60th Annual Vermont Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Fair

March 30, 2019 Norwich University

Abstracts

Name Project ID Name Project ID Benjamin Magnant BI-005 Keirra McFadden BI-008 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 10 Ballard, Richard Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 10 Ballard, Richard Project title Project title Sleep's Effect on Physical Ability Injecting Plants with DNA

Abstract Abstract In this experiment, I wanted to find the effects of sleep not on mental activity In this experiment I took three different types of plants and injected them with but rather, physical activity. I took 3 individuals and had them do push-ups for a Keirra’s (my) DNA. I grew two of each type of plant, I grew pea plants, mung minute. The dependent variable in this experiment was the amount of sleep bean plants, and alfalfa plants. I used a syringe and needle to inject the DNA they achieved before their push-ups. They slowly were weaned off more and into the stem of one of each plant. I had three injected plants and three non- more sleep until they had none. In the end of the experiment the conclusion injected plants. I ended up not getting very conclusive results because the was come to that with less sleep, less physical intensity and endurance can be plants died after a week and a half of break and minimal water. However, I was achieved. able to see some results, I saw that where I injected the plants the hole from the needle didn’t heal, as you can see in the pictures. I would have to do this experiment again to actually get an educated answer to my question, how does injecting Keirra’s DNA into plants affect the growth? Name Project ID Name Project ID Ella Partlow BI-011 Annie Ploof BI-012 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 9 Ballard, Richard Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 10 Ballard, Richard Project title Project title Artificial Sweeteners Effect on Drosophila Melanogaster (fruit fly) Populations The effect of gravitation and phototropism

Abstract Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to determine if and which artificial The purpose of this experiment was to test the effect of phototropism and sweeteners affected wild, red-eyed Drosophila Melanogaster (fruit fly) gravitropism on plants. Mung bean plants were re planted in different ways to population sizes. It was hypothesized that the sweeteners Swerve (Erythritol) test the hypothesis If plants are planted in different directions the stem and and Truvia (Erythritol and Stevia) would have the most harmful effects on the leaves will grow back up. It was found the plants whose roots stayed in the soil populations. Different types of sweetener were added to 18 separate vial’s food and leaves stayed above the ground where able to use phototropism and (there were three vials per sweetener, no sweeteners were mixed). Another 3 gravitropism to move their stem. vials had no added sugar. After three weeks, the control vials with no added sugar had the largest populations, making up approximately 64% of total Drosophila Melanogaster counted. The hypothesis was supported, with observations showing that D. Melanogaster exposed to Truvia and Swerve died within 24 hours of being in the vials. The vials with Truvia and Swerve had the smallest total populations when counted. Therefore, it can be concluded that Erythritol (C4H10O4 ) is poisonous to Drosophila Melanogaster. This raises concern because many humans frequently consume these sweeteners and these sweeteners could have harmful effects on human health. Name Project ID Name Project ID Advik Dewoolkar BI-016 Cailey Comiskey BI-017 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Champlain Valley Union High School, Strack, Sarah Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 12 Ballard, Richard 11 Project title Project title Plant Products as Antimicrobial Agents Effects of osteoporosis on bone integrity

Abstract Abstract In order to assess the effect of plant substances on a gram positive and gram Osteoporosis causes bone density loss in older people, particularly women, as negative bacteria, an experiment was conducted to observe the zone of well as in astronauts if they spend prolonged time in low gravity environments. inhibition with e-coli, bacillus cereus, and four essential oils. The zone of Elderly women can lose bone density by up to 20 percent. Astronauts can lose inhibition was measured with a ruler in centimeters. In the first trial, it was up to 1 to 2 percent of bone density per month. The loss in bone density results discovered plant substances were ineffective against a gram negative bacteria, in reduced strength and load carrying capacity of bones leading to an increased yielding no zone of inhibition. In the second trial, it was discovered graphically risk of injuries such as bone fractures and arthritis.This research examines a that plant substances do create a zone of inhibition and are still effective after hypothesis that bone strength reduces nonlinearly and rapidly as the bone multiple generations. The results show promising results using plant substances density reduces. The examination of this hypothesis included several 3D printed as antimicrobials. bone models of same shape and size with varying degrees of simulated osteoporosis. The loss in bone density was modeled by manipulating 3D printing process and creating more porous simulated bones. These modeled bones were loaded and their failure patterns were recorded to examine the hypothesis. Name Project ID Name Project ID Emma Medor BI-018 Myiah Ducharme BI-022 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 11 Ballard, Richard South Burlington High School, 11 Shields, Jim Project title Project title Lactic Acid Fermentation in Sourdough Starters Under Various Conditions does music effect your heart rate?

Abstract Abstract The purpose of the experiment was to determine whether different types of bacteria (not provided at this time) manifest in sourdough starters under various conditions. Sourdough, with its numerous health benefits, is a popular bread baked by those who wish to easily digest and absorb various nutrients. It was hypothesized that bacteria grown in starters with rye flour would be more diverse and numerous than the control starter due to the presumed resiliency of bacteria originating from rye. It was hypothesized that bacteria grown in starters in small containers would be less numerous and diverse than the control starter due to the presumed increased pressure in the closed containers. Lastly, it was hypothesized that bacteria in starters with additives like milk and sugar would thrive and diversify due to the greater source of sugar food. All starters grew over a period of 12 days and were fed at regular intervals (every day and later every three days). Alterations for feedings were completed for the starters with additives on Day 6 onwards with the inclusion of 4 tbsp of 2% milk for the milk additive and 2 tbsp of table sugar for the sugar additive. By Day 12 and 13 the starters had grown to a sufficient extent to be analyzed under a light microscope. Portions of starter were placed on clean microscope slides using a toothpick, were diluted by a drop of water, sealed by a coverslip, and then viewed under 150 times, 600 times, and 1500 times magnifications. The data from the microscope was recorded and conclusions were made. All starters excluding the starters with the milk additive exhibited the same coccus shaped bacteria in singular form, in pairs, and in strands. Using reported identification methods, it was reasoned that such bacteria could have been from the genus Pediococcus, Leuconostoc, or Lactococcus. In the same way, the bacteria from the milk additive starters were reasoned to be from the genus Zymomonas or Lactobacillus. Due to the similar classification of the bacteria from the control, rye, sugar, and small container starters, the results do not support the given hypothesis. However, the unique classification of the bacteria from the milk additive starter helps support that starter’s corresponding hypothesis. Sourdough is relevant to society in that it is a great source of nutrients and carbohydrates for those who have difficulty consuming standard breads, like people with diabetes or glucose sensitivities. [EXCEEDS WORD LIMIT] Name Project ID Name Project ID Ashleigh Schell BI-023 Justin McKenrick BI-026 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher South Burlington High School, 12 Shields, Jim Windsor Schools, 11 Engwall, Catharine Project title Project title The Lip Balm Project What Cheese Makes the Cut?

Abstract Abstract My project is on what type of lip balm will hold the moisture within 3 hours. This project was designed to produce more information on how pasteurization This prosses was tested by using ficus leaves and by using 3 different types of lip alters the cheese made from it. The safety and use of unpasteurized milk for balms with different bases (chemical, Bees wax and coconut oil.) Ficus leaves cheeses is argued throughout the world due to the minimal amounts of are very similar to human lips because the leaves are very water based and informational studies done in relation to it. Through this project, not only did it have multiple veins just like our own lips. This testing was done by putting the examine how pasteurization affects the cheese made from it but it also same amount of lip balm on each ficus leaf and using a moister meter to test highlights how simple and cost effective pasteurizing milk can be. The three the results every 30 minutes. The purpose of this experiment is to figure out gallons of raw unpasteurized milk were donated from a local farm and the what type of lip balm will hold the most moisture, this is important because lip materials used to pasteurize them were quite inexpensive. The pasteurization balm can help prevent chapped lips form cracking and splitting. This painful of all LTLT and HTST were quite simple and effective. Those were done one day process can be avoided by using a quality lip balm that will protect and after the milk was received which gave plenty of time for the cheese making moisturize lips for a long time. After the experiment was complete, the test and testing to happen. The failure of UHT was a setback but the decision of results indicated that beeswax lip balm held the most moister over a 3 hour putting it behind us and continuing the project helped the final push for the rest period. of the data. The taste tests went flawlessly getting a good spread of data from each cheese, with all cheeses getting at least 3 votes in each category, while still seeing correlation between them. Before plugging the number into the Chi Squared 4x5 test, there was a noticable difference between the cheeses. Once plugged in, the test rejected the null hypothesis, confirming a correlation between the method of pasteurization and the taste and quality of paneer cheese made from it. The original hypothesis was also rejected because of the failure of the UHT pasteurization. The Ultra Filtered milk (Fairlife) was shown to be the best milk to make cheese and LTLT was shown to be the worst, which is supported by other evidence. Name Project ID Name Project ID Maddie Saunders BI-028 Kelly Xu BI-030 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 8 Ballard, Richard South Burlington High School, 11 Moore, Nathaniel Project title Project title How does Different Water Sources Effect Mung Bean Growth? Evaluation of a novel PMS1 germline variant as a putative hereditary breast cancer risk allele

Abstract Abstract My project was to evaluate the difference of how water sources affected mung Currently, it’s known that the BRCA genes are crucial in hereditary breast bean growth. My experiment was started off with watering plants with tap cancer. However, studies indicate that 50% of women with clinically evident water, distilled water, sugar water and salt water. I observed growth and any hereditary breast cancer lack known alterations. Consequently, additional other changes in each plant over time as well as made comparisons. The reason knowledge regarding the genes behind this condition is required to fulfill this for this experiment was to conclude what water source impacted mung beans unmet need. With such information, explanations can be provided for those to have the most significant growth. The results showed that all variables affected by hereditary breast cancer, and further our understanding of breast produced at least some sprouting. Distilled and tap water had the most cancer biology. A sequencing study conducted at UVM focused on sisters from producing plants. The plants watered with distilled water and tap water each families with hereditary breast cancer, and identified potential alterations that yielded 6 out of 6 plants that sprouted. Using different water sources I was able may impact the disease. One was found in the PMS1 gene, which encodes for a to see that distilled and tap water both had major growth for the mung bean non-canonical member of the DNA mismatch repair machinery (MMR). plants. Mutations resulting in MMR loss of function define the hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome known as Lynch Syndrome. Therefore, it was thought that a germline variant in PMS1 could facilitate hereditary breast cancer. The variant occurs in a predicted splice site enhancer region in exon 6, and was predicted through bioinformatics to affect splicing of PMS1 mRNA. The purpose of this experiment was to test the hypothesis that this PMS1 variant results in loss of protein function through disrupting mRNA splicing. Through conducting PCRs / RT-PCRs, and next generation sequencing methods, analysis of genomic DNA and mRNA concluded that this variant doesn’t impact splicing of PMS1 mRNA, as exon skipping is seen regardless of variant status. These results are significant, as it suggests that this variant is not deleterious, contradicting a prediction made in an earlier paper. Name Project ID Name Project ID Miranda Todt BI-033 Siyang Wang BI-036 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Windsor Schools, 11 Engwall, Catharine Vermont Academy, 11 Echanis, Joe Project title Project title Solution For a Cleaner School High-Pressure Homogenization Facilitates PEGylation of BPTES with Pluronics F127

Abstract Abstract Bacteria grows on multiple surfaces throughout the school building. Different Facing the astonishingly high fatality rate and lack of cure of pancreas cancer, types of bacteria can cause havoc with different systems within the body. this paper proposes a nano-emulsification method that uses Pluronics F127, a Bacteria can cause disease, illness and can attack the immune system. The type and surfactant, to prompt the drug delivery of a glutaminase (GLS) larger the population that uses the surfaces within the building the more inhibitor—bis-2-(5-phenylacetamido-1,2,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)ethyl sulfide bacteria those surfaces contain. There are certain procedures for disposing of (BPTES)—which suppresses the development of pancreas cancer cells, which is the bacteria. This should avoid exposure to other students. I will be using sensitive to glutamine metabolism. The emulsification process involves high- natural antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. The natural solutions will be pressure homogenization, bath sonication, and probe sonication. The vinegar, lemon juice, tea tree oil, garlic, grapefruit seed extract and etc. The experiment aims to find the optimal conditions, including the surfactant overall goal is to have a method that does not contain chemicals to eliminate concentration, sonication approaches, and homogenization iterations, to bacteria and have a cleaner school. In the beginning of my project I did prepare nanoparticles that are the most suitable for clinical use. The results preliminary testing. I tested four locations and swabbed the same area five reveal that the ideal concentration F127 concentration for BPTES molecules is times. I discovered that the cafeteria had the most bacteria. I then swabbed a 0.1% and the most suitable homogenization iteration is three times. The study table and made eight agars and regrew the same bacteria. I used grapefruit also shows that probe sonication yield samples with favorable dimensions, but seed extract and discovered it had the highest decrease. I tested the the impurities produced in the process may impede its further development. effectiveness of the school solution. I discovered that the bacterial coverage increased. I looked in the microscope and discovered that clostridium was present its a type of bacteria that causes stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Based on my findings using grapefruit seed extract would eliminate more bacteria and would be a healthier solution. If I could continue my research I would do more tests on grapefruit seed extract and vary the levels of concentration. I would do more tests on the school solution and figure out if they use the same solution throughout the building. It's important to have a solution that eliminates bacteria to prevent students from getting sick. Name Project ID Name Project ID Violette Maring and Faith BI-041 Eva Demetrowitz BI-044 Hoagland School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher South Burlington High School, 10 Moore, Nathaniel Northfield High School, 10 Urling, Amy Project title Project title Analyzing Cortisol Levels in Patients Undergoing Surgery The Effect of Different Types of Disinfectants on the Inhibition of Bacteria Growth Abstract Abstract This project seeks to find a better understanding of the synergistic impact of The purpose of this experiment is to test bacterial resistance when using cortisol and stress on the human body by measuring the cortisol levels in different types of disinfectants. We hypothesized that water would be the least patients before, during and after surgery. This study was conducted by using a effective in killing bacteria because it doesn’t have any active ingredients which cortisol ELISA. kill bacteria.. We filled 18 petri dishes with agar and spread E. coli bacteria on the agar. We put the petri dishes in the incubator for 24 hours. After 24 hours First, a solution of cortisol bound to horseradish peroxidase was added to each we placed paper disks which were soaked in different disinfectants (bleach, of the 96 wells. Then blood samples taken Then blood samples taken before, vinegar, mouthwash, surface cleaner, alcohol and water) in the petri dishes, during, and after surgery were pipetted into their respective wells. Each sample then put them in the incubator for 48 hours. We then recorded the zone of was pipetted in duplicate to ensure the values were correct. The plate was then inhibition (area killed by the disinfectants). The average zone of inhibition for washed out, and a TMB substrate was added. Next, a stop solution was pipetted bleach was 1.1cm. The average zone of inhibition for vinegar was .74cm. The into each well. This inactivates the reaction between TMB and HRP. The plate average zone of inhibition for mouthwash was 1.17cm. The average zone of was then read using a spectrometer set to 420nm. inhibition for surface cleaner was .81cm. The average zone of inhibition for alcohol was 1.03cm. The average zone of inhibition for water was .05 cm. Preliminary data analysis shows that cortisol levels were more concentrated in Mouthwash killed the most bacteria. Water was the control and killed the least samples taken post-surgery than pre-surgery or peri surgery. The average amount of bacteria. Surface cleaner had some inconsistent data because it concentration for samples taken pre-surgery was 9.571M while the average for ranged from 1.4cm to .5cm. Other than that the data was consistent throughout post-surgery samples was 32.57967M. This difference of 23.009M strongly the 9 trials. Our hypothesis was supported by the data. Out of all the insinuates that stress levels rise substantially post surgery. Although data disinfectants, water (the control) was the least effective in killing bacteria. analysis is currently still underway, these initial results indicate that the majority of patients experienced more stress after surgery than before or during the operation. Name Project ID Name Project ID Layne Watkins and Brody BI-051 Anthony Brescia BI-054 Perham School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Mater Christi School, 8 Pendergrass, Mark Weathersfield School, 8 Villa, Julian Project title Project title The effect on cancer cells when you add drugs. Do green cleaners work as well as cleaners with chemicals?

