap music to speak for itself while allowing discussion from outside sources occur simultaneously, further questioning if the facts and prejudice equally align. It is important to note that several other variables were collected while the methodology was taking place such as rapper’s sex, age, race as well as the song’s success on the billboard in order to account for lurking variables which could potentially occur. In order to answer the study’s initial questions a mixed method was used, consisting of a lyrical scale (dubbed the Roedl Rap Examination Scale) as well as the “Rap’s Impact on Music Explicitness” (RIME) Survey. This research could potentially be used as a guide for future papers which could utilize the Roedl Rap Examination Scale as a comparison measurement for other genres of music, helping to eliminate musical stereotypes associated with genres.
N: Olivia Morrow, Spangdahlem High School, Germany
Mentor: Alyson Darconte, Spangdahlem High School
“The Voluntourism Vacation of a Lifetime!” An analysis of the incidence of self-serving terms in marketing strategies employed by voluntourism companies and their market’s perception of them
The voluntourism market is a highly developing and profitable niche in the tourism industry, and with that follows a close critique of the nature and practice of volunteering abroad. The researcher aims to analyze the nature of advertisements for volunteer trips and whether their advertisements appeal to their market when the potential consumer perceives them to be catered towards them, rather than the community receiving the help. The researcher coded for several different terms within three categories of volunteer-centeredness from 40 advertisements from a popular volunteer abroad website. Afterwards, they took three of the advertisements they coded and surveyed a high school community to see how much those advertisements appealed to them, and how much they perceived them to be volunteer-centered and recipient-centered. They found that more advertisements coded for more neutral (not specifying a good or bad outcome) terms above anything, and that potential volunteers did not find it more appealing when they perceived the advertisement was catering towards their needs. This brings evidence for the concept that businesses advertise vaguely because they do not have to make any commitment to a community abroad, and consumers appeal to that because they are interpreting it in their own way; positively and negatively.
Mentor: Alyson Darconte, Spangdahlem High School
“The Voluntourism Vacation of a Lifetime!” An analysis of the incidence of self-serving terms in marketing strategies employed by voluntourism companies and their market’s perception of them
The voluntourism market is a highly developing and profitable niche in the tourism industry, and with that follows a close critique of the nature and practice of volunteering abroad. The researcher aims to analyze the nature of advertisements for volunteer trips and whether their advertisements appeal to their market when the potential consumer perceives them to be catered towards them, rather than the community receiving the help. The researcher coded for several different terms within three categories of volunteer-centeredness from 40 advertisements from a popular volunteer abroad website. Afterwards, they took three of the advertisements they coded and surveyed a high school community to see how much those advertisements appealed to them, and how much they perceived them to be volunteer-centered and recipient-centered. They found that more advertisements coded for more neutral (not specifying a good or bad outcome) terms above anything, and that potential volunteers did not find it more appealing when they perceived the advertisement was catering towards their needs. This brings evidence for the concept that businesses advertise vaguely because they do not have to make any commitment to a community abroad, and consumers appeal to that because they are interpreting it in their own way; positively and negatively.
O: Marcus Romundset, Sigonella High School, Sicily
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
The Probability Of Bread Landing On The Wrong Side
The research regarded pieces of bread falling off a plate, and recording which side they would land on. Under the research, the discovery of that the bread almost exclusively falls to one side (the side with topping on) was learnt. Due to the restricted data collection (only having two output variables: one side or another), statistical analysis methods such as standard deviation and integration of these curves had to be covered. Additionally, the verification of the common analogy of that bread always falling on the wrong side was surprisingly done. New elements about the psychology of the mind could also be drawn from the project, such as that the brain may record and keep track of data unconsciously and that the brain always remembers bad occurrences ( the conclusion goes more in-depth on this department).
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Sigonella High School
The Probability Of Bread Landing On The Wrong Side
The research regarded pieces of bread falling off a plate, and recording which side they would land on. Under the research, the discovery of that the bread almost exclusively falls to one side (the side with topping on) was learnt. Due to the restricted data collection (only having two output variables: one side or another), statistical analysis methods such as standard deviation and integration of these curves had to be covered. Additionally, the verification of the common analogy of that bread always falling on the wrong side was surprisingly done. New elements about the psychology of the mind could also be drawn from the project, such as that the brain may record and keep track of data unconsciously and that the brain always remembers bad occurrences ( the conclusion goes more in-depth on this department).
P: Justin Koehler, Ramstein High School, Germany
Mentor: Susan Holt, Ramstein High School
The Effect of Motion on Plants
The research conducted for this specific experiment was based on supporting whether constant motion would affect the plant. The author first started out by looking at what could be changed internally when the plant was in motion. The author found out that the plant’s way of knowing where “down” was could be tampered with if the plant was always moving. This led the author to conclude that the plant might not grow at all. The author also made a connection between plant sprouts and human babies. Human babies have less health problems and are comforted while moved. This led the author to conclude that plants could also have a higher rate of problems without being consistently moved. The author also learned that many traits from organisms come from evolution. He concluded that, if plants have never had to move while they were evolving, then there would be no positive effect on the plants. The author also read many articles relating to the best things to do for growing plants. One common reoccurrence that many of these articles had was them telling the reader not to move the plant often. This led the author to conclude that plants prefer to be in one area and stay static so that they get used to their surroundings.
Mentor: Susan Holt, Ramstein High School
The Effect of Motion on Plants
The research conducted for this specific experiment was based on supporting whether constant motion would affect the plant. The author first started out by looking at what could be changed internally when the plant was in motion. The author found out that the plant’s way of knowing where “down” was could be tampered with if the plant was always moving. This led the author to conclude that the plant might not grow at all. The author also made a connection between plant sprouts and human babies. Human babies have less health problems and are comforted while moved. This led the author to conclude that plants could also have a higher rate of problems without being consistently moved. The author also learned that many traits from organisms come from evolution. He concluded that, if plants have never had to move while they were evolving, then there would be no positive effect on the plants. The author also read many articles relating to the best things to do for growing plants. One common reoccurrence that many of these articles had was them telling the reader not to move the plant often. This led the author to conclude that plants prefer to be in one area and stay static so that they get used to their surroundings.
Q: Jason LaPierre, Spangdahlem High School, Germany
Mentor: Alyson Darconte, Spangdahlem High School
The Efficiency of Student-Driven Disinfection of School Surfaces: An Analysis of Colony Growth & Bacterial Morphology
In the Efficiency of Disinfection of School Surfaces: Analysis of Colony Growth, written by Jason LaPierre at Spangdahlem High School, Germany, with the aid of his teacher Mrs. Darconte, Alyson, the research studies student-driven disinfection of their desks. The spread of bacteria is an important topic in 2020 with much exigence. In theory, disinfection of surfaces should drastically reduce bacterial colony growth. Though, the study of student-driven disinfection is a seemingly understudied gap.
Mentor: Alyson Darconte, Spangdahlem High School
The Efficiency of Student-Driven Disinfection of School Surfaces: An Analysis of Colony Growth & Bacterial Morphology
In the Efficiency of Disinfection of School Surfaces: Analysis of Colony Growth, written by Jason LaPierre at Spangdahlem High School, Germany, with the aid of his teacher Mrs. Darconte, Alyson, the research studies student-driven disinfection of their desks. The spread of bacteria is an important topic in 2020 with much exigence. In theory, disinfection of surfaces should drastically reduce bacterial colony growth. Though, the study of student-driven disinfection is a seemingly understudied gap.