Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences
Central Regional Science Fair 2017
Abstract Booklet
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Hosted by
www.hastings.edu/sciencefair
Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences
Central Regional Science Fair 2017
Welcome to the annual 2017 Central Regional Science Fair!
This year’s presentation will be presented by current Hastings
College student Tyler Djernes. Tyler participated at the National level
when he was a high school student at Central City.
We would like to extend a Thank you to all of the participants,
parents, teachers, judges, Hastings College students and support
staff, Fresh Ideas, employees and Tyler Djernes.
Without your support and help, this event would not be possible.
Neil Heckman, Science Fair Chairperson
Lynette Shea, Science Fair Coordinator
hosted by
Hastings College Switchboard: (402) 463-2402
hastings.edu/maps
1) Hurley-McDonald Hall-Admissions Office
2) Perkins Library
3) Kiewit Physical Ed. Building
4) 706 E. 7th St. Residence
5) 710 E. 7th St. Residence
6) 714 E. 7th St. Residence
7) President’s Residence
8) Morrison-Reeves Science Center
9) Daugherty Center
10) Calvin H. French Memorial Chapel
11) The Stone Health Center
12) Babcock Hall Women’s Residence
13) Taylor Hall Women’s Residence
14) Wilson Mathematics & Computer Science Center
15) McCormick Hall
16) Scott Studio Theatre
17) Altman Hall Co-ed Residence
18) Batchelder General Services
19) 846 N. Ash Ave. Residence
20) Bronc Hall Men’s Residence
21) Steinhart Plaza
22) 905 N. Elm Ave. Residence
23) MacKay House
24) Hazelrigg Student Union
25) Gray Center for Communication Arts
26) Jackson Dinsdale Art Center
27) Hayes M. Fuhr Hall of Music
28) Weyer Hall Men’s Residence 29) 1018 Pine Knoll Rd. Residence
30) Farrell Arena/Fleharty Educational Center
31) Lloyd Wilson Field/Stadium
32) Track and Field Complex
33) Barrett Alumni Center
34) Bronco Village Apartments
35) Physical Fitness Facility
36) Doris Becker Tennis Facility
37) Sachtleben Observatory
Contents
Participating Schools and Teachers ...........................................................................................................................1
Day’s Schedule................................................................................................................................................................2
Sample Abstract Form....................................................................................................................................................3
NJAS Judge’s Score Sheet ............................................................................................................................................4
Guidelines for Judging NJAS Research Projects .......................................................................................................6
Abstracts
Junior Division Abstracts ........................................................................................................................................10
Category 1 – Animal Sciences
Category 2 – Behavioral & Social Sciences
Category 3 – Biochemistry
Category 4 – Chemistry
Category 5 – Earth and Planetary Science
Category 6 – Energy and Transportation
Category 7 – Engineering: Electric/Mechan.
Category 8 – Environmental Management
Category 9 – Environmental Sciences
Category 10 – Medicine and Health Sciences
Category 11 – Microbiology
Category 12 – Physics and Astronomy
Category 13 – Plant Sciences
Senior Division Abstracts .................................................................................................................. 38
Category 1 – Animal Sciences
Category 2 – Behavioral & Social Sciences
Category 3 – Biochemistry
Category 4 – Cell & Molecular Biology
Category 5 – Chemistry
Category 6 – Computer Science
Category 7 – Energy and Transportation
Category 8 – Engineering: Matls/Bioeng
Category 9 – Environmental Management
Category 10 – Environmental Sciences
Category 11 – Medicine and Health Sciences
Category 12 – Microbiology
Category 13 – Plant Sciences
Index of Student Entries................................................................................................................................................60
hosted by
Participating Schools and Teachers
Adams Central High School............................... Jay Cecrle
Sandy Kliewer
Zac Foster
Central City High School .................................... Chelle Gillan
Franklin Public School .......................................... Drew Kendall
Hastings Middle School ....................................... John Fleming
Deborah Miles
Hastings St. Cecilia's High School ...................... Thera Jones
Ravenna Public School ...................................... Stephanie Rodenborg
Sandy Creek Middle School………………….. Aaron Biltoft
Silver Lake High School………………………… Alyssa Willcott