Abstract Abstract “Which drug kills cancer cells faster?” This experiment was made to test if We care about this problem because we want to know what cleaners work best. Staurosporine and Camptothecin were used to kill cancer cells, then We covered the areas of cleaning bacteria and oil. The problem we were trying Staurosporine would kill them faster. This hypothesis was incorrect, to solve is what cleaners work best? Green cleaners or chemical cleaners. We Camptothecin killed more cancer cells and killed them faster than did that by making two cleaners, Cleaner A and Cleaner B, and using bleach, a Staurosporine. Some terms that were needed in this experiment were dawn dish soap and water solution, and green glass clean. Then we tried to Chemotherapy, Apoptosis, and Necrosis. Chemotherapy is one way to kill clean up baby oil with all of the cleaners. Our homemade green cleaner, cleaner cancer and that is what was used in this experiment. Apoptosis and Necrosis are B, worked just as good as the manufactured chemical cleaner. The other test different chains of events that lead up to cell death. In the procedure you must was cleaning bacteria. We made nutrient agar and put out cleaners on it and take pictures every twelve hours for sixty hours (2.5 days), in the end there recorded our progress. None of the cleaners did anything. Maybe they were were five pictures. A few other steps include letting the cells adhere overnight, pathogens of bacteria that they just weren't made to clean. So that means that adding drugs and dyes to the cells, capturing images, and analyzing the data. out homemade cleaner, cleaner B, worked just as good as the manufactured Analyzing the data was done in the Gen5 Image Prime 3.05 program. The data bleach. The conclusion we came to is that you might as well use a homemade was quite precise, except for the green fluorescent debris in the wells. A few green cleaner if it works just as good as ones you buy from the store. It may not things that could have affected the data was that multiple cells were dead at change the world, but it may change how you want to clean your home if you time 0:00:00 and incomplete dispensing of the drugs could have occurred. In want to use a safe effective cleaner. Our results are specific to one problem that the future this test would be best done by a professional so no mistakes would we thought would be something worthwhile to solve. occur. Name Project ID Name Project ID Grier Bellezza BI-055 Katie Doyle BI-062 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Mater Christi School, 6 Pendergrass, Mark Christ The King School, 7 Cinti, Christy Project title Project title The Beast Behind Yeast What kind of light bulb makes a plant sprout fastest and grow the fastest after germination?

Abstract Abstract In the Science fair experiment “The Beast Behind Yeast” the question to be Around the world, plants are a source of food and livelihood for many people. answered was ‘What yeast activation method makes bread rise the most?’. The The problem is, for those living in colder climates without much sun, growing hypothesis was that if three activation methods were tested then the one with plants is difficult. Deciding what kind of lightbulb works best for growing plants water, sugar and flour would rise the most. Studies show that most bread is one of the main issues. The hypothesis was, out of the two choices, recipes use the water, sugar, and flour yeast activation method. Studies also incandescent light bulbs and LED light bulbs, the LEDs would work the best. The show that yeast is living and goes through a process where the yeast consumes materials were, peat plant pots, calendula flower seeds, two spaces (one lit by sugar and releases CO2 as a product and this in turn helps bread rise. The test LEDs and one lit by incandescents), planting soil, and water. To perform the test procedure involved three activation methods. The first was using water, sugar the procedure was, light one space with LEDs and one with incandescents, plant and flour. The second was using water and flour. And the third was using milk, the flowers, then the plant’s growth was monitored. The results from the test sugar, and flour. Three doughs were made, one for each activation method and proved the hypothesis to be correct. The LED light bulbs did, in fact, work better then three loaves were made from each dough, resulting in 9 loaves in total. than the incandescent light bulbs. The plants under the LED light sprouted in Once the loaves were baked they were then cooled and the height of each loaf just one and a half days and flourished under the LEDs. While the plants under was measured in inches and recorded in a data table. The factor that affected the incandescent light bulb did grow, they took longer to sprout, did not grow the data results the most was that the amount of dough going into each loaf as fast, and the plants were dried out more frequently than the plants under pan was not measured. This made the test less reliable than it could have been the LED lights. That may be because the incandescent light bulb was letting off but likely did not change the outcome of the experiement. The average loaf quite a bit more heat. Knowing what kind of light bulbs work best for growing height for water and flour yeast activation was 2.4 inches. The average loaf plants indoors is helpful for the community because now people can grow height for milk, sugar and flour yeast activation was 2.5 inches. Finally, the plants even when the sun’s not out! average loaf height for water, sugar, and flour yeast activation was 2.8 inches, the highest rise and proving the hypothesis was accurate. Name Project ID Name Project ID Skylar Thibodeau BI-069 Bella Antoniotti and Malin BI-073 School, grade Teacher Bolton Weathersfield School, 8 Villa, Julian School, grade Teacher Project title Frederick Tuttle Middle School, 7 Towle, Christopher How effective is reishi as a homeopathic remedy, for skin care; is it more cost Project title efficient than other remedies? Forever Flowers

Abstract Abstract Abstract I believe that this is important because reishi can help not only your skin but Moms are you tired of your expensive carnations dying? Well, we have a your insides as well. I am trying to address that harvesting reishi at home is an solution for you. Using cryogenics you could save money on buying expensive alternative that is effective and cheaper than over-the-counter and online plants. What does cryogenics mean? Well, cryogenics is the science of products. In order to prove my point I did research on how effective reishi can extremely low temperatures and their effects on matter. The term cryogenics be. I also researched prices of over-the-counter products and online reishi to comes from the Greek word “kruos” meaning “frost.” So how can cold preserve compare to the prices of doing it at home. Results showed that harvesting at organic matter? Preservation is the process of treating things to stop or slow home is, in fact, more cost efficient than other choices. My research resulted in them down so they don't spoil or rot. Light frost typically doesn’t cause major me discovering that reishi is not only helpful for skin, but also for bigger deals in damage to plants, with exception to very tender plants. Seasonal patterns not medicine. Some examples of this is, I found out that reishi an help with anxiety only affect seeds but the whole plant. A drop in temperature slows down a and depression, and also has anti-cancer properties as well as helping with plant's metabolism largely because the enzymes that drive these biochemical HIV/AIDS. reactions don't work so well in the cold. What we will use to perform this experiment is 12 carnations, 6 bowls, and 1 freezer. If you put carnations into a freezer for a different amount of days you will be able to preserve and keep the freshness of the carnation. This will happen because the cold will slow down the molecules in the plant and save the freshness. Name Project ID Name Project ID Gabby Allbee BI-079 Lilia McCullough BI-081 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher St. Francis Xavier School, 7 Varhue, Maryellen Woodstock Union Jr/Sr H.S. #4, 10 Cramer, Vanessa Project title Project title Topsy Turvy How do caffeine variants affect physiology?

Abstract Abstract My project was trying to see whether 9-11 days of balance exercises would The purpose of this project was to test how subjects are affected by caffeine improve someone’s balance. The reasoning for choosing this project was variants as well as testing water as a constant. The function of water was to act because I have practiced balance before myself. Balance exercises can help the as a control solution in the experiment. The function of caffeine variants is to elderly because they can help reduce the chance of injuries. Many types of test differences amongst caffeine and collect data on how they impact one’s sports require proprioception, and balance exercises help to improve physiology. It was hypothesized that coffee will make one feel more energized. I proprioception. My hypothesis was that if someone practiced balance exercises think the sugar in the coffee might have an added effect as sugar can give one for 9-11 days, their balance would improve versus the control group whose more energy. A dark, potent coffee such as espresso might also make one feel balance would not improve. To complete this experiment I gathered a group of more energized and their energy levels will be higher for longer. The ice cubes 16 seventh-grade students. This group was then split in two: a group of 5 called in iced coffee might dilute the coffee causing less of an energized affect. the Experimental Group, and a group of 11 called the Control Group. Both However, coffee is like a placebo sometimes where if one has been drinking groups completed a test in the beginning called Test 1. Then at the end both coffee for a long time, they might feel more energized just by the thought or groups completed a test, called Test 2. Test 1 and 2 consisted of two exercises. process of drinking coffee would. Participants filled out a questionnaire before Exercise 1 was standing on one leg, eyes open, and Exercise 2 was standing on and after being tested. Heart rate and blood pressure were tested for each one leg, eyes closed (both right and left legs were tested). Between Test 1 and 2 subject before and after they consumed each drink. For each corresponding the Experimental Group completed these exercises for 9-11 days. My findings test, the subject drank 8 oz of water and coffee/energy drink. Caffeine addiction showed a large improvement for the Experimental group between the two or drinking other caffeinated beverages often is something normal amongst tests, but a small improvement for the Control Group as well. In conclusion I people. This test was conducted to address if caffeine creates a significant proved my hypothesis right. The Experimental Group improved from beginning change in one’s physiology. Initial results show that espresso has the greatest to end. Even though the Control Group had a slight improvement, it was not as effect on the physiology of the participants while water has the least effect. large as the Experimental Group improvement. Name Project ID Name Project ID Ava Dodson BI-082 Emily Dean BI-084 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Woodstock Union Jr/Sr H.S. #4, 10 Cramer, Vanessa Woodstock Union Jr/Sr H.S. #4, 10 Cramer, Vanessa Project title Project title How do Different Genres of Music Affect Physiology in The Human Body? Evolution of Aspergillus Fumigatus in Cystic Fibrosis lungs to higher virulence in a hyperosmotic environment

Abstract Abstract The purpose of my project is to investigate how different genres of music affect Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients experience inhibited clearance of debris, mucus, and heart rate and blood pressure in the human body. I hypothesized that playing microbials from airways leading to a higher rate of colonization by opportunistic classical music or slow paced music would cause a decline in heart rate and microbes. Approximately 60% of CF patients are infected by Aspergillus blood pressure. While playing faster speed or more upbeat music would cause a fumigatus, which leads to an increased rate of exacerbations. The growing faster heart rate and higher blood pressure. When people are exposed to slow resistance of A. fumigatus to commonly used azole antifungals establishes a paced music the parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated decreasing the need for new, targeted anti-fungal immunotherapies. This project aims to heart rate and also decreasing blood pressure. While listening to upbeat music identify the role of osmoregulation in regulating A. fumigatus growth during CF. the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated and increases the heart rate A. fumigatus isolated from a cystic fibrosis patient over four years was tested in while also increasing blood pressure. This research may be useful for people vitro using a germination assay in medium simulating a lung environment or a who h nutrient-rich medium. Both medium were supplemented with 2M sorbitol to simulate the hyperosmotic environment, a key component of CF airways. The germination rates of CF adapted isolates of A. fumigatus were significantly increased and, in some strains, rescued in environments of high osmotic conditions. The CF lung environment encouraged adaptation that increased fungal germination to a level higher than typical aspergillosis cases. Additionally, the SSK1 protein, part of the two-component HOG1 MAPK pathway, was not responsible for the heightened growth of A. fumigatus in high osmotic conditions. The aggressiveness demonstrated by CF-adapted A. fumigatus indicates a need for adjustment of treatment of A. fumigatus infections in CF patients. Although targeting SSK1 is not a viable option for targeted therapeutic treatment against A. fumgiatus infections, these results indicate there is a unique and unknown adaptive response occurring within CF isolates in response to the CF lung environment. Name Project ID Name Project ID Lili Sorrentino BI-085 Greta Heldman BI-095 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Woodstock Union Jr/Sr H.S. #4, 10 Cramer, Vanessa South Burlington High School, 9 Moore, Nathaniel Project title Project title How do different sugar variations affect blood glucose levels? Investigating the Role of Protein Kinase A in Focal Adhesion Dynamics

Abstract Abstract The purpose of this experiment is to analyze how different types of sugars Cancer cells move, spreading cancer to new parts of an organism in a process affect blood glucose levels. By understanding the differences it could influence called metastasis. Focal adhesions (FAs) are points of attachment between a cell people to make healthier food choices to keep a healthy blood sugar level and and its surroundings, and their assembly and disassembly are essential for cell overall healthy lifestyle. My original hypothesis was that processed sugars movement. Research has shown that Protein Kinase A (PKA) is an important would cause blood glucose levels to rise notably higher than natural sugars like enzyme in cell movement. This experiment examines the relationship between fructose, found in fruit. I anticipated this because the main difference between PKA and FA dynamics. With the ability to slow cell movement we may be able to natural and processed sugars is how each one holds its sugar. Fructose is held in slow the spread of cancer. Cultured triple-negative breast cancer cells were split fruits causing it to also contain nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. into two groups - one (A3b) treated with a small amount of water containing a Because there are so many other compounds in fruits there often isn't enough drug that blocks PKA activity, the other treated with a small amount of water fructose to raise concern in your blood sugar. Glucose, however, found in alone (A1b). The two groups were cultured to stimulate FA formation, then processed sugars such as candy, is often found alone. Therefore it is absorbed processed to make FAs visible through a microscope. Photos of FAs were taken much faster into the bloodstream where it affects blood glucose levels.. To test and analyzed using custom software to compare the average number of FAs per this I performed calculations by making the sugars as equivalent as possible. I cell, and FA size and aspect ratio (length/width). A3b had an average of 120.6 measured how many grams of skittles and apples would contain exactly 20 FA per cell and A1b had 91.8 per cell. The average FA area was 0.885 ??m2 in grams of sugar. I then collected data about this by taking volunteers blood sugar A3b and 0.882 ??m2 for A1b cells. The average FA aspect ratio in cell group A3b before and after eating the sugars. In conclusion, the data shows the average was 2.45 and 2.38 for A1b. This study showed that when PKA is inhibited, more percent change in blood glucose levels was greatest after digesting skittles and focal adhesions were formed that were longer and larger. This experiment was lowest in the control group which did not ingest any sugar. should be repeated to confirm that PKA effects focal adhesion dynamics and therefore cell movement. Name Project ID Name Project ID Lorelei Right BI-096 Elliot Wood BI-098 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Milton Middle School, 7 Wardwell, Duncan St. Francis Xavier School, 8 Varhue, Maryellen Project title Project title Sweetheart Think Fast

Abstract Abstract A lot of people run, some for marathons, others once a week. Being active is key Can you improve your reaction time by training? My hypothesis is that you can in life. My project is about how much sugar is in a drink, and which drink makes improve your time. I was inspired to do this because I wanted to get a your heart rate increase the most. My prediction was, the drink with the most competitive edge in sports. I started this by finding drills to perform on my test sugar would increase the heart rate the most. I wanted to see how much sugar subjects. Then I tested my control group of 12 people 5 times with the the drinks had and how your heart was affected as you ran. electronic drop stick and averaged them. I did the same with 4 other test When I tested my project I had 3 drinks; Gatorade, Water, and Tea. I had subjects. After that I trained the 4 test subjects once a day for 15 minutes for them drink 1 hour before I knew they’d be running. They’d run for 5 minutes one week to try and improve their reaction time. I did this by having 2 hold yard straight, and I would measure their bpm. Since 18 grams of sugar is in one cup sticks in their hands. Their partner would stand across from them and try to of tea I thought that would raise the heart rate the most. Looking at my data, catch the yard sticks when they fell. I did this for 1_ minutes then they would the tea was the drink that raised the heart rate the most. Gatorade has 14 switch. After that they did the same thing with golf balls. For the remaining 9 grams of sugar in one cup making it slightly less sugary. minutes they sat on stools in a circle and bounced a reaction trainer on the An average of 106 bpm with the tea, it had the most sugar and increased the ground and tried to catch it. At the end I tested all 16 people 5 times then heartbeat the most. Gatorade had an average of 98.5 bpm, and the water had averaged them to get my results. the average of 71.5. The data was very interesting. My training seemed to work a lot better than I Personally I don’t think these drinks would be helpful for something like a anticipated. My data showed that the people trained improved their reaction marathon, just because sugar eventually leaves your system. When your looking time by seventeen percent. Although my findings show great success, I need to to run shorter distances I think this could be helpful. Testing this project by do this with a bigger sample size. having people run longer could determine if this would be helpful for longer distances. Name Project ID Name Project ID Connor Murphy BI-100 Maeve MacLachlan BI-106 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher South Burlington High School, 10 Moore, Nathaniel Christ The King School-Rutland, 7 Ferguson, Brian Project title Project title The Unintended Effects of introducing P-GLo to E. coli The GROM Project

Abstract Abstract p-Glo is a gene that will glow when under ultraviolet light. I have introduced the My results did not support my hypothesis, which was; if I grow radish seeds in a p-Glo gene to E. coli to understand what else p-Glo modifies when introduced commercial potting soil, Simulated Mars Soil, and a combination of both, then I into the DNA structure. It was hypothesized that p-Glo will cause a faster think the seeds will germinate most successfully in commercial potting soil population growth, as well as a motility increase. because we know it has the nutrients plants need to grow in. I learned that my hypothesis was wrong and the radish seeds in the simulated Mars soil and the mixture of both commercial potting soil and simulated Mars soil germinated Data collection and data is not available at this time, view poster for completed better than the commercial potting soil. Out of the thirty radish's I planted in data set. each type of soil twenty-eight radish's germinated in the simulated Mars soil and the mixture of commercial potting soil and simulated Mars soil and twenty- seven in the commercial potting soil. I also learned that if I had grown my plants for longer, planted more, and tested how much they grew than my results would have been different. So it is possible that my results may be incorrect. I encountered one problem early on with my experiment, someone pulled out a radish from the commercial potting soil. Since this was early on it really didn't affect my results, but if this problem had occurred later on it would have changed my results. My experiment is currently being tested by NASA, who are trying to figure out if it is possible to have life on Mars. Most of my experiment is similar to NASA's, but a little different. A similarity is I used radish seeds, which they are currently growing in their garden. Name Project ID Name Project ID Grace Williams BI-112 Cale Layman BI-113 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Milton Middle School, 7 DeCicco, Robert Rice Memorial High School, 11 Boardman, Sharon Project title Project title Different Diets and Ph levels Effect of Modification of Heat Shock Temperature on Bacterial Transformation Efficiency

Abstract Abstract For many people having a diet is important, and to others what is in the diet is Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms that have a single chromosome. They are important. My testable question was how does the type of diet you have affect also capable of picking up exogenous DNA in a process called transformation. the pH level your saliva? I started the process by cutting pH strips into equal Exogenous DNA is DNA that is found outside the cell, sometimes left behind sizes. I then ate the foods according to the day and the diet assigned to that after cleaning a surface with an antibacterial agent. In the lab, bacteria can be day. My next step was to spit into a small beaker and use a pipet to squeeze the prompted to pick up a type of exogenous DNA called a plasmid by several saliva onto the pH strip. The pH scale template came into use when comparing different methods. The purpose of this study is to modify the heat shock the colors. I’d then record the results into my data table. method to try to improve the transformation efficiency of E. coli. This technique When I tested the acidic diet I was shocked by the results. My hypothesis was of transformation involves putting the bacteria in a calcium chloride solution to that the acidic diet would be the most acidic diet . The most acidic diet was the help loosen their cell walls and then “heat-shock” the bacteria with the plasmid Mediterranean diet. This diet on the ph scale was a 7 which is neutral, the acidic at 42 degrees C, for several minutes before plating the bacteria on agar and diet was an 8 which is more alkaline. My hypothesis for the most alkaline diet growing them at 37 degrees C (human body temperature) for 24 hours. The was the alkaline diet would be the most alkaline. plasmid contains a special gene called amp-R, that will convey ampicillin (an These results once again shocked me. The most alkaline was the DASH diet. This antibiotic) resistance in the cells that have successfully taken up the plasmid. In diet was at a 12 on the scale. The alkaline diet didn’t come in second either, but this study, the bacteria are to be heat shocked at 0, 21, 42, 55, and 100 degrees came in third to the paleo diet. These results shocked me because people with C. A control culture will be grown on agar without ampicillin, and 3 replicate acidosis usually go for a more basic diet such as the alkaline diet but now they samples will be grown after each heat shock treatment to generate the results. have two other options that might work just as good. Name Project ID Name Project ID Mia Jepson BI-114 Morgan Biele BI-115 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Christ The King School-Rutland, 6 Ferguson, Brian Woodstock Union Jr/Sr H.S. #4, 12 Cramer, Vanessa Project title Project title Fruit DNA Extraction How Does Electrical Muscle Stimulation Influence the Body Physiologically Compared to the Way Exercise Does?