Wilcox-Hildreth Public School ............................ Karen Piel
hosted by
1
Schedule
Time
Teachers
Jr. Division Students
Sr. Division Students
Check-in and
set-up projects
(must be ready
by 9:00)
Check-in and
set-up projects
(must be ready
by 9:00)
Check-in and
set-up projects
(must be ready
by 9:00)
Morrison-Reeves
Science Center
Morrison-Reeves
Science Center
Judges
8:00
8:30
Judge’s Meeting
Morrison-Reeves
Science Center
Morrison-Reeves
Science Center,
Room 219
9:00
Presentation –
Tyler Djernes,
Hastings College
10:00
Teacher’s Meeting
Face-to-Face Face-to-Face
Judging
Judging
French Memorial
Chapel
Morrison-Reeves
Science Center,
Room 130
10:20
Face-to-Face
Judging
Presentation –
Tyler Djernes,
Hastings College
Face-to-Face
Judging
French Memorial
Chapel
12:30
1:30
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch (optional)
Hazelrigg Student
Union Cafeteria Line
Dining Rooms A & B
Hazelrigg Student
Union Cafeteria Line
Dining Rooms A & B
Hazelrigg Student
Union Cafeteria Line
Dining Rooms A & B
Hazelrigg Student
Union Cafeteria Line
Dining Rooms A & B
Awards
Presentation
Awards
Presentation
Awards
Presentation
French Memorial
Chapel
French Memorial
Chapel
French Memorial
Chapel
2
NJAS Regional Science Fair Abstract Form
* Required
Student's First Name*
Student's Last Name*
Parent/Guardian Contact* (Please Submit Name, Phone Number or Email Address)
Teacher Sponsor*
Teacher's Email Address*
School Name*
School Address*
City, State & Zip*
Research Title*
Individual or Team* (choose 1)
Individual (1 researcher)
Team (2 researchers only) 2nd Student’s First and Last Name
Does this exhibit require electricity?
Yes
No
Abstract*
The abstract must include a brief review of the problem, hypothesis, and research method. Please
include results and conclusion. Summary must be 250 words or less. You are responsible for editing your
abstract!
Division* (choose 1)
Junior Division
Junior Division
Junior Division
Junior Division
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 9
Senior Division Grade 9
Senior Division Grade 10
Senior Division Grade 11
Senior Division Grade 12
Category* (choose 1)
Animal Sciences
Cellular & Molecular Biology
Earth & Planetary Science
Energy & Transportation
Mathematical Sciences
Physics & Astronomy
Behavioral & Social Sciences
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Computer Science
Eng.:Electrical/Mechanical ____ Eng.: Matls./Bioengineering
Environmental Management ____ Environmental Sciences
Medicine & Health Sciences ____ Microbiology
Plant Sciences
3
Student’s Name
NEBRASKA JUNIOR ACADEMY OF SCIENCES JUDGE’S SCORE SHEET
Division
Exhibit #
Project Title
Total Score
Place
Judge’s Signature
SCIENTIFIC METHOD OR ENGINEERING GOALS:
RATING SYSTEM
Scientific Method:
(2 = lowest and 10 = highest)
1. Initial Observations and Identifying the Problem
2 4 6 8 10
(Observations and Problem are clearly stated)
2. Hypothesis Formation
2 4 6 8 10
(Initial Hypothesis clearly defined)
3. Experimental Design and Procedure
2 4 6 8 10
(Procedure followed applies to the problem and uses controls)
4. Collection of Data
2
4 6 8 10
(Evidence of proper data collection is demonstrated)
5. Analysis of Data
2 4 6 8 10
(Graphs, percentages, statistics, or other appropriate illustrations used)
6. Conclusions
2 4 6 8 10
(Conclusions are logical, related to original purpose, and supported by data)
OR
Engineering Goals:
1. Clear Objective
2 4 6 8 10
(Project has a clear objective)
2. Relevant Objective
2 4 6 8 10
(Objective relevant to the potential user's need)
3. Workable and Feasible Solution
2 4 6 8 10
(Workable, acceptable, and economically feasible solution)
4. End Product Solution
2 4 6 8 10
(Solution utilized successfully in design or construction of end product)
5. Improved Solution
2 4 6 8 10
(Solution is significant improvement over previous alternatives)
6. Tested Solution
2 4 6 8 10
(Solution has been tested for performance under the conditions of use)
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
(1 = lowest and 5 = highest)
1. Oral Presentation & Ability to Answer Question
1 2 3 4 5
(Presentation is well organized, clear, and concise)
(Responses are clear and accurate;each team member familiar with all aspects)
2. Visuals
1 2 3 4 5
(Visuals aides are clear, neat, organized and complete)
3. Written Work
1 2 3 4 5
(All written material is organized and complete; contributions of
each team member are clear)
4. Background Research (Bibliography)
1 2 3 4 5
(Use of library and resources are documented)
PERSONAL GROWTH
1. Scientific Value of Project
(Information presented is relevant and significant)
2. Creativity and Originality
(Project shows a creative approach to the problem)
3. Knowledge Gained
(Understanding of concepts is appropriate to grade level)
4. Effort and Attitude
(Adequate time, effort and attitudes are demonstrated; each team member
fully involved and reflects coordinated efforts of both team members)
Total Score
4
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
NOTE FROM THE JUDGE
Student’s Name
Division
Exhibit #
Region
Exhibit #
Project Title
Judge’s Signature

NOTE FROM THE JUDGE
Student’s Name
Project Title
Judge’s Signature
5
Judging Guidelines Suggested Evaluation Criteria for Judging Judges scoring project entries are asked to use the Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences Judge’s Score Sheet, which is based on a 100 point system. Points are assigned accordingly to the four categories listed below, with points weighted as per the approved judge’s score sheet. The following questions for each set of criteria can assist you in interviewing the students and aid in your evaluation of the top ten projects. SCIENTIFIC METHOD OR ENGINEERING GOALS (60) Scientific Method (60) 1. Is the problem stated clearly and unambiguously? (1) 2. Was the problem sufficiently limited to allow plausible attack? Good scientists can identify important problems capable of solutions. (1) 3. Does the original hypothesis address the problem? Is it clearly defined? (2) 4. Does the hypothesis lend itself to measureable testing? (2) 5. Was there a procedural plan outlined aimed at obtaining a solution? (3) 6. Are variables recognized and defined? (3) 7. Are there appropriate corresponding controls? Does the student recognize their need and use them accordingly? (3) 8. Are there adequate data to support the conclusions? (4) 9. Does the student recognize the limitations of the data and … 10. Does the student have an idea what further research is needed?(4) 11. How complete are the projects notes and/or logbook?(4) 12. Has the data been properly collected? (5) 13. Is the data complete? Disaggregated? Appropriately displayed?* (5) 14. Is the conclusion logical, related to the original purpose, and supported by data?(6) 15. Does the student understand the project’s ties to related research? (6) 16. Is the conclusion based on a single experiment or replication? (6) 17. Was the purpose carried out to completion within the scope of the original intent? (6) *See Communication Skills for more complete evaluation 6
Or: Engineering Goals (60) 1. Does the student project have a clear objective? (1) 2. Is the objective relevant to the potential user’s needs? (2) 3. Is the solution: workable? Acceptable to the potential user? Economically feasible? (3) 4. Could the solution be utilized successfully in design or construction of an end product? (4) 5. Is the solution a significant improvement over previous alternatives or applications? (5) 6. Has the solution been tested for performance under the conditions of use? (6) COMMUNICATION SKILLS (20) 1. How clearly does the student discuss his/her/their project and explain the purpose, procedure and conclusions? Watch out for memorized speeches that reflect little understanding of principles. (1) 2. Does the written material correlate with and reflect the student’s understandings of the research? (3) 3. Are the important phases of the project presented in an orderly manner?(2) 4. How clearly are the data represented? Are their charts, graphs, other visuals? (2) 5. How well does the physical display explain the project? Is it attractive, easy to read and otherwise accessible? (2) 6. Was the project presented in a forthright manner, without tricks or gadgets? 7. What about the bibliography; does the student cite scientific literature, or only popular literature? (4) 8. Does the bibliography seem to be shown in the student’s work, or is it just a compilation of sources that the student doesn’t seem to have really consulted? (4) 7
PERSONAL GROWTH and CREATIVITY (20) 1. Does the project show creativity, ability and originality in the questions asked? (2) 2. Does the project show creativity and originality in the approach to solving problems? (2) 3. Is there enhanced mental discipline and order in the analysis and interpretation of data? Is there a sense of seriousness, rigor and humility as opposed to gadgeteering?(3,4) 4. Can the student tell you what he or she has learned from the project? (3) 5. If it is a group project, has each student contributed significantly to the project, at least in ways that reflect his or her skills and abilities? What part did each student play in the project? (4) 6. Was the project done independently, or are there indications of excessive outside help? (4) 7. Did the student show maturity and good judgment by organizing a project that is relevant and significant?(1) 8. Have the student’s observational skills been enhanced? How? (3) POTENTIAL MAXIMUM SCORE CHART Scientific Method or Engineering Goal Communications Skills Personal Growth 60 points 20 points 20 points Total Possible Score 100 points 8
Junior
Division
Entries
Category 1 – Animal Sciences
Ants, Can you dig them?