Abstract Abstract In this project, I used isopropyl alcohol to extract the DNA from a banana, kiwi, Electrical stimulation allows humans to manipulate the difficulty of learning and strawberry to see if it all looked the same or different. DNA is short for new tasks because it forces currents to make neural networks stronger with less deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is a long molecule that look like a twisted ladder natural effort. Supplementing exercise with electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) called a double helix. DNA is the building blocks of life. It can also be referred to is claimed to make muscles strengthen faster, heal quicker, and perform as the blueprints or the recipe for all life. There are only 4 types of chemicals physical activities better overall. The purpose of the experiment, in which that make up DNA. They are: A- adenine; T- thymine;C - cytosine;G - guanine. participants execute a task while receiving EMS currents, is to see how EMS The way that these four chemicals are put together determines the size and influences the potentiation process for learning a new physical skill and the shape of any living being. function of the body’s other affected systems. The guiding research question My hypothesis was that the DNA would be different because the fruits look so was: how does EMS influence the body physiologically compared to the way different. Also, the fruits have different colors so how can they have the same exercise does? It was hypothesized that tests evaluating the impact of EMS on exact DNA. When I did the experiment I saw that the strawberry DNA and the different aspects of physiology should show similar results to trends of normal banana DNA looked different. At the beginning it was hard to get the kiwi DNA exercise, but the rate of learning should increase because of more potentiation. because the rubbing alcohol was not cold enough, but I got all the information I Participants learned how to trace a star solely looking at the reflection. This needed. The strawberry was the easiest DNA to extract and it gave me the most learning requires neuroplasticity, the rewiring of neural circuitry, as the typical DNA. My hypothesis was correct and the DNA looked different. functions of the parietal lobe, cerebellum, and cortical map for perception and position in space are compromised when everything perceived is reversed. Initial results show that muscle stimulation has a low impact on heart rate and a low correlation with completion time to trace the star. Emotional responses appear positive likely from endorphin release, and the EMS test data currently has a higher rate of learning than the controls. Therefore, the hypothesis appears to be supported, but only minimally, requiring more data to approach any statistical significance. Name Project ID Name Project ID Wade Messier BI-116 Isabel Bloch BI-119 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 8 Ballard, Richard Burlington Technical Center, 12 McLane, Betsy Project title Project title How Do Different Sources Of Heat Affect The Growth Of E.Coli The Effect of Physical Activity on Students’ Test-Taking Ability

Abstract Abstract I did this project to better understand how E. Coli reacted to different heat The benefits of physical activity are undisputed: physical activity has an sources and if they would grow colonies under the circumstances I put them in. immediate, short term effect on students’ ability to learn, as well as a long term I left them in for a day to see what results I would get and if any colonies would effect of better health condition. However, few studies have examined the form. When I came back to see my results, they weren’t too shocking. The immediate effect of exercise on test scores, which my research explores. standard light fed petri-dish produced the most results, growing three colonies. Participants ages 15 and older were selected, with the only requirements of the The Petri dishes that were fed no light and black light didn’t produce any ability to complete a low-impact exercise routine and no previous knowledge of colonies. This was somewhat interesting because you usually hear that bacteria the presentation subject (the elephant shrew). Participants were randomly like damp and DARK environments. However, it was still missing the damp, part divided into two groups: non-exercise (control group) and exercise so that could be a reason why it didn’t grow. (experimental). The two groups performed at separate times, with no one participating more than once. The exercise group was given a short questionnaire to examine factors such as gender, fitness, and level of tiredness (energy). Next, they performed a six-minute exercise routine consisting of squats, jumping-jacks, stretching, etc. They were then given a short presentation on the elephant shrew, followed by a multiple-choice quiz on the presentation material. The non-exercise group was given the same questionnaire, presentation, and quiz, with no exercise. Although data is still being collected, it is expected that the exercise group will have higher quiz scores than the non-exercise group, because exercise improves memory and overall academic performance. Name Project ID Name Project ID Tasnem Aldelemi BI-120 Mackenzie Carter and Evelyn BI-124 School, grade Teacher Groeling Burlington Technical Center, 12 McLane, Betsy School, grade Teacher Project title Milton Middle School, 7 Beley, Meagan E-cigarettes and their Effects on Teenagers Project title Do Dogs See in Color

Abstract The biggest topic that has strewn through every store we can walk into; Abstract Electronic cigarettes. The purpose of my research is to observe the effect of e- Our project is about the science topic of Dog color preferences. We decided to cigarettes on teenager’s health. It was hypothesized that when measured the do this because many people have always wondered are dogs colorblind. When participants’ heart rate, oxygen levels and blood pressure before and after we found out that they are not fully colorblind and just see different from utilizing e-cigarettes, their heart rate and blood pressure would increase and humans we decided to test and see what their color preferences were. For this their oxygen level would decrease. The procedure I followed to gather data was test, we used four dogs. One finding of my experiment was that the dogs chose comparing two different groups of teenagers. The group vapors utilized e- darker colors. The most common color they chose was yellow and red. cigarettes frequently, while the non-vapor group did not. In total there were 10 participants, 5 in each group. The group vapors were tested on two trials. Before taking measurements, participants were asked about their frequent smoking habit and if they use other substances like marijuana and cigarettes. The same procedure was done on the second group. Throughout the research, it was noted that the group vapors were more stressed compared to the non- vapors group, which increased their heart rate, but did not increase their blood pressure or decrease oxygen levels. Some participants had medical and psychological challenges that affected their heart rate and blood pressure. However, their heart-rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels were within normal ranges. Upon collecting data, it was concluded that my data did not support my hypothesis. This research suggests that electronic cigarettes does not increase heart rate, blood pressure, and/or decrease oxygen levels. Name Project ID Name Project ID Amaya Mason BI-126 Owen Davis-Tinker CH-006 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Albany Community School, 5 Jolly, Megan Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 9 Ballard, Richard Project title Project title Comparison of Effectiveness of Three Household Cleaners How Much Caffeine is in Main Brand Coffee?

Abstract Abstract The original science project that was investigated was which water source area I did this experiment because I wanted to know and inform others about how at the Albany Community School had the most amount of bacteria on it? The much caffeine is in main brand coffee. The procedure was very complicated, result was as predicted: the water fountain in the boys bathroom had the most including chemicals to soften the coffees, one to make it easily soluble and ex- bacteria. After completing the project it inspired me to continue the tractable, and one too take it out. It was very rigorous with boiling and cooling investigation at home. The new question I investigated is which household as well. My mistake ended it early, but I was still able to obtain results through cleaner is most effective in eliminating bacteria at home? For this project, three other people's experiment results, using math to apply it too my own variation commonly used cleaners were tested: Lysol All Purpose Cleaner, Clorox Bleach, of the experiment. and Thieves Essential Oil All Purpose Cleaner. These cleaners were tested equally and used on equally dirty toilets. The toilets were swabbed with a sterile medical grade cotton swab to create three controls. The swabs were rubbed on three separate brand-new petri dishes of agar and the toilets were washed with each separate cleaner. The cleaners were prepared according to the directions on the containers. Gloves were worn each time to minimize the possibility of cross contamination. After washing the three toilets with the three separate cleaners, each toilet was swabbed and rubbed on the new containers of agar. The results were photographed and documented. Many cleaning agents claim to kill 99.9% of bacteria. This investigation addressed which cleaner would be more effective at reducing and killing bacteria. I hypothesize that the less abrasive Essential Oil cleaner would actually kill more bacteria over a longer period of time than the Clorox Bleach and Lysol. This experiment can be helpful so people can make a more informed decision about which household cleaner is most effective on getting rid of bacteria. The results are still pending but will be reported by March 22nd. Name Project ID Name Project ID Brooke Durkee CH-010 Emily King CH-013 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 9 Ballard, Richard Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 9 Ballard, Richard Project title Project title Viscosity: What liquids have a higher viscosity level? How Effective Will Substances Be In Binding To Phosphorus During Filtration?

Abstract Abstract For this experiment, pour the same amount of liquid in each cylinder and have a Today, when regarding our lakes and waterways, a glaring issue stands before our public stopwatch ready, drop the marble into the cylinder, and stop the timer when citizens and environmental engineers; the build-up of toxic and dangerous blue-green algae. the marble hits the bottom. You will need to do this 3 times, add those times Based on previous research, it is known that excessive phosphorus in a body of water can lead to this algae growth, under the right conditions. This being said, it can be assumed that together and then divide by three to get the average. You will also need to do by preventing high loads of phosphorus from flowing into our lakes and rivers, we could this for each liquid. My hypothesis is that the hand sanitizer or Elmer’s glue will prevent the growth of harmful blue-green algae. With this project, I hoped to identify a have the highest viscosity. I found that the Elmer’s glue did have the highest substance that would bind to phosphorus during filtration. If I could find a substance to do viscosity of the liquids that I tested, with the hand sanitizer with the second this, it could lead to a potential solution to the blue-green algae problem. highest and then water and orange juice following. There are some potential To identify substances to test, I researched phosphorus binders used in the medical field errors that could occur in this experiment but they can be easily eliminated. to treat patients with kidney diseases and patients on dialysis. If those substances could bind to phosphorus in the bloodstream, they would be worth testing when it comes to phosphorus in water. These substances included calcium carbonate, calcium acetate, lanthanum carbonate, and magnesium hydroxide. To do my experiment, I put equal amounts of phosphorus in containers with equal amounts of water. Then, I filtered each container through a different aforementioned substance, and measured the phosphorus levels after filtration. The container with the greatest decrease in phosphorus identified the substance that binded most effectively to the phosphorus during filtration. The experiment's results showed that lanthanum carbonate was most effective in binding to phosphorus. It removed 0.6 mg/L of phosphorus after filtration. Calcium carbonate removed 0.1 mg/L, calcium acetate removed 0 mg/L, and magnesium hydroxide removed 0.5 mg/L. These results lead me to conclude that filtering water which contains excessive loads of phosphorus through a filtration system involving lanthanum carbonate could prove to be a potential solution for the blue-green algae problem in our waterways. However, for this to be considered as a viable solution, it would have to be determined whether this substance is environmentally safe or not. I am lead to believe it could very well be safe for the environment, as it is digested and consumed by humans, however, the effects of lanthanum carbonate of other life such as fish, plants, micro-organisms, etc., are unknown. Still, this experiment served its purpose, leading to a substance that effectively binds to phosphorus during filtration. [EXCEEDS WORD LIMIT] Name Project ID Name Project ID Angela Densmore CH-025 Peyton Donovan CH-053 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Christ The King School-Rutland, 8 Ferguson, Brian Mater Christi School, 8 Pendergrass, Mark Project title Project title Cleaning Coins This Project is Bananas

Abstract Abstract For my experiment I wanted to know what cleaned coins the best. My The project named “Does Banana Sugar Increase Over Time” was designed to hypothesis was that the hot sauce would clean the coins better because of all see whether temperature increases or decreases the amount of sugar in a the acids and spices used in it. To do this, I gathered six different things to test banana over time. Research indicated that when ethylene gas touches a banana four different coins in. Hot sauce, lemon juice, orange juice, dish soap, coke, that it starts the ripening process which is where the enzymes in the banana and baking soda. I recorded my data by waiting twenty-four hours and them turn the starches in the fruit into sugar. The process of finding the sugar content cleaned the coins off with water and a toothbrush. I concluded that my of each banana was done with a brix refractometer. First the tested banana was hypothesis was correct, and the hot sauce did the best. juiced using cheesecloth and the juice of the banana was spread unto the lens of the brix refractometer. Then while looking into the eyepiece of the refractometer in a well lit room was the sugar percentage of the banana revealed. The amount of sugar in each banana was measured using brix. Brix is the measurement used to find sugar in an aqueous solution. The biggest factor of the experiment was the fact that all the bananas were tested when they were already yellow. If the testing were started earlier in the ripening process of the banana the hypothesis may have been correct. The hypothesis was incorrect because neither group of bananas gained sugar at a consistent rate. Name Project ID Name Project ID Evan Simpson CH-060 Alle LeDuc and Catherine Viner CH-063 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Frederick Tuttle Middle School, 7 Towle, Christopher Christ The King School, 8 Cinti, Christy Project title Project title How good can the cookie get if you freeze it? What Type Of Water Is The Hardest?

Abstract Abstract How do you like cookie dough, do you want to make it taste better well I have The use of water is very common in the everyday lives of people around the the thing for you. world. Most of the time water is a great resource, drink, and necessity. If you freeze cookie dough will it affect its taste? However, when the water is hard, which is water with a high content of What will happen to the cookie when you freeze it for a certain amount of time dissolved minerals, it can have some unsightly results. For example, cleaning then bake it,it will taste better than normal my evidence to support my claim is with hard water can leave a residue and stains on hands, bathtubs, sinks, and since you sometimes freezing stuff so they become better because of the cold showers. In addition, it can clog pipes in homes. Hard water also contains high and it is making it harder than normal. levels of calcium and magnesium that can affect organs and cause skin irritation my information is freezing because i have to freeze the cookie dough than bake (Service Pros Plumbers). This project tested which type of water is the hardest. it then rate it,I also did baking since that is one of the most important parts and The hypothesis was between spring, mineral, and tap water, spring water would i learned that the oven is one of the most oldest things they did back then and be the hardest type of water because it is taken from underground sources with almost everyone keeps on doing it. an abundance of minerals present. To test this experiment three types of water, My basic summary of my procedures are 3 trials and cooked at same time than three mason jars, Dawn dish soap, and a timer were used. The spring, distilled, rating the taste of the cookie and tap water were added into three different mason jars and three drops of Oven soap were added to it. The jars were shaken for twenty seconds and then the Chocolate cookie dough height of the bubbles were recorded from the spot of the water. The results metal trays revealed that spring water was indeed the hardest type of water out of the The results are the frozen cookie dough will affect the taste of the cookie three types that were tested, making the hypothesis true. This project can be by making worse and the refrigerated was the best and non frozen was in the applied to the community and benefit many people. The information that middle. shows how harmful hard water can be, will hopefully keep the people in the community safe. The results of the data will help bring awareness to the community about what specific water is hard, and warn them about the effects. Name Project ID Name Project ID Anna Marsella CH-065 Katelyn Shepard CH-068 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Christ The King School, 8 Cinti, Christy Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 7 Ballard, Richard Project title Project title Which type of pineapple has the most active enzymes? Jolly Rancher dissolving project

Abstract Abstract For some people, eating pineapple could lead to a sore feeling in their mouth. This can be due to the enzymes in pineapple. The reason a person might get a For my project I wanted to see which liquid the Jolly Rancher would dissolve in sore feeling in their mouth is that the proteins on the inside of the human the fastest. I tried three different liquids to find results. I used water, vinegar, mouth can be broken down by the enzymes in pineapple (“Proteins”). The and seltzer water. To find my information, I set a time for ten minutes. I would hypothesis was that the week-old pineapple has the most active enzymes and take the Jolly Rancher out of the liquid every time the timer went off. Finally I therefore will cause the most pain in the mouth. The materials included in this would weight the jolly rancher. In the end I found out that vinegar took the project were a week old pineapple, a can of pineapple, a fresh pineapple, a box least amount of time. of gelatin, 2 petri dishes and a balance. The first step was to cut up the pineapple and gelatin and put it in petri dish and leave them for eight hours. At the end of eight hours the pineapple with the least amount of gelatin will cause the most pain to people with sensitive mouths and the pineapple with the most gelatin is right for people with sensitive mouths. The hypothesis was wrong. It turned out the fresh pineapple had the most active enzymes because it was new and the enzymes hadn’t broken down. The enzymes were active and would attack the inside of a sensitive mouth. The pineapple with the least active enzymes was the canned pineapple and the week-old pineapple. Thanks to this experiment people in the community can now find the pineapple that works for them. If they have sensitive mouths then canned pineapple or pineapple that has been sitting for a few days is best for them. Name Project ID Name Project ID Gabrielle Lucci CH-076 Kaitlyn Zierak CH-089 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Christ The King School-Rutland, 8 Ferguson, Brian St. Francis Xavier School, 6 Varhue, Maryellen Project title Project title Spud Light Keep It Hot

Abstract Abstract My experiment is called Spud Light. In my experiment, I wanted to know which Many people like to drink coffee on the go and drink it in different fast food type of potato powers an LED best, meaning how much voltage was produced. cups. I wanted to find out which cups keeps your coffee hot the longest. I did For this experiment, I used 4 types of potatoes: Russet, Red, Sweet, and Yellow. this project because I wanted to see how long people’s coffee stay hot. I hypothesized that the Russet potato would power the LED best because it was The cups I used were Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Green the biggest potato. Since it was the biggest potato, it would most likely have Mountain Coffee. I thought that the Dunkin’ Donuts cup, which is styrofoam, the most extra substances, like acid and sugar. To test this experiment, I will do the best. I thought the Dunkin’ Donuts styrofoam cup would do the best connected wires to copper and zinc strips to create a circuit, so that the LED because styrofoam is a great insulator. Styrofoam is a great insulator because would light up. At the end of the experiment, I learned that my hypothesis was styrofoam has millions of trapped gas bubbles making it hard to conduct heat. correct. Russet potatoes had the most volts produced. For each cup I added 200? water and recorded time and temperature as it dropped from 195? to 120? with an ambient room temperature of 70?. I placed a foam insulator on the top and bottom of each cup so that I was mainly measuring the heat loss through the sides of each cup. I attempted to model the temperature drop as an exponential decay towards room temperature (70?). For the best fit the curve needed to decay towards a final temperature of 85?. This is probably due to a layer of warm air surrounding the cups as they cooled. I proved my hypothesis because the Dunkin’ Donuts cup kept the water between 195? and 120? the longest (~2 hours). The next closest cup was the McDonald’s paper cup (~1.5 hours). While the lowest 2 cups were ~1 hour. Although styrofoam makes a very good coffee cup it doesn’t biodegrade. For the health of the Earth better insulated cups will need to be invented to replace the styrofoam cups. Name Project ID Name Project ID Lexi Llanos CH-094 Esther Koo CH-099 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher St. Francis Xavier School, 7 Varhue, Maryellen South Burlington High School, 10 Moore, Nathaniel Project title Project title Assessing Acrylics Can Dialysis Be Used To Treat Lead Poisoning?

Abstract Abstract My science fair project consisted of painting nine identical landscape scenes, Around 143,000 people die per year from lead poisoning. The purpose of this but with three different levels of acrylics: Crayola (student), Craft Smart (artist), study was to examine the effectiveness of using dialysis on lead removal from and Winsor Newton (professional). The three types of acrylics not only varied the body. in vibrancy and consistency, but also in cost. The question remained: will the paints with higher prices deliver on higher durability? I tested this to discover Two 0.1 M solutions of lead nitrate and potassium phosphate were created. Ten whether professional quality acrylics were worth purchasing in order to sustain milliliters of lead nitrate were poured into a strip of dialysis tubing. The tubing the longevity of the painting among natural elements: heat, water and sun. was then submerged into a beaker of potassium phosphate. Each trial was analyzed using a coffee filter to measure the percent of lead that was Three independent tests were done with the three different levels of acrylics precipitated removed. Research indicated that passive Pb transport is strongly and were subjected to heat, water, and sun damage. One of each level of stimulated by HCO3-, also known as bicarbonate. Therefore, a bicarbonate acrylic canvas paintings were exposed to 72 hours of 75°F blown heat, direct solution was made and added to the potassium phosphate to determine if it contact in four inches of water for 36 hours , and placed under a UV sun lamp increases the efficiency of the reaction. for 72 hours to conclude which paints could hold up to these elements. It was evident that after the time limited experiment that the Crayola and Craft Smart Trials without bicarbonate resulted in an average precipitation of 0.12 grams of did not sustain their vibrance with water and heat damage. On the contrary, lead phosphate. Trials with bicarbonate had an average of 0.18 grams. It was the UV exposure had no obvious effect on the paintings in the time it was observed that the lead precipitated on both sides of the tubing. The lead nitrate subjected to. According to the trials, the paints prices were proportional to their and the potassium phosphate were supposed to precipitate out of solution durabilities. together in the form of lead phosphate, however, the precipitate was mostly found on the inside of the tubing. Data analysis is ongoing; see final abstract at the science fair. Name Project ID Name Project ID Sunthoshini Premsankar CH-118 Izzy Laramee CH-121 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Champlain Valley Union High School, Strack, Sarah Frederick Tuttle Middle School, 7 Towle, Christopher 10 Project title Project title What Types Of Gum Blows The Biggest Bubbles? Plastic for Pharmaceutical Pollution

Abstract Abstract Did you know that the first type of gum was tasteless? Considering all of the Pharmaceutical pollution is an upcoming and crucial issue for our Lake different flavors, from classic mint to wacky wasabi gum, you probably didn’t Champlain. Through previous projects and testing, an effective method of expect or know that the first type of gum was tasteless! Along with flavors, filtration was found against acetaminophen: activated charcoal. Realistically, there are different amounts of sugar in every piece of gum. Does sugar affect however, implementing this into the lake isn’t cost-efficient as it results in whether or not bubble gum will blow bigger bubbles? If the gum has less sugar either high expenses in re-activating charcoal or increasing amounts of charcoal in it, then it will blow bigger bubbles because it will have more elasticity. waste in our landfills. From here, materials in the landfills themselves were How did gum become what it is today? It all started out with chicle. Chicle is a looked at for a possible solution. Seeing as plastic is a main product of our trash, type of tree sap that comes from the Manilkara Zapota a tree that is commonly it was tested as an adsorbent. Plastic was heated to become porous as a similar found in Central America, more specifically Yucatan, some parts of Southern process to other porous adsorbents. Using store-bought porous plastic along Mexico, northern Belize and Northeastern Guatemala! with the homemade version, both were tested as a potential filter of pharmaceutical pollution in a solution of water and caffeine. Caffeine was used Here’s a small overview of our project. In the experiment, a scale was used to as a substitute for acetaminophen for easier differentiation through make sure that for each test, the piece of gum was exactly 6 grams. A timer was chromatography. This was justified as it is often found alongside also used to make sure that the gum was chewed for 2 minutes and to time acetaminophen in pain killers. The effectiveness of the adsorbent was found by how long the bubble stayed blew up. Many of the materials were relatively using chromatography to measure the remaining caffeine concentration. similar, for this experiment we used 8 different types of gum. Overall, the experiment is very straightforward with all of the steps and directions. Name Project ID Name Project ID Baylee Rock CH-122 Sara Ambrose CH-127 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Milton Middle School, 8 DeCicco, Robert Milton Middle School, 8 DeCicco, Robert Project title Project title MM's in Different Liquids Water Impurities

Abstract Abstract My project was on how the different liquids affect the time that it takes for the My testable question was, how does the source of water affect the color on the M&Ms to withdraw. I thought that the water would make it concentration of impurities. The main reason I picked this project is because disappear faster because no acid or bubbles would get in the way of the color ever since I was younger I noticed the school water sources tasted a little off. from withdrawing from the M&M. I took 4 liquids, water, vinegar, hydrogen That got me thinking that maybe they weren’t as clean as the other sources I peroxide and rubbing alcohol. Then, I took one of the liquids and put an orange was used to. I decided to test five sources, classroom water, filtered school M&M in the cup. I only used the orange M&M’s so that there wouldn’t be any water, school sink/tap water, home filtered water, and home sink/tap water. effect on the experiment because of the different colors. Next, I used a The impurities I tested for were lead, nitrate, bromine, pH levels, and the total stopwatch and timed the times it took for the color to remove itself from the hardness. My procedure was pretty straight forward and was the same for each M&M. I did 3 trials of each liquid and found the average time. Hydrogen sample. I would take a certain amount of water from each source, dip a testing peroxide worked the fastest and the rubbing alcohol worked the slowest. In the strip in then wait 60 seconds. I would then chart the data that was just collected end, the longest it took was 6 minutes and 8 seconds and the fastest was 1 and repeat with the other four sources. All of the water sources seemed pretty minute and 49 seconds. The first liquid that I used was the rubbing alcohol. clean when going over the data I had just tested for except the classroom water Overall, it took 6 minutes and 8 seconds. The second one that I used was that had many of the impurities that I was looking for. That was the most hydrogen peroxide. This one took 1 minute and 49 seconds. Vinegar was the impure water source out of the five. It contained unhealthy levels of lead, third liquid that I used. This took 2 minutes and 10 seconds. The final type of bromine, and also had the highest level of hardness. In the future, I would like liquid that I used was water which took 2 minutes and 58 seconds. Overall, the to explore how to make the water cleaner and see if other places besides school hydrogen peroxide worked the fastest and the rubbing alcohol took the longest. had the same problem. Name Project ID Name Project ID Cameron Laychak and Malichi CS-111 Brianna Parent EN-003 Bergeron School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 10 Ballard, Richard Milton Middle School, 8 DeCicco, Robert Project title Project title Can I Build A Working Biodegradable Filter For The Developing World Chocolate or Vanilla A.I in Action

Abstract Abstract My purpose for doing this project was to be able to help solve a world problem I Chocolate or Vanilla A.I in Action thought was an issue that should’ve already been dealt with properly. Really the only reason why I have access to clean water is by chance.. If I were born My partner and I wanted to do something with A.I (Artificial intelligence). We somewhere else I might not be so lucky. I thought my filter would do a pretty devised a plan to make an A.I. that could predict if someone liked chocolate or good job at getting rid of all the dirt and particles that were in my dirt vanilla flavoring better. We did this project to show how we as a society can use concoction. It worked well even when my hot glued section had a leak in it that A.I to our advantage. We can use A.I. to develop robots, solve complex compromised the data a little bit. This project had many setbacks like having my problems, help with traffic, etc. We tested each prototype by asking 13 students materials not be the size that I thought they were going to be, or having to to answer the questions the A.I. gives them. Then we tallied how many scramble to find a different material to use for my project that stunk so bad I predictions the A.I. got correct and how many it got incorrect. Our design had to wash it over and over, and how long it took for my trials to get done criteria had 3 main points: 1) a code that could build off of others answers, 2) a because I had not enough time in the class. Overall this filter worked quite well. code that could store more than 100 answers, 3) a bug-free code. We made 3 It would be great if a filter similar to this one could be created with prototypes before our final design. All the prototypes met design criteria points biodegradable filters and be shaped specifically for my filter contraption. 1 and 2. Our final design met all of our criteria points. For our final design, we added a line of code that was not in any of the prototypes. This line of code made the A.I. more precise, by making the code random if all the variables were equal. This was a success on our part as the final design had more correct predictions than most of our prototypes. We found that the more questions we added the more incorrect predictions we had. If we had more time we would make an easy to use interface that could be accessed through an internet browser. Name Project ID Name Project ID Eagan Murphy EN-007 Virginia Snyder EN-015 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 9 Ballard, Richard Windsor Schools, 11 Engwall, Catharine Project title Project title Is it possible to Extract Hydrogen from Water? Designing a Solar Powered Ultrasonic Cyanobacteria Growth Inhibitor

Abstract Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to test the possibility of being able to Water quality is a large problem in Vermont, and is largely caused by harmful extract Hydrogen from water, and if so, what I could use it for, as well as how it algal blooms (HABs). These blooms are made of cyanobacteria and are a result compares to fossil fuels, or carbon based power sources. The reason I wanted of excess nutrients in bodies of water. HABs cause dead zones (areas in bodies to carry out this experiment was to find alternatives to the modern day most of water that are deprived of oxygen) and are toxic to humans and animals. widely used forms of powers/energies like fossil fuels, oil and natural gas. This hurts not only a natural resource, but the important economic industry of Hydrogen gas is already an experimental form of power in some cars, although tourism. The goal in this project was to create a more cost effective algae killer it is not widely known, or utilized. The way I went about carrying out my by using ultrasonic waves, open source coding, and solar power. Ultrasound is experiment was by doing research on Hydrogen generators, looking for one of the least invasive but most effective ways to kill algae because it has the materials, and building my own. The result of 3 separate trials was limited as it unique ability to rupture the gas vacuoles without breaking the cell wall and proved hard to contain the amount of hydrogen produced, and hence find the releasing the toxins. limit of hydrogen power. I ended up thinking of another way that my generator Four groups of Anabaena, a specific strain of cyanobacteria, were exposed to could be improved to capture the Hydrogen more efficiently, so after a had different devices producing ultrasonic waves. The following are the four groups: altered my generator to fit these needs, I was able to not only produce a common ultrasonic rodent repellent, an engineered device using a piezo hydrogen, but capture it as well. Part of the generator I had created was a one buzzer, a second engineered device using an ultrasonic sensor, and a control liter seltzer bottle which contained the Hydrogen after if was created, the group exposed to no ultrasonic waves. Each group was tested every 24 hours to amount of Hydrogen produced filled in three inches of the 11 inch bottle after look for changes in the structure of the cells in each filament and amount of four minutes. This led me to the conclusion that it was possible to create, and bubbles (signifying photosynthesis). Through the experiment it was found that capture Hydrogen. the only devices that inhibited growth were the open source, engineered devices, not the rodent repellent like predicted in the hypothesis. Going forward, the sample size could be increased, the devices could be altered to be more powerful, and the devices could be waterproofed to place directly into a water source. Name Project ID Name Project ID Delilah Kramer EN-021 Alex Dombi EN-029 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher South Burlington High School, 9 Shields, Jim South Burlington High School, 11 Shields, Jim Project title Project title The Bucket List- what goes into a better bag Precious Plastics

Abstract Abstract A 3 year search for the ideal bag results in an engineering project to modify a 5 The Precious Plastics project aims to repurpose plastic bottle caps from SBHS’ gallon bucket. This bucket addition could go on to be perhaps the most and recycle them into items that can be used around the school- reducing the convenient carrying container of the century. Through a long process of amount of plastic in our waste stream, as well as the cost of our classrooms’ identifying problems, finding solutions, and lots of modifying, this bucket is now resources. We assessed the needs of our community in partnership with the the best it's ever been, and it's still getting better. Affectionately called "The Chittenden Solid Waste District and determined that by reusing plastic that 5Gal", this bucket cover design could solve the search for the best baggage. wouldn’t have been recycled, we could alleviate the amount of plastic that’s being inserted into landfills. The purpose of this exhibition specifically is to use the engineering design process to get the machine into a functioning state with the ability to consistently melt and caste plastic, with a focus on the ability to control the speed, temperatures, and volume of the machine. To do this, each need of the machine was assessed and then coordinating community partners were found, consulted, and partnered with to complete that aspect of the machine. The current state of the machine is functional; however untested. Since September, we have transitioned from a vertical barrel with a manual piston to a horizontal barrel with a motor-powered auger to increase consistency of the output, resized the barrel from 1.5 inches to 1 inch in order to increase the exposure of the plastic to the outside heat bands and improve melting, added a rheostat in order to be able to control the RPM of the motor, redesigned the nozzle configuration with a more gradual slope and easier customization of tip pieces, and re-welded weak welds on the base. This incomplete project is approaching the specifications outlined in our original documents in efficiency of construction, however are not approaching the goal of consistent plastic output or complimenting documents. Name Project ID Name Project ID Lauren McCabe EN-035 Emilie Buttolph EN-037 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Mater Christi School, 7 Pendergrass, Mark Mater Christi School, 7 Pendergrass, Mark Project title Project title UV Got To Be Kidding Me Get on the right track

Abstract Abstract The problem that this product was intended to fix was spreading bacteria The violin bow corrector is a device designed to fix a posture problem in most through water bottles. It would have to be easy to use and effective, so after children or other beginning violin students. For best results the bow is supposed research it was decided that UV light would be used. Other solutions for this to be in between the bridge and where the fingerboard begins, but most problem were angled more towards the water in the bottle rather than the students struggle with keeping their bow in the correct spot. There were bottle itself which would still allow bacteria grow in the bottle. The revised designs on the internet with similar traits and for the same purpose, but this design of the UV light water bottle cleaner used a UV light within a PVC pipe design was created to optimise strength, flexibility, and the lightweight finnes of lined with tin foil to bounce the light in all directions around the bottle. Tests the product. The first sketch of this product was very basic and only showed the were done by rinsing the bottles out with contaminated water and then using design in a “stick figure fashion,” however the final design has more detail as to the UV light water bottle cleaner on half of them then testing for bacteria. For how the corrector attaches onto the violin. In order to have the bow corrector this to work there could be no chance of bacteria entering the bottle other than not slip off, two little nubs of plastic were added as a “doorstop” for the the contaminated water. After testing it was determined that this product corrector. In terms of how to measure and ultimately tell if this was a good idea works extraordinarily well, it got rid of 94.5% of bacteria in the sterilized bottles if not, the player recorded him/herself playing six downbows on each open compared to the non sterilized bottles. Sterilized bottle caps had 73.5 times string and measured in decibels and hertz. As for the subjective data four fewer bacteria than non sterilized bottle caps. Subjective testing was done by people were given the violin bow corrector and they had to: put it on the violin, showing people the results and asking them to fill out a four question survey fiddle around with it for a couple of minutes, and take it back off the violin. about how well the product worked. The surveys came back with unanimous Then they had to fill out a form were they answered a few questions. This results, with all participants saying that it worked and that they would use it. To design was very successful (it did not mute the violin) and people thought that it have more data in support of the product more tests would be done. was a good device. Name Project ID Name Project ID Dylan Deschamp EN-038 Peter Milne EN-042 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Windsor Schools, 11 Bachey, Jeff Northfield High School, 10 Urling, Amy Project title Project title Choosing an Accurate Putter The Effect of Protective Measures on Wind Susceptibility

Abstract Abstract As an athlete, I am highly invested in the evolution and improvement of all This experiment was conducted in order to test whether or not a parachute athletic activities. I chose to do this experiment because I love the sport of golf, used in a supply drop would be affected by wind. It was my hypothesis that it I wanted to increase an interest in this lifelong sport, and share my findings would, and that a more padding based form of protection would be more with a broader audience. The weakest part of almost any golfer’s game, is accurate. To test this, I build a large wooden frame with a water balloon putting. I wanted to design a putter head that would perform better than the launcher attached, and encased a golf ball in various forms of protection, average putter head. I based my design off of my personal Ping putter and a specifically, bubble wrap, parachute, and glider wings. For a control, I used a putter made by Edel Golf with personalized weighting capability. I used CAD plain golf ball. Where it landed also stood for the target for every other launch. software, Sketchup, to create my models and Cura software to 3D print the The parachute was blown 40 cm down wind, the glider 17 cm, and the bubble putter head models. I then designed a mechanism to attach the putter heads to, wrap only 12 cm. This data supported my hypothesis, in the fact that the in order to keep the putt consistent and take out the chance of human error. I parachute was blown down wind the most, and the bubble wrap the least. used synthetic golf turf mats to simulate a putting green and the same ball for every putt. The shaft to head connection point was the variable tested for accuracy, done by measuring the distance from the ball to the target on an X Y coordinate graph, using the average putts from each putter. My hypothesis was not supported since the center shafted putter was the most accurate putt. I feel that my experiment could very well change the sport of golf, and the way golfers choose their putters. If I was to conduct further research, I would experiment with the weight distribution of the putters and test for accuracy again. Name Project ID Name Project ID Devin Audette and Hunter Ryan EN-049 Anders Linseisen EN-056 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Northfield High School, 10 Urling, Amy Mater Christi School, 7 Pendergrass, Mark Project title Project title The effect of different tsunami barriers on stopping tsunamis Control the Cold: Snap On, Snap Off

Abstract Abstract The purpose of our experiment is to test the effectiveness of different types of Nordic skiers are advised to cover their ears to prevent frostbite and to use a tsunami barriers. We created a tsunami tank and four different types of hat to keep warm. Frostbite and hypothermia represent 20 percent of all barriers: straight wall, curved wall, an all-natural wall made with plants and no injuries in Nordic skiers (Keller, p.1). Sadly, when a nordic skier wears a hat, the wall. We filled a tank with water and released a board under the water to head often overheats, but once the skier removes the hat to release the heat, simulate a subduction boundary pushing up ocean water. We released a wave the ears can get cold. This engineering design project involved creating a and measured the amount of water that passed over the wall. Our hypothesis lightweight Nordic ski hat-headband which would allow heat release from the was that the curved wall would let the least amount of water over, the natural head when desired, while keeping the ears covered. For the design to work, the wall would let the second least amount over, the normal straight wall would let skier had to be able to take the hat part off the headband easily, the hat and the third most in and no wall would let the most water in. The curved wall was headband needed to insulate the head, and the fabric had to be stretchy, light the most effective wall as it let an average of 0 mL over the barrier. It deflected weight, and comfortable. Background research noted two hat-headbands that all of the water back into the tank. The natural barrier was also effective and either exposed the head or ear lobes but neither was similar to this hat- only let an average of 47ml of water over. The straight wall let an average of headband design. The final design offered comfortable insulation, increased ear 156.7ml over the wall and with no wall 1000ml of water went over the land. The protection, and easy conversion to headband which was superior to the current straight wall was the least effective wall because it had to take the full force of designs on the market. The objective data test, measuring the difference in the wave. Our hypothesis was supported by the data because the curved wall head temperature with and without the hat portion, showed a decrease of 4°C was the most effective at blocking tsunami waves. in head temperature with the hat off. Subjective results, recorded with a seven question online survey completed by four users, were remarkably good. The prototype received an average satisfaction rating of 8.5/10. Future hat- headband design would include more sizes and better snap alignment. Overall, the hat-headband design proved to be a very effective prototype. Name Project ID Name Project ID Memphis Everest EN-057 Kaitlin Murphy EN-058 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Frederick Tuttle Middle School, 7 Towle, Christopher Christ The King School, 6 Cinti, Christy Project title Project title The Steam Solution Is composite wood stronger than solid wood?

Abstract Abstract Say goodbye to salt! About one million trees are harvested daily to be used for furniture (How Many Have you ever felt guilty about using too much water? Do you ever think about Trees). When working on a project the builder has a choice between several the 3 million people who die each year of dehydration? If you ever think about types of wood. Two options for furniture are solid wood, which is the wood these questions, or even if you don’t, you should listen to how this technology directly from trees, and composite wood, which is made from compressed will revolutionize earth. In this engineering design task, you will be find out how wood particles. There is some debate as to whether solid wood is stronger, thus to create the most efficient desalination creation. better than composite wood. The purpose of this experiment was to determine If you were to find some background information on the subject matter, you which type was stronger by measuring which type of material will resist would find the following. Instead of just “desalting” water, you could call it breaking or flexing. The hypothesis was composite is stronger than solid wood, desalination.. You would also discover that ocean water has 35,000 Parts Per because it is made out of wood particles and resin under high heat and high Million (ppm) of sodium chloride, whereas drinking water contains below 1,000 pressure. The materials used in this project were the machine to test the ppm sodium chloride. In fact, you would also learn that reverse osmosis, while torsional and flexion resistance, 10 (MDF: Medium Density Fiberboard) very high tech, cannot be done on a small scale efficiently. On the other hand, composite wood bars (30 cm by 1 cm) long. Also 10 solid wood bars of Pine and thermal cannot be done efficiently on a large scale. 10 solid wood bars of Red Oak both (30 cm by 1 cm) long. The first step was to In this engineering design task, you would require many components. In this, make the torsion and flexion machine. Then each sample bar was placed in the you would need many household materials. You would need duct tape, a pot, machine to test the pressure it took to break it using torsional and flexion and tin foil. First, the OG design, in which a slide was created. Second, an M was resistance. The results showed that the Red Oak was the strongest and the MDF made. It melted. Third, a eco friendly design was built. And finally the last was the weakest, in both flexion and torsion forces. This conclusion will help designs were created. They held the most and were the best. people choose which wood to build or to buy that best fits the project. The sealed designs fared far better than the unsealed designs. The sealed designs were much better because steam couldn’t escape. The only exception was the M design, but that became unsealed. The projects that succeeded (did the best) had the best seal. The main reason the sealed projects did better was because they kept the steam inside of them, which not only produced more steam, but allowed the steam to get into the collection container. Name Project ID Name Project ID Louis Villemarie EN-067 Jules Butler and Giovanni EN-072 School, grade Teacher DiGiulian Christ The King School, 6 Cinti, Christy School, grade Teacher Project title Frederick Tuttle Middle School, 7 Towle, Christopher Can chicken feces charge an iPod? Project title Fix The Stix

Abstract Can an iPod be charged off of chicken feces? Chicken feces has energy in it, this Abstract energy can be harnessed to power an ipod, but first the energy must be Did you know that over 63 million dollars is spent on hockey sticks each year in converted. The amount of methane created by the livestock in America is only just the United States That's a lot of money and it’s all because sticks are increasing as the population also increases. Methane bio-digesters can serve as snapping frequently on the ice for adults, teenagers, and even some kids. Is it a more common source of renewable energy. The hypothesis was that the iPod possible for the average hockey player to repair a hockey stick using everyday will successfully be charged using the methane created by the bacteria when household adhesives. We researched different things we need to know about the digests the chicken feces. The process of this experiment is to release tape and glue and found that adhesives have been used for thousands of years. methane from the feces through a process of anaerobic decomposition. This What makes gluey substance stick to something else is adhesive forces. The decomposition is performed by archaebacteria. Then the methane was main factors is called adsorption. When you spread adhesive, it wets the surface collected via water displacement, it was then burned and then using a you apply it to. Lots of very weak electrostatic forces between the glue thermoelectric generator convert the heat energy into electrical energy. The molecules and the molecules in the surface hold the two things together. The electricity created theoretically was to charge an iPod and is experiment it control group in our testing held up 375 lbs and the closest thing to that was the absolutely did. A small battery can be charged with a higher voltage. With a gorilla tape which held around 15 lbs. For our project we needed a hockey stick, high enough voltage this can power people’s homes. glue, and tape. Those were are main materials that we used in are experiment. Name Project ID Name Project ID John Patrick EN-074 Ayden Miranda EN-078 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Frederick Tuttle Middle School, 8 Bartlett, Lauren South Burlington High School, 10 Moore, Nathaniel Project title Project title How Tough Are Your Paper Towels? Creating an induction coil heating system for a plastic extrusion machine

Abstract Abstract You may use paper towels, but have you ever wondered which one is the Imagine if it was possible to easily turn used plastics into useful objects. Plastic strongest? I wanted to do this project because my family has always used extrusion machines do just that by using resistive heating bands to heat a barrel Bounty paper towels and I’ve wondered what other paper towels were like. The that melts the plastic for recycling. This project looks to solve the issues of experiment involved two different procedures, trying to figure out which brand resistive heating and see if it is possible to replace it with inductive heating. of paper towels is the strongest. If we compared four consumer brands of paper Arduino was used to control both the motor of the extrusion machine and the towels, then Bounty will likely be the strongest brand because my family has inductive heating coil. A code was originally written to measure the used it for years and found it to be the most reliable. The first procedure was to temperature of the resistive heating bands. Next, the code was adapted to see which was the strongest brand when placing 150 quarters on the paper measure the temperatures of three points on the barrel as well as control and towel and seeing how long it takes to rip through. The second procedure was measure the speed of the motor and the PWM frequency of the coil. dropping quarters from nine inches above and seeing how many quarters it Data collection and analysis are currently ongoing. Please see the final abstract took before the paper towel ripped. During the first procedure, the paper towel at the science fair. was soaked for 30 seconds in 50 milliliters of water. During the second procedure, the paper towel was soaked for three minutes in 50 milliliters of water. The independent variable is the paper towels, the dependent variable is the time for procedure one and the number of coins for procedure two, and the controlled variables size of the sheet, the time to soak, and the amount of water. I found Viva was the strongest for both procedures. I found Sparkle to be the weakest. My prediction was wrong, and the strongest paper towel brand out of Scott, Viva, Sparkle, and Bounty was Viva by a significant amount. Name Project ID Name Project ID Cynthia Tudor EN-105 Patrick Hoover EN-123 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Frederick Tuttle Middle School, 7 Lutz, Amelia Milton Middle School, 7 Beley, Meagan Project title Project title Houston, the Eagle has Landed Solenoids: How they work

Abstract Abstract On October 4th, 1957, the great space race began. It was a race to fly satellites My topic is about how solenoids work. and men into space, an achievement which seemed impossible. My testable I tested how the different mass of a magnet affected it’s fall speed while question was; which type of leg is the best for an actual landing and does the falling down a copper pipe, which in turn, led me to realize (with some help) speed affect the landing? My hypothesis was If a lunar lander has normal legs that when the magnet fell down the pipe, it created a magnetic field around the that it has on a regular lunar lander then it will provide a nice safe landing for pipe, which, when I looked it up, it turns out that solenoids are used to start the lunar lander. I think this will work because there is support meaning it has a engines in vehicles by connecting the battery to the engine. less likely chance to break and the angle it's at will catch the lander and not let For my project, I was trying to test how the mass difference affected it, it tip over. This project tested homemade lunar landers, made of cardboard and but I don’t think that other people might have thought about it. popsicle sticks. I have found that the legs that NASA uses are best for landings and that speed has no correlation to landing. I found that 3/3 times the circle What I did was I tested a few different magnet sizes, and I dropped them type legs will fall over, 2/3 times the simple legs will break and the normal style down the copper pipe. How I researched my project was I looked up solenoids, legs will always land. My process was to first to set everything up then test the and i also tried the project myself by dropping a magnet down a copper pipe. lander by putting it on the string and dropping it lastly recording data. I found The key impact of my research is that solenoids can be used for multiple that the simple leg type was so insignificant to the circle and normal leg types. different things and can be used in different ways. The simple legs had the highest rating than all the other legs. The simple legs also crashed and broke on impact. The normal legs were the best leg type as I predicted. The normal legs had the lowest rating and never crashed once. The normal legs also never broke on impact like the simple legs. In conclusion, the normal legs are the best for landing on the moon because of the positioning and support of the legs and there is no correlation between speed and landing. Name Project ID Name Project ID Abigail Gagne EV-009 Audrey Chairvolotti EV-034 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 9 Ballard, Richard Homeschool, 9 Chairvolotti, Sheila Project title Project title What Type Of Insulation Is Most Efficient When Heating And Cooling Your Effects of Nonpoint Source Pollutants on Cyanobacteria Growth Home?

Abstract Abstract The main purpose of this experiment was to determine what type of insulation Year after year, cyanobacteria blooms are becoming more of a problem in Lake was most efficient when heating and cooling a building. It was hypothesized Champlain, and are gaining public interest because of cyanobacteria’s ability to that spray foam insulation was more efficient than cellulose or no insulation at produce toxins. Cyanobacteria blooms are often found in areas of the lake that all. To conduct this experiment three plastic boxes, three thermometers, spray are warmer, shallow and stagnant, and have high nutrient levels. Some of the foam and cellulose or needed. Put spray foam in one box, cellulose in another nutrients come from runoff from people’s fields, farms, and yards. This project and leave the last box empty. Put a thermometer in each of the three boxes and studied the levels of growth of cyanobacteria in a closed system when different place them all outside for ten minutes. After ten minutes record your findings levels of several common substances were added. Cyanobacteria, collected on the chart and repeat until the boxes have been outside for forty minutes. from a bloom on Lake Champlain, was used to inoculate fourteen quart jars Bring the boxes inside and repeat the same steps that were followed when the filled with clear lake water. Different organic and inorganic substances were boxes were outside. Through this experiment I found that spray foam is a better added to the jars. The jars were put in a temperature controlled area with insulator than other materials that were used in this experiment. access to sunlight. Growth levels were evaluated by two different methods (turbidity levels and visual evaluation). High amounts of growth were seen early with the high level of cow manure and high and low levels of chicken manure, and by the end of the study, several other samples had large amounts of cyanobacteria growth; the largest lack of growth was seen in the aerated sample. The results emphasized that cyanobacteria does not grow as well in moving water, and it was surprising that the cyanobacteria sample with no additives seemed to grow as well as or better than samples with additives. These results suggests that there may be factors other than nutrients that play a role in the growth of cyanobacteria in lake water. Name Project ID Name Project ID Mikayla Holmberg and Ethan EV-043 Jared Kennedy EV-045 Monmaney-Utton School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Mater Christi School, 8 Pendergrass, Mark Northfield High School, 10 Urling, Amy Project title Project title Watt's Up with Mud? The Effect of the Ratio of Greens to Browns on Water Quality

Abstract Abstract The goal of this project is to find new ways to create clean energy. Mud can be The purpose of our experiment is to determine if compost affects water quality. used to make a microbial fuel cell (MFC) to create energy. The research showed We think that the ratio that has more fruit and vegetables (greens) than dead that mud has a bacteria in it called geobacter. The bacteria is anaerobic and leaves (browns) the water quality will have higher levels of phosphate, nitrate, releases an electron through its respiratory process. The MFC uses an electrode and pH. Because after the decomposition stage, compost produces nitrogen to take the electron and turn it into energy. However there are many different and phosphorus. If the ratio of greens to browns in compost has more greens, MFC designs and it isn’t clear which design is best. The hypothesis was if the then the water quality will have higher levels of phosphate, nitrate, and pH design of the MFC/electrodes changes, then one design will create more power because after the decomposition stage, compost produces nitrogen and in milliwatts than the other design. To test this, two different types of MFCs phosphorus. We let the compost sit for multiple week while conducting three were set up with different electrode designs. One MFC was a single-cell design different tests for four different kinds of compost ratios. The Phosphate levels with a graphite felt disk as the electrodes. The second design was a double-cell fluctuated, mainly staying around 1.5-2 mg/L. The Nitrate levels were always at MFC with a wire mesh electrode design. Some factors did affect the the data, 0 mg/L, except for the starting week. The pH ranged from 6.5-7.8 in the bin with and the biggest factor was the possibility of the MFCs not being set up the best the compost ratio of 0:25. Overtime, the pH levels slowly increased. The pH possible way. The results showed that the single-cell MFC made significantly levels stayed mainly the same throughout our testing. The phosphate levels more milliwatts than the double-cell MFC. were higher in bins three and four. The nitrate levels stayed the same throughout our testing. In doing so, we had to guess which color was closest to the template provided, and our interpretation could’ve been incorrect. Name Project ID Name Project ID Jaylyn Davidson EV-046 Danielle Guerrero EV-048 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Northfield High School, 10 Heath, Shane Northfield High School, 10 Urling, Amy Project title Project title Is Algae part of the Solution for Environmental Pollution?: The Effects of The Effect of the Amount of Glycerin on the Solidification of Bioplastic Nutrients on Algae Growth

Abstract Abstract Algae in ecosystems could be a vital tool to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the The purpose of this experiment was to test to durability of biodegradable atmosphere by trapping carbon in the ocean and could also help reduce plastic. We hypothesized that if there’s too little glycerin, then the bioplastic nutrient pollution in Lake Champlain. The goal of this experiment was to see if would not solidify completely because glycerol acts a plasticizer by interspersing algae and an aquatic plant provided different combinations of nutrients (N, P, K, itself between the agar polymers forming a solid product. First we made the Fe) would gain more biomass (measured using turbidity). The more turbid the bioplastic solution with water, agar, and glycerin. We tested four different algae solution, the more carbon dioxide and nutrients the algae must have amounts of glycerin, 0 drops, 12.5 drops, 25 drops, and 50 drops. Then we absorbed for growth and photosynthesis. I hypothesized that if Arthrospira heated the solution up until it started to bubble. We poured each solution into platensis, Chlorella vulgaris, Nannochloropsis oculata, and Lemnoideae are 4 tubes about 20 centimeters long (16 tubes total filled). We let the bioplastic fertilized with (1) Fe, (2) Fe, P, N, K, (3) a nutrient solution (P, N, K), and (4) sit for three days and then measured the amount of solidification in each of the distilled water, then the algae that is fertilized with (2) Fe, P, N, K, will end up 16 tubes. With zero drops of glycerin, there was an average of 76.25% with the most algal growth. For Arthrospira platensis the treatment that solidification. With 12.5 drops there was an average of 59.375% solidification. resulted in the greatest turbidity was Fe, P, N, K and water only. For Chlorella With 25 drops there was an average of 49.375% solidification. With 50 drops vulgaris the treatment that resulted in the highest turbidity was water at 6.6 there was an average of 46.875% solidification. As the number of drops of NTU, but it had a greater average then the other three treatments. For glycerin increased, the percent of solidification decreased. Our hypothesis was Nannochloropsis oculata the treatment that resulted in the greatest turbidity not supported by the data because as the amounts of glycerin increased, the was water only, with P, N, K closely behind. For Lemnoideae the treatment with amount of solidification decreased and we hypothesized the opposite. the highest change in biomass was Fe with 2.46g. My experimental data did not support my hypothesis. My hypothesis was that when fertilized by Fe, P, N, K, the algae and aquatic plant would have the most increase of turbidity or growth. When conducting my experiment, I found out that spring water had the greatest turbidity for 2/3 of the algae. When spring water was tested for the Lemnoideae, it ended up having the greatest biomass growth against the other nutrients ending with a change of biomass at 9.6%. This study does show that the different nutrient levels did affect algal growth and that algae farming in lakes and oceans should continue to be explored to solve environmental problems. Name Project ID Name Project ID Bonnie Blake and Madeline Hill EV-050 Lili Diemer EV-059 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Weathersfield School, 8 Villa, Julian Christ The King School, 6 Cinti, Christy Project title Project title Should the United States ban single use plastics? Which straw decomposes the fastest in soil? And does soil type matter?

Abstract Abstract Single use plastic is a major problem, and we want to help the environment People have been slurping through millions of different kinds of straws for thrive. We approached solving the problem by providing alternatives to single decades, but straws are becoming a problem-particularly plastic straws. Plastic use plastics and telling the impact they have on the environment. We want to straws are awful for the environment, and an alternative has been necessary. make sure the ocean is not polluted with plastic and keep all animals safe from One alternative for straws is the recent innovation of decomposing straws. harm. Plastic should be banned and we should start using better alternatives Because the decomposing straw is so necessary, many companies have worked like paper and glass. The effects of plastic being thrown away will be a problem to develop such straws, and the market is full of decomposing options. This for a long time. Hopefully we can find a way to fix this problem. experiment is meant to get to the bottom of which straw decomposes the fastest. The hypothesis was the AARDVARK straw in the compost will decompose the fastest, because of the composition of the straw, it will decompose in a matter of 30 to 60 days, and the compost with help it decompose very fast. The materials needed to test decomposing speed were; five different types of straws, being McDonald’s (plastic), Greenbrier INTL (Paper), AARDVARK (compostable), World Centric (biodegradable/compostable), and Repurpose (Plant-based and Compostable). Each straw was placed in either a pot that was filled with Sta-Green soil, or Timberline Compost. Popsicle sticks were used to mark where the straws were placed and then the percentage of the remains of the straws were recorded periodically for a matter of 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, the two straws that fully decomposed were the Greenbrier INTL paper straw in the soil and the AARDVARK straw in the soil. This shows that the soil was better at decomposing than compost, because from the data, the straws in soil were successfully decomposed a vast amount. In conclusion, this helps the environment and people alike to know which straw decomposes the fastest and will not harm animal life, at the same time. The AARDVARK straw is probably the best one to use though, for it's the least harmful straw in the U.S.A. All of the objectives worked out very well, with all the straws decomposing at least a small amount.

Citation: “The History of Drinking Straws, 2018, www.eatingutensils.net Name Project ID Name Project ID Lillie Tuckerman EV-064 Zachary Lee, Hope Soucy and EV-071 School, grade Teacher Langston Quail Woodstock Union Jr/Sr H.S. #4, 10 Cramer, Vanessa School, grade Teacher Project title Long Trail School, 11/12 Worland, Scott Age Affecting Preformance of Horses Project title The Influence of Current Velocity and Substrate Positionality on Macroinvertebrate Communities in a Riffle Stream Habitat Abstract The purpose of my experiment is to compare the performance of young and old Abstract horses. By understanding the performance strengths of various age groups, it In this project, we looked at different parts of the rocks we collected and will show older horses that may not otherwise have a chance, don’t always go analyzed the species composition there. The different parts of the rocks were slow and are useful. They might be adopted from ship pens and humane exposed to different flow rates, which likely influenced the species composition. societies, rather than being discarded. It will also show the usefulness of younger horses. Research has shown that younger horses ages, 1-2 tend to perform better than older horses when it comes to Thoroughbred racing, but older horses ages 3-4 in Quarter horse racing are faster than younger horses. Older horses perform better in many other activities.The most likely outcome of this experiment will demonstrate that younger horses are faster than older horses. Five horses ages ranging from 8-27 were tested in this experiment. A cell phone with a program called Equilab was placed in a rider's pocket to test the speed and time of each ride. Other things like gait, beat(strides/min) and stride(ft) were tested but speed will only be tested. Each horse was tested two times. The testing showed the 25 year old to be faster than the 23 year old horse, but the horse aged 16 and 18 were faster than the older horses. The youngest horse at age 8 was slightly faster than the horses at ages 16 and 18 but it was not significantly faster.These findings supported my claim and showed the younger horse to be faster, but what was surprising was the oldest horse being faster than the second oldest horse. The small difference between 8, 16 and 18 seems to suggest that we shouldn't give up on horses too quickly. Older horses can still keep up with younger horses. Name Project ID Name Project ID Evelyn Quinlan EV-080 Greta Smith EV-087 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher St. Francis Xavier School, 7 Varhue, Maryellen Northfield High School, 10 Urling, Amy Project title Project title Fabulous Feces For Fuel The World of W

Abstract Abstract For my project I tested to see which material mixed with manure, or just The purpose of this experiment is to see which amount of coconut husk will manure alone, will produce the most heat. I did this project because it proves help worms make the richest and healthiest compost for nutrient health. I that manure is a viable substitute for fossil fuel and is a good renewable energy. hypothesized that if 100 red worms are put into four different bins, each bin For my project I used three different materials: manure, manure and hay, and with a different amount of coconut husk (6”, 4”, 2”, and 1”), the one with most manure and sawdust. I used three 32 gallon trash barrels and filled them with coconut husk will produce the healthiest soil. According to my research, you an equal amount of material in each bin. Bin 1 was manure, bin 2 was manure want to fill the worm composting bin three-fourths full with coconut coir. For and hay, and bin 3 was manure and sawdust. I left the bins to sit for 6 days, my experiment, what I did was soaked the coconut husk overnight. The then took two tests from each bin and averaged them out every day. At the end following day, I filled one bin 6” high with the coconut husk, one bin 4” high, of the project I added the averages and averaged them out to find the final another bin 2”, and another 1” high. Then, put 100 red wiggler worms into each temperatures for the bins. I aerated the bins every 7 - 8 days and moisturized bin, with equal amount of apple slices buried. After two weeks, I tested the soil them every 4 - 5 days between aerations, then continued to take the nutrients, (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and pH) in each bin using the Soil temperatures for 3 weeks until the project was finished. The results of my tests Test Strips three times. For bin 1, the average pH was 6.33, the average showed that bin 1 (manure) produced the most heat. The final temperature for Nitrogen was 2, the average Phosphorus was 2.67, and the average Potassium bin 1 was 84.6?, bin 2 was 76.7?, and bin 3 was 80.9?. These results proved my was 1. For bin 2, the average pH was 7, the average Nitrogen was 2, the average hypothesis that bin 2 (manure and hay) would produce the most heat, incorrect Phosphorus was 2.67, and the average Potassium was 1. For bin 3, the average and showed that manure alone produced more heat than manure mixed with pH was 6.67, the average Nitrogen was 2, the average Phosphorus was 2.33, hay or sawdust. and the average Potassium was 1. For bin 4, the average pH was 7, the average Nitrogen was 2, the average Phosphorus was 3, and the average Potassium was 1. The different amounts of coconut husk did not affect the soil nutrients health. The hypothesis was not supported because the amount of coconut husk did not affect the soil health and nutrients (pH, phosphorous, nitrogen, and potassium levels). Name Project ID Name Project ID Aria Yuengling and Carolyn Leibly EV-093 Olivia Rooney EV-101 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Woodstock Union Jr/Sr H.S. #4, 9 Cramer, Vanessa Rice Memorial High School, 11 Boardman, Sharon Project title Project title The Effects of Fertilizer on Marine Dinoflagellates and Algae VT DEC v.s. VT EPSCoR: A Comparison of Stream Discharge Data Four Chittenden County Streams

Abstract Abstract Abstract As part of an ongoing effort to monitor the stream flow (or discharge) of Our project was designed to compare the effects of fertilizer on green algae nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen into Lake Champlain, two entities have and marine dinoflagellates. This was to simulate harmful algae blooms and red been measuring several streams in northern Vermont. The Department of tides that have been devastating habitats and communities all over the United Environmental Conservation (DEC) monitors their streams with an electronic States. Our procedure involved culturing samples of algae and marine system that measures the stage (or water level) every 5 minutes. The DEC has dinoflagellates with varying amounts of fertilizer along with control samples monitoring stations set up in many of the same streams that are monitored by that did not contain fertilizer. We checked daily and put a sample of each into a high school students working with the VT Established Program to Stimulate spectrometer and collected the data. We hypothesized that with the more Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Basin Resilience to Extreme Events (BREE) fertilizer put into the cultures the more growth from the organisms. Marine program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF OIAA 1556770) to dinoflagellates are a type of protist that are a large part of the ecosystem. help students “develop skills in scientific methods and Earth systems thinking.” When a red tide occurs they release toxins into the air and can cause health The EPSCoR students measure discharge by a technique recommended by the problems for people and cause death among thousands of species marine EPA known as the “tennis ball method.” The EPSCoR data, which is made wildlife.This sends coastal economies into chaos, resulting in a lack of tourism available through the UVM Streams website, is open-sourced, like the DEC data, and wildlife. Algae blooms are also hazardous and occur in many lakes in the for anyone to use. The Rice Memorial High School students in this study upper United States. These blooms clog up lakes and suffocate many species of collected data from June - October 2018 as part of the data set, but also used freshwater wildlife. Both of these issues are increased by runoff from fertilized student generated data from both Champlain Valley Union (CVU) and Essex farms. High School (EHS). The purpose of this study is to directly compare measurements made by the electronic stations and by the student-scientists, to see what correlations exist, and to explain any discrepancies in the data. Name Project ID Name Project ID Kylie Agan and Hannah Waligory EV-107 Cayen Maling EV-110 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Milton Middle School, 7 Wardwell, Duncan Homeschool, 6 Maling, Jeff Project title Project title Let It Grow Floating Phosphorous Gardens

Abstract Abstract Many people grow all sorts of different plants indoors. Most do not know if the This project is to reduce the excess phosphorus in Lake Champlain using floating intensity of their light is suitable for the plant to flourish. This lead us to gardens of Bamboo, Wild Rice and Cattails. Over the last 20 years We have research and discover the right intensities to use for people who want to grow reduced the phosphorus In most parts of the lake to be Within targeted limits their plants indoors. but 18% of the Lakes volume is still over the limit. The proposed apparatus We hypothesized that the more lumens emitted by the bulb would directly remove phosphorus from water, help prevent erosion along rivers and lake by correlate to the height of the plant. We set up a design where each plant anchoring soils and protecting shorelines from fast moving water, and knocking received one cup of potting soil, a seed and 8 hours of light every day. There down the waVES down to keep the underwater currents from stirring up the were three groups of light with 12 plants under each light. We measured the sediments on the bottom of shallow bays. height of each plant every day. We tested this by putting alfalfa, bush bean, and basil seeds in three different amounts of light. Plants require lots of nutrients to survive, the most important of these are the ones used in the process of photosynthesis, which is water and carbon dioxide, but for the plant to be able to use these nutrients the plant has to be receiving energy, this is derived from the sun. Our results showed that the light with 405 lumens grew the tallest basil plants. As for the section of plants with 0 lumens, the bush bean and alfalfa seeds grew the tallest. We originally thought that the light with 810 lumens would grow the tallest plants. We could improve our data if we used other intensities of light closer to 0 lumens to see if the lack of light increases the growth. Name Project ID Name Project ID Gabrial Todd MA-014 Colin McQuillan MA-086 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 11 Ballard, Richard Northfield High School, 10 Urling, Amy Project title Project title The Survey of Two Alternate Cryptocurrencies Dynamic Electrical Usage as The Effect of Time on the Repetition of Music Correlated to Monetary Cumulation

Abstract Abstract The mining of Monero as correlated to the staking of Reddcoin, in which both The purpose of this experiment is to compare the repetition of different composers from use different “Proof-of” algorithms, which are “Proof-of-Work” and “Proof-of- different time periods. My hypothesis is composers from the Early romantic (1790s-1820s Stake” respectively. The investigation was the difference in electrical usage Beethoven) will have more repeated notes (12-note chromatic scale) than composers in the Baroque (1600s-1750 Bach) or Classical Era (1730-1820 Mozart). The Early Romantic Period (specifically kWh over 3 hour periods, totaling at 12 hours) to monetary output is when music was starting to change dramatically and starting to become more focused on (specifically USD). I believed that Monero would have superior monetary melodies rather than counterpoint which would make the music more dramatic, making the output, but a higher electrical usage as an adverse trade off. Monero was mined amount of consecutive notes played increase. To conduct the experiment, music files are over a four day period, in bursts of three hours a day. Reddcoin (specifically downloaded as Sibelius files. Two plugins were used: the “Note Count” finds the amount of 66856.64, or technically 66827.70 at the beginning) was staked over a period of noteheads in the piece and the second plugin “Find Motif” uses two notes that have the four days, with a single reward each day. This resulted in a total of $0.0429 of same pitch and are consecutive. The amount of Motifs was then divided by the amount of notes. Reddcoin received, and $0.0079 in Monero mined (when calculated to four The average repetition for 2-note repetitions is 7.513% ( Bach), 15.43% ( Mozart) , 17.83% ( days, over twelve hours, it reveals a value of $0.0632). Therefore, my Beethoven). The Average for 3-note repetitions is 0%(Bach), 10.66% ( Mozart), 16.78% hypothesis is supported. (Beethoven) The Average for 4-note repetitions is 0%(Bach), 5.59% ( Mozart), 14.76% ( Beethoven). The Average for 5-note repetitions is 0% ( Bach), 1.453% ( Mozart), 9.427% ( Beethoven).The Average for 6-note repetitions is 0% ( Bach), 0.94% ( Mozart), 6.463% ( Beethoven). The data did support my hypothesis. The most repetitive piece was the Rondo Alla Turca, but Beethoven was the most repetitive composer overall. My hypothesis stated that composers who were born later had more repetitive music. Bach was the least repetitive. This might be the case because composers in the Baroque era may have focused more on the structure of the music and trying to purposely not be repetitive. Beethoven was influenced by Bach. He may have purposely broke rules that Bach used for composing pieces. Another possible explanation is that going deaf made his music (Beethoven’s Music) more repetitive. An extreme increase in repetition occurred in between the time of the first Beethoven piece ( pathetique) and the second (Waldstein)and third (Appassionata) in Figure 1. There is only a seven-year difference between the Pathetique Sonata and the Appassionata Sonata. Mozart was born after Bach had died. There was only a difference of 1.77% of 2-note repetitions from some Bach pieces to some Mozart pieces( Bach Partita no. 1 to Sonata in C minor by Mozart). Unrelated to Beethoven, Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca was very repetitive. It is an outlier in the data. This can be explained it being the only movement in the data that is a last movement( a movement is a part of a piece). All the other movements of pieces chosen were first movements of a piece. This might explain why it is so repetitive. This could be a possible error in the experiment. [EXCEEDS WORD LIMIT] Name Project ID Name Project ID Philip Skidd PH-052 Simon Cafiero and James Clancy PH-070 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Mater Christi School, 8 Pendergrass, Mark Frederick Tuttle Middle School, 8 Bartlett, Lauren Project title Project title Are Faraday's Laws Still Current Bouncing Bouncy Balls

Abstract Abstract The experiment “Are Faraday's Laws Still Current” was done to answer whether Have you ever wondered what makes a bouncy ball bounce? This experiment or not a coil with 130 turns of copper wire will generate more current then a tested how things can affect the height that a ball will bounce. How does coil with 65 turns. The hypothesis being that the current would not change temperature affect the height of a ball bounces? Our hypothesis was correct in because the current is generated by the number of coils within the magnetic some ways, but not an entirely an accurate seeing, the bouncy balls bounced field at one moment in time. The primary laws that dictates this are Faraday’s the highest (on average) when heated to 60 degrees Celsius. Our procedure Law which gives the current generated and Lenz’s Law which gives the magnetic bouncing five different balls from 50cm at different temperatures, room resistance to the motion of the magnet. Lenz’s Law is unimportant to the test temperature and then 40-100 increasing in intervals of 20 we used a yardstick because it only applies to an electro magnet moving through a copper coil. The and a camera and went through frame by frame to determine the height the five tests were performed with a neodymium magnet as a magnetic field ball bounced and recorded it. Our hypothesis was that as the ball got hotter it source; the coils were made of 24 gauge solid copper wire, and the device would bounce higher. Our independent variable was the temperature of the measuring the current was a galvanometer which was connected to both ends ball, our dependent variable was the height which the ball bounced, the control of the coil. The measurements were taken in microamps or µA. In the tests, variables were, the height the ball from which the ball was dropped, the surface more often than not, the speed at which the magnet moved through the coils the ball was dropped on and the mechanism that was used to determine how varied which changed the current generated. This was both observed and high the ball bounced. So, how does temperature affect the height of a ball accounted for by multiplying the current generated by the time, so the fraction bounces? The hotter it gets, up to a certain point, the higher it bounces. could be compared. Results indicate that more coils generate slightly more current only by an average of 0.4 micro amps. This although minute determines, that the original hypothesis was incorrect. Name Project ID Name Project ID Rama Al Namee and Penelope PH-075 Molly Walsh PH-088 Harm School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher St. Francis Xavier School, 6 Varhue, Maryellen Frederick Tuttle Middle School, 7 Towle, Christopher Project title Project title Light Ray Heat Wave Radiation Population

Abstract Abstract For my science fair project, I tested whether the different frequencies of light You always hear people talking about radiation and how it could be harmful to you physically. affect the overall heat of a controlled environment. People might care about my But about 92% of American adults still have cell phones, and they don’t seem concerned with project because it could give them a cheap way to warm or cool there room a the electromagnetic radiation emanating from their devices. Electromagnetic radiation is the few degrees. The reason I chose to do this project was to see if different colored flow of energy through free space or a material medium (ex.radio waves, visible light, gamma light bulbs could provide me with a cheap way to make my room a bit cooler or rays). Every cell phone is equipped with a low powered radio transmitter. Which uses radio waves in the 800-900 megahertz (MHz) band to communicate over hundreds and thousands a bit warmer. My hypothesis was if the frequency of the wavelength decreases of miles. then the heat of the test of the increase. For my set up I had six light filters, one So does electromagnetic radiation vary when you are performing different tasks on your red, one orange, one green, one blue, one clear. For every filter I put it over a iPhone? square hole in the cardboard box I was using. I positioned a lamp over the filter In this experiment, use an Electromagnetic Radiation meter and then test different apps on and ran it for fifteen minutes five times for each filter. The controlled variables your cell phone. See how much electromagnetic radiation is omitted from the phone while were the thermometer, the test area, and the wattage of the bulb. The you use different apps. By doing this you will find how much electromagnetic radiation is released by your cell phone when performing those different tasks. To do this you turn on manipulated variable was the color of the filter. The responding variable was the app on a cell phone then put both the phone and the meter, while it’s on, in a metal box, the heat of the test area. My results showed me that my hypothesis was waiting 10 seconds then recording the peak amount of radiation. correct. The averages of the heat rose as the frequency dropped. If you measure electromagnetic radiation while using different apps on your phone then the amount of radiation will vary throughout the apps because each app uses different functions and operates differently, emitting different amounts of electromagnetic radiation. It is also believed that calling will have the highest electromagnetic radiation out of all the tasks. This is because radio waves which are emanated from a cell phone when it is calling another phone have the longest wavelengths of all the electromagnetic waves. Overall the conclusion was yes the amount of electromagnetic radiation emanated from your phone does vary depending on what app you are using. Our next step would be to find out how much electromagnetic radiation an average person is exposed to in a lifetime and see if there is actually any damage to our brain and/or body. [EXCEEDS WORD LIMIT] Name Project ID Name Project ID Nick Herrera PH-090 Owen Messineo PH-091 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher St. Francis Xavier School, 6 Varhue, Maryellen St. Francis Xavier School, 7 Varhue, Maryellen Project title Project title Game Gravity Blades of Inertia

Abstract Abstract Most video games use physics to coordinate gameplay. I wanted to study My project question was what blade works best for an inertia balance; a acceleration due to gravity in video games. I investigated my favorite game, The hacksaw blade or a metal ruler. I wanted to do this project because I was Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild (BOTW). The game developers of BOTW interested in a different, unorthodox way to find mass. My hypothesis was that were likely trying to make realistic gameplay, so I hypothesized that the hacksaw blade would work better. My setup was simple; I taped a cup (that acceleration due to gravity in BOTW would be the same as on Earth. To test my had a cap) to a table; and then taped the blade to the side of a table or counter. hypothesis, I needed a game location that allowed me to drop objects and time The distance from the edge of the counter to the end of the cup was sixteen their fall. I also needed a way to measure distance in BOTW. Lastly, I needed a centimeters. I placed one penny in the cup, then another, and then another. I place to drop objects in real life. I used an apple from my inventory in BOTW, did three trials per each penny. I then averaged the results. I then switched the dropped it from a flat surface, and repeated this process at various heights. For blades repeated my procedure. I then used this data to find the mass of the my real life test, I dropped real apples from various heights and measured their pennies. I ran into some problems with me setup testing. For the metal ruler, fall times. To measure distance in BOTW, I found a reference to another game the tape closest to the edge of the counter ripped repeatedly during my tests, where Link’s (the main character in BOTW) height measured 1.7 meters. I used which I had to retape repeatedly. This may have impacted my data. There were this to determine the height of my locations I dropped the apples at in BOTW. also many outliers in my data. This caused my averages to be slightly more or After my test, I had to calculate acceleration due to gravity. Acceleration due to less than it would have been. Also, when the inertia balance was vibrating, the gravity is the rate that a falling object’s speed changes. I found that acceleration pennies moved around in the cup. Because of all these factors, my project was due to gravity in BOTW averaged 7.16 m/s squared. For my real world tests, inconclusive. When I redo my testing, I will stabilize the blades with clamps acceleration due to gravity averaged 7.75 m/s squared. Since these instead of tape. Also, I will make sure that the pennies are stabilized in the cup. measurements were so close to each other and the known acceleration due to gravity on Earth (9.81 m/s squared), I concluded that my hypothesis was correct, and BOTW’s acceleration due to gravity is the same as on Earth. Name Project ID Name Project ID Mandie Lajeunesse PH-092 Colby Galipeau PH-097 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher St. Francis Xavier School, 8 Varhue, Maryellen St. Francis Xavier School, 8 Varhue, Maryellen Project title Project title Falling! BIG of small?

Abstract Abstract In my project, I used three experiments to test what affects how fast or slow a The reason I chose my project was because my grandfather helped with the line of dominoes can fall. My research question is “What affects falling Capitol Building restoration project in Olympia,Washington. So in a way, I dominoes?”. wanted to follow in his footsteps. I decided to test if the size of the triangle struts affected the overall dome strength. To do this I conducted two experiments with a third follow up experiment. I My hypothesis was that the smaller triangles were going to be stronger tested distance, pattern, and speed. In experiment one I set up 40 dominoes at because the weight would be able to transfer faster. 3 different distances: ½ inch, 1 inch, and 1½ inches. The results showed that as I constructed 2 domes with different size struts. Then using a container of sand the distance increased the time for all of the dominoes to fall also increased. In as the load, I increased the amount of sand until the structure failed. experiment two I also used 40 dominoes and tested how different patterns I faced several problems with my experiment. The primary problem I had was affected them. I set up dominoes in a straight line and in a wave pattern. This when testing the domes, the peak angles were not the same. I tackled this experiment proved that the dominoes in a wave pattern took almost twice as problem by investigating the effect of different peak angles. I discovered it long to fall as the dominoes in a straight line. In my third experiment I looked at could make a huge difference, so I changed the larger triangled dome to have the question from a different perspective, speed. In this experiment I set up a the exact same peak angles as the smaller triangled dome. one meter length of dominoes at 1 inch apart and another at 2 inches apart. I After problem-solving and controlling all variables, I came to a conclusion. found that the 2 inch apart dominoes fell faster because they had a faster The smaller triangled dome was a lot stronger than the larger dome. In the end, speed. this project taught me a lot about how structures work and that the angle of the dome's peak can be as big a variable as the size of the triangle struts. As I predicted, the dominoes that were closer together and in a straight line fell the fastest. I was surprised to find that, in the third follow up experiment, the dominoes with the greater distance between them fell with a faster time. Even though that is a contradiction to the first experiment, it does make sense because speed = distance / time. Name Project ID Name Project ID Daniel Burns PH-109 Hannah Kemp SP-004 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Montpelier High School, 10 Ceckler, Toni Windsor Schools, 11 Engwall, Catharine Project title Project title Radiation Patterns of Yagi-Uda Antennas Memory vs. Personality

Abstract Abstract This experiment tests the radiated signal strength surrounding three different My Science Fair Project is testing the memory between adults who are introverts, ambiverts Yagi-Uda antenna arrays. This will determine the effect of an increased number and extroverts. This came to be due to my deep fascination with psychology and how the of director elements on the distribution of transmission power. Yagi-Uda mind works in general. Being an extreme introvert made this project even more personal and interesting. I already had a good amount of background knowledge on the difference of antennas are designed to transmit unidirectionally, but there are areas of introverts, ambiverts and extroverts which propelled me into the project smoothly. heightened radiation surrounding the antenna, which are not in the intended To test this I had to keep a lot of things in mind, anxiety, time of day, and the mere path of transmission. This can cause interference with other electronic devices, fact that someone may just have a poor memory. To dissect this project properly, I began and detracts from the amount of transmission power that is directed toward with creating six paper slips that contained a fifteen digit number on them. After I printed out the intended target. By testing if the signal strength within these areas is the first copy, I proceeded to print out another copy, one for the tester and one for me. Then affected by the number of director elements, it is possible to design a more anticipating the question of “When did you test the participants?” and “What if there was a difference between morning and night?”, I made sure that each participant would be tested efficient and effective antenna. This experiment uses three antennas, a three a total of six times. They would be tested morning, noon, and night for two days. The second element, a six element, and a nine element Yagi-Uda antenna, each built day I would be altering the test by having the test-taker flip the number up and down for five according to the same design parameters. One antenna is placed on a tripod seconds each for thirty seconds. The original is just memorizing as much as possible for thirty and attached to a transmitter via a coaxial cable. This transmitter is operating seconds. I was curious if the stimulation of the flipping the number would keep the testers on a frequency of 462.725 MHz, using 1 W of transmission power. To conduct more active in the experiment. I was even more curious if maybe one personality would do the experiment, a short transmission is sent using one of the antennas. The better than another in that ballpark. The results of the experiment are definitely staggered as I anticipated, but more strength of the received signal is recorded, as reported by the reception interestingly, some of the participants improved when taking the altered test compared to software. The transmission antenna is then rotated 30 degrees clockwise, and the original. Even though the altered test has a higher difficulty level, some did have better the procedure is repeated. This leads to a total of 12 data points surrounding results. Now I have to compare the personalities all together and see if there is one that is the transmission antenna, which can be compared to the results of the other dominant over the others. antennas. Each rotation sequence is performed three times to establish This project has a lot of different interesting aspects. For one, you are not just testing accurate results. personalities alone; this project is a multilayered experiment that combines into one huge conclusion. Testing personalities opens many doors for testing, you can test how people respond differently throughout the day, you can include the participants occupations which you can analyze even further questioning whether it gives them a secret advantage, and even ask the participant what they believe they are before testing them. You discover how people respond differently depending on their occupation, age, sex, and personality of course! The data that one receives with this experiment is endless and intriguing. [EXCEEDS WORD LIMIT] Name Project ID Name Project ID Ally Clay-Streib SP-019 Sebastian Roose SP-020 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher South Burlington High School, 10 Shields, Jim South Burlington High School, 9 Shields, Jim Project title Project title Implicit Bias in Schools stay focused

Abstract Abstract (none provided at this time) For his first ever science fair/stem fair project, Sebastian Roose wishes to produce an experiment in which he can record how placebos affect the mind and attention. His testable question is whether knowing about a placebo can affect attention performance. Roose desires to get two groups, each with an even number of people. One group will be given a placebo pill that will supposedly help them focus, and the other will be given nothing. Both groups will have a phrase be read allowed to them, and will then have to repeat that phrase. One group will be given the pill and both groups will be given a new phrase. After Roose’s tests are complete and the mistakes for each has been recorded, he will compare how each group did. Roose’s current hypothesis is that the group who has the placebo will perform better after being given the pill, and the other group will do the same for each round. The risk for the participants is nothing, they will be ultimately unharmed by Roose’s experiment and procedure. The pill capsules will be tested to make sure they break down thoroughly. After all the data that is needed has been gathered, Roose will explain to the group that had the pills what was really going on. Not to mention, all of the participants and their legal guardians will have signed off on a form saying they consent to be a part of my procedure. Name Project ID Name Project ID Elizabeth Wilson SP-024 Aria Kelly SP-027 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Windsor Schools, 11 Engwall, Catharine Windsor Schools, 11 Engwall, Catharine Project title Project title Correlation Between Religious Presence and Abortion Access Does Makeup Actually Make You Prettier?

Abstract Abstract My project involves seeing if there is a connection between religious presence Makeup has become a trend in recent years with everyone creating their own and access to abortion in each state. The constitution states that there must not makeup lines. Many people use makeup to feel confident, others feel it is a be a connection between church and state but recently it seems that separation waste of time and money. Some people call makeup lying, because it can is dwindling. The purpose of this experiment was to see if there is a correlation change their appearance. However, some people are indifferent. I wanted to between access to abortion and religious presence. In an ideal world, there see if anyone is indifferent. The humans have opinions on everything so can would be no correlation but this is not an ideal world, so this experiment may anyone really just not have an opinion on a topic? Especially one as prove that there is, in fact, a correlation between lack of access to abortion and controversial as makeup. My question is whether people in general prefer religious presence. For this project, I researched abortion laws and found a someone with or without makeup and if men or women are more likely to lie website that had each state’s abortion laws as of October 2018, after I created about it. My hypothesis was that men will say they prefer makeup but their my own system to rank how restrictive a state is. I then correlated the values of brains will indicate no makeup, and women will say they prefer no makeup but my system to religious presence, which I got from the American Values Atlas. I their brains will indicate with makeup. found that there is a correlation between religious presence and abortion I began my experiment by asking people to sign a consent form, I brought restrictions. Which means that the religious makeup of a state can be a people into a room one by one asking them to sit down in front of a determining factor in abortion access. Since my project only supports an already questionnaire. I told them to answer the first few questions, which asked their assumed idea, my real contribution is the system I use to determine the age and gender. I then placed the Emotiv on their head. I began the testing by restrictiveness of each state. This system will allow abortion access to be showing them 3 sets of pictures. Each set had a girl with makeup, and the same measured and converted into an easy to understand measurement. girl without makeup. I then asked them to answer the 3 questions for each set. I pulled up the graph of their brain waves and focused on the interest line and the stress line. The interest showed me which picture they preferred. The stress line showed me which photo they felt was more approachable. I compared what their brain said to the answers they wrote down. It turns out, on average, men did not lie, on the other hand, women lied 22.22% of the time. Overall, men prefer makeup by 15.08%, and women preferred no makeup by 11.12%. Therefore my hypothesis was incorrect. I learned that I made my hypothesis based on social labels put on men and women. Name Project ID Name Project ID Amanda Rogers SP-031 Tia Slocum SP-032 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Burlington Technical Center, 12 McLane, Betsy Windsor Schools, 11 Engwall, Catharine Project title Project title Effect of Background Noise on Memory Does Food Choice Affect Aptitude?

Abstract Abstract Students can often be seen in the library studying while talking to friends or I made two groups of 10, the healthy and unhealthy participants, called them to listening to music. It is unclear how background noise truly impacts studying the testing room at 11:40 am, and presented them with an array of foods and if listening to music or having conversations in the background is the best special to their assigned groups. The unhealthy kids ate donuts, brownies, and method for retaining content. cookies, and the latter ate fresh fruit and apple sauce. After they ate and spent I am conducting research about memory and background noise to bring to light some time digesting I administered two tests, a timed multiplication test, and what the best studying environment is for students hoping to succeed and an un-timed short answer test. I collected the tests, graded them, and then two retain knowledge. My experiment involves two settings, one with zero weeks later repeated the process with the groups switched. While my data background noise and one with background noise. The subjects take a memory showed almost no difference in the scores of the two groups, it was still a very game in both settings and are timed to see how well they can memorize in each interesting experience. I would love to see this experiment done on a longer environment. term basis, as it would provide more insight to how students make the food The study is still in progress and data collection is ongoing. So far, the results choices they do, and how it affects their work ethic down the road. are unclear, so more subjects are being recruited and more data is being collected. I expect to find that subjects memorize better in a quiet environment and take less time to complete the game. This would show that students would probably be better off setting up in a quiet environment to study and retain content. Name Project ID Name Project ID Ava Beganyi SP-039 Elsie Wawrzyniak and Tess Ayres SP-040 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Mater Christi School, 6 Pendergrass, Mark Northfield High School, 10 Urling, Amy Project title Project title Background color V.S. Foreground color The Effect of Age and Gender on Brain Lateralization

Abstract Abstract The original question was: do different background colors affect perception of The purpose of our experiment is to see if age and gender affect brain foreground color. It was hypothesized that if background color was changed, lateralization and marketing techniques. We hypothesized that women and then the perception of the foreground color will change. The test administrator younger people would be more right brained and therefore chose learned that the same color is perceived differently when next to different advertisements that center towards the right brain (pictures instead of words). background colors. Two trials were done for this experiment. The procedure We tested 30 male subjects and 30 female subjects, by giving them an online began with each test subject signing a consent form and answering basic test and a selective advertisement test. The results showed there was a questions on their artistic background. The subjects then looked at two color correlation number of 0.22; as subjects get older they chose more left brained samples. Each color sample consisted of eight different background color advertisements which supports our hypothesis with a slight correlation. There swatches with the same foreground color for each. Subjects were asked which was a positive correlation of 0.35 between age and left brain percentage on the foreground color was lightest and darkest or if they all looked the same. The online test; as the test subjects age increases they had results that showed they measurements were reliable. Most subjects stated the foreground color was were more left brained. Subjects that had a higher percentage left brained on different in the samples. It was noticed that many of the people with former art the test chose more left brained advertisements; they had a positive correlation training thought the foreground color looked the same, implying art training of 0.20. More males chose left brained advertisements than females did. affected accuracy of color perception. There were some uncontrolled factors 39.41% of males chose left brained advertisements and 38% of females chose that could have affected the data. First, multiple data collection cards were left brained advertisements. Our hypothesis was slightly supported by our data, used per subject, allowing for the risk of mixing up responses between subjects. but there was not a strong correlation. The results could help companies make Second, the data collection cards were not pre numbered, again risking mix-ups. ads that would attract the customers that they want. Third, the natural lighting changed depending on the day and time of day. Name Project ID Name Project ID Julia Sides SP-047 Cooper Baker SP-061 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Frederick Tuttle Middle School, 8 Bartlett, Lauren Christ The King School, 6 Cinti, Christy Project title Project title Distraction Reaction Will dogs show a preference based on their sense of sight and smell?

Abstract Abstract The brain is something everyone knows of, yet not many know about it. There There are a total of 89.7 million dogs in the United States (Stipp). Not only are are many tasks you do every day that are drilled into your brain leaving a mark they reliable best friends, but also cost a great deal. Food, medical care, and all forever. You do them so much that you do it without even thinking about it. I the dog accessories owners choose to shower on their adorable pets are decided to take a dive into this topic and really explore what can alter and expensive. In fact, on average the typical dog owner will spend almost $1514.28 change these unconscious tasks. I tested the question what distractions on their dog each year (Michaels). This project focused on a dog's senses of change/alter teens procedural memory? I did this by testing a small sample of vision and smell. The hypothesis was that since a dog’s sense of smell is so teens from my class. I had them write their name many times inside a box with acute, dogs will show a preference for the smell they prefer. Additionally, dogs different distractions like loud noise, blindfolded, dizzy, and the teen favorite, will show no preference when selecting a toy to play with. The materials used in texting. I thought that blindfolded would change it the most because not many this experiment were: generic dog treats, strawberries and red and green tennis people have ever written their name blindfolded and that texting or with loud balls. During the experiment, dogs were dogs were given the choice between noise wouldn’t change it very much considering many people do this regularly. I either the visual stimulus of the red tennis ball, or green tennis ball or the scent judged them 1-5 on how it looked relative to the control, how many times they stimulus of a dog treat or a strawberry. The results indicated that dogs left the box, and if they left out any letters or added them. The results I got definitely showed preference for the smell of dog treats over a strawberry shocked me and my peers. I learned that texting altered the name the most fruit. However, it is inconclusive whether one color was preferred over another with many people spelling their name wrong or what they were texting wrong. color. These results may help owners have a better understanding of where to The one that affected it the least was with loud music and some even remarked spend their money when selecting a special for their canine. In addition, this that it looked better than with no distractions. This taught me many lessons research may also benefit dog companies who now know not to put fruit in the about how small distractions can change things I have been doing every day for products produced for dogs. over a decade. Some being studying with white noise or relaxing music could help the turnout of what I am doing. And that texting or being on my phone when I am doing another task like studying, driving, or crossing the street is a bad idea.

Name Project ID Name Project ID Saksham Bhardwaj SP-066 Lilly Holding SP-077 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Frederick Tuttle Middle School, 8 Wolf, Gregory Woodstock Union Jr/Sr H.S. #4, 11 Cramer, Vanessa Project title Project title Which Sense Will Help Retain Memories Better? How does the Presence of Plants Affect Student Test Scores and Emotions

Abstract Abstract Does sight, hearing, or touch help retain memory better in memorizing a The purpose of this project was to test if the presence of plants in our daily lives sequence of moves in a Rubik’s cube? This experiment was conducted to see have a noticeable effects on cognition and emotions. This project focused on how well people retain memories with different senses being involved in multiple aspects of students in schools: standardized testing and emotions of memorization and may help with finding a more superior method of teaching. students (focused on their relationships with their learning environment). The My hypothesis going into the testing was that touch would help retain the two main focuses were on short term exposure (with short cognitive task) vs sequence of moves better because when I learned how to solve a Rubik's cube, I long exposure over the course of the school year (with standardized testing learned the algorithms better by doing them repeatedly with my hands and scores) to plants. It was hypothesized that if plants are placed in a classroom, building muscle memory. there would be an increase in emotional comfort,which would lead to During this test, either a sequence was heard, felt, or seen by the test improvement in cognition, and therefore an increase in test scores. This subject. The subject would then try to retain the memories to the best of their correlation between emotions and tests scores was supported by the study, capabilities after a slight time gap. While the testing was occurring, the “Emotional experiences during test taking: Does cognitive ability make a variables that were controlled were which sequence of moves were given to the difference?” by Thomas Goetz, et al. For analysis, standard deviation was testers, which sense the testers could and couldn’t use, and the orientation of performed on the STAR test results (type of standardized test used) and an the cube prior to the move-set being done. The variable that was independent emotional comfort questionnaire was administered, which resulted in the was the sense used to retain the sequence of moves, and the dependent hypothesis being rejected. The results didn’t support the hypothesis, as there variable was how much of the sequence the subject knew. After testing was was no statistically significant result that something was affecting the students completed, my hypothesis proved to be correct, with the number of moves in the classroom with plants over the control class (as there was overlap in the retained being significantly higher for touch. However, some people were still margins of error of the means). While there was not a statistical correlation, very successful with sight and hearing, proving that different people remember students responded generally more positive about the aesthetic of the room things in different ways. As the testing reveals, touch helps retain memories after plants were introduced. more times than hearing or sight, but results may vary on a person to person basis. Name Project ID Name Project ID Faye Stevens SP-083 Taylor Crompton and Will SP-102 School, grade Teacher Crompton Woodstock Union Jr/Sr H.S. #4, 10 Cramer, Vanessa School, grade Teacher Project title Woodstock Union Jr/Sr H.S. #4, 10, 12 Cramer, Vanessa Do different colors affect reading comprehension? Project title Are Phones Impacting School Learning

Abstract I am testing the question; does color have an impact on students reading Abstract comprehension in a school setting? This research is important because many The purpose of this project was to analyze how the usage of cell phones in students struggle to remember what they read. This kind of analysis could classrooms is affecting students’ academic performance in school. Most high potentially improve learning outcomes for students. The participants of this schools allow phone use during the school day with restrictions during class study will consist of science students from about four classes, totaling around time, but many teens are discreetly using their phones in the classroom. Many eighty students. All participants will read a black and white article to collect teens are addicted to their phones and may not have the discipline to refrain baseline data and then they will all read a second colored article. I will collect from use while they are learning. It was hypothesized that the students who and analyze data based on a short question set given to students immediately used their phones during classroom time had a negative impact on their grades after reading. This will allow me to test the reading comprehension of the because phones are distracting students when they should be focused on students with black and white text and compare it to the colored text. Previous school work. Phone usage and addiction is prominent throughout society and is scientific research on this topic has mainly focused on how color affects the affecting many other things than just students’ learning. Overuse of phones emotions of a student in a classroom setting. However, I found some contribute to an increase in anxiety, attention deficiency, and depression. To information indicating that blue is best used for learning situations which are collect data, we observed four different grade levels for 10 minutes of their intensely challenging. Blue paper, blue ink, or blue highlighting can be used to class time and recorded observations; how many students were in the help improve reading comprehension and in general, blue is a relaxing and classroom, how many phones were there on the desks, how many times a calming color. Therefore, initial results indicate that yes the colored text will student checked their phone, and how many students had earbuds in. Then we help the students remember more information. However, I have not completed analyzed the participants' grades and initial results show that there was a my experiment yet and am eagerly waiting for the results. correlation between the students who spent more time on their phones and lower grades than the age groups that had less time spent on phones. Name Project ID Name Project ID Nadiene-Clara Hanson-Metayer SP-103 Carson Bessette SP-104 and Ella Doyle School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Missisquoi Valley U.H.S., 8 Ballard, Richard Frederick Tuttle Middle School, 7 Towle, Christopher Project title Project title How does multitasking affect your ability to focus Fancy Food, is it Better?

Abstract Abstract I had a test subject and I asked them math questions and they had to answer Does expensive food really taste better or is it the description of the food that them while playing a game they enjoy to see if they could do two things at once make it seem fancy? Our hypothesis is if the test subjects are giving a “fancy” while being more interested in the game it was not easy for them option and a less “fancy” option will they choose the “fancy” one because the description sounds more delicious. For example, would you get a green salad with ranch or a tossed arugula salad with a creamy ranch dressing and garden vegetables? Does the description of the food really change the taste? People pay lots of money at fancy restaurants but they are not willing to pay as much at a “standard” restaurant. This relates to the placebo effect because the placebo effect is medicine working without that active ingredient; if you say the medicine works the test subject believes it to be so. Therefore is expensive food just “normal” food that is simply described differently? The materials we used to conduct our experiment were fancy and non-fancy versions of cupcakes. We also used a chart with a rating system for people to record what they thought about the cupcakes. We got 24 people to try the cupcakes, and we gave each person cupcake 1 aka “not fancy” and they rated it. We then gave each person cupcake 2 aka “fancy” and they rated it. Than we put data into the computer to find out which cupcake had the most positive votes. The cupcake that got the most votes was the fancy cupcake, which proves our hypothesis correct. We concluded that restaurants can trick us by the food descriptions they use. We have proved a point that a way with words might help get people to buy your product. So next time you're at a fancy restaurant just remember you might be being tricked into buying something that’s not worth its price. Name Project ID Name Project ID Jane Lindsley SP-117 Tressa Urie SP-125 School, grade Teacher School, grade Teacher Burlington Technical Center, 12 McLane, Betsy Albany Community School, 6 Jolly, Megan Project title Project title Video Games and the Effect on Teens Stress Levels Where do children learn best--Inside or Outside?

Abstract Abstract In recent years, video games have become a popular form of entertainment. In the education system more schools are finding ways to take more lessons outside. Some They are used for fun as well as stress relief for some. My research focuses on independent preschools and kindergarten days are completely outside for the whole day. stress levels of two groups of at least ten teens, before and after playing two Many studies have shown that there are many benefits to being in an outdoor environment during learning time. The purpose of this project is to look at how much information public different video games. One group of played a well known game ‘Cut the Rope’. school elementary students learned outside, and compare it to how much information they The other group played ‘Fortnite.’ To measure if stress levels increase or learned inside. The experiment that was done in order to test this idea was by having one decrease, the participants blood pressure and heart rate were taken before and whole class (grades 2-5) before the lesson take an online assessment in order to show how after playing the games. Participants also took a survey on their experience, much they already knew, and then do the lesson inside or outside (each class got an rating difficulty of the game and perceived stress. Through the research I found opportunity in both places. After the lesson the class took the same online assessment to that video games cause a variety of results based on the person. All participants show how much they improved overall with the lesson. Both lessons were about trees each one covering different topics. The indoor lesson was about the two major groups of trees who played video games from 5-10 hours each week had their blood pressure coniferous, deciduous and what defined each group different information was covered and heart rate go down after playing ‘Cut the rope’. Those who had less depending on the grade level. The outdoor lesson was learning how to identify different experience playing video games their stress levels fluctuate depending on the evergreen trees on the school property. My prediction was that the public school elementary game and perceived difficulty. According to my research 30% of the participants students would have more success outside because of less distractions including lights, playing ‘Cut the rope’ were more stressed after they played, this 30% also rated screens, clutter, etc. I taught each lesson to grades 2-5 depending how long it took them the game as more difficult. The other 70%, who rated the game at a lower sometimes more than one, one hour block of time. After, testing each class understanding that it was below 20 degrees Fahrenheit each outdoor testing. I found that there was more - difficulty, I measured their stress levels decrease. A deeper understanding of % improvement overall with the outdoor lesson with an average of 21% improvement the effects of video games on stress levels will provide information on how overall. With the indoor lesson there was less -% Improvement with an average improvement video games affect teens. The information will guide professionals, parents, and of 27%.While doing this experiment I learned that every student learns differently and an gamers to consider healthier amounts of time for gaming or not gaming. assessment might not accurately show the intelligence of different students. I also learned that outdoor lessons are harder to teach in colder weather and some obstacles of teaching in the winter which would include cold, not many lessons being able to be taught in the winter with most plants not lively. Some questions that came up were, “Is it the familiar environment that causes more learning to happen?” and “is the more success in learning in an outdoor environment just from the hands on part about it?”. In conclusion, I found that there was more progress in learning with the indoor lesson more than the outdoor lesson. [EXCEEDS WORD LIMIT]