Henry Schardt
Hastings Middle School, John Fleming
J-1
My purpose of my science fair project was to figure out what soil types ants dig in best. The
reason why my science fair project is useful is because scientists can use it for ant research. My
hypothesis was that western harvester ants will dig in field dirt the deepest. My procedure
consists of putting 90 ants in 3 soil types, 30 ants per tank. My 3 soil types were field dirt,
granular perlite and red sand. My results showed that my hypothesis was supported. The last
day of the project the granular perlite farm had 4 inches dug into it. The field dirt had 4.25
inches dug into it. The final farm red sand had 3.75 inches dug into it. My project contributes to
the work field of earth science. My objectives were met, my hypothesis was supported with the
field dirt having the deepest tunnels.
Is the Light Side of a Tortoiseshell Cat’s Face Random?
Kristen Rohrer
Sandy Creek Middle School, Aaron Biltoft
J-2
My family owns three tortoiseshell cats. One is a tortoiseshell with no white. The second is a
dilute tortoiseshell with no white and the third is tortoiseshell with white. I noticed that each
of these cats had a light and a dark side to their face fur. I began to notice that many
tortoiseshell cats have a light and dark side of their face – or a split face. So, I chose to
investigate the hypothesis: Is the light side of a tortoiseshell cat’s face random? I gathered 250
unaltered cat face pictures from veterinarians, friends, and humane societies. From each
picture, I logged information: tortoiseshell, calico or torbi (a tabby striped tortoiseshell), dilute
or not dilute, light side of face, nose line or not, long, short or medium haired. With this data, I
applied a Chi-Square equation to determine if the numbers were significant. In the end, the
only significant Chi-Square number obtained was the light side of face against dilute or not
dilute. 69% of dilute tortoiseshell cats have a light colored left side of their face while non
dilute tortoiseshell cats have an 80% chance of having a right sided light side. So, the
conclusion to my project is that the dilution gene in the cat genetic makeup significantly
dictates the light side of the cat. The light side of a tortoiseshell cat’s face is not completely
random when looking at it with and without the dilute gene.
10
How do eggs get bigger?
Alexi Henry
Wilcox-Hildreth Public Schools, Karen Piel
J-3
Do you have laying hens? If so, you might find my project interesting. My project was to
determine whether or not adding peanuts into the diet of chicken would result in larger and
heavier eggs. In order to obtain a proper control sample, I had to measure the size and weight
of the eggs without changing their diet. Next, I shelled unsalted peanut and placed in a home
blender and ground into small chunks. My method was to add a small percentage of peanut to
the chicken feed. The four chickens were first fed 5% of peanuts and their eggs were measured
and weighted. Then added 10% of peanuts and finally 20% and the egg were analyzed. Each egg
was weighed by a kitchen scale and measured using a cloth tape measure. Without peanuts,
the weight of the eggs was 2 ounces. With 5% of peanuts substituted into the chickens' diet,
the weight of their eggs increased to 2.25 ounces. The height and width also increased. Next,
with 10% of peanuts, the weight increased to 2.50 ounces and the size again increased. Then
with 20% of peanuts the chickens eggs stay at 2.50 ounces but the chicken didn’t produce as
many eggs. The project results supported my hypothesis. The project expands my knowledge
about the value of feeding a controlled amount of peanut to chickens. It has also valued my
family who has laying hens to increase the size of the eggs to sell.
Category 2 – Behavioral and Social Sciences
For Bleeding Out Loud
Calan Brant
Hastings Middle School, Mrs Miles
J-4
My experiment was based off of a hobby of mine, Deer hunting. When you bow hunt in general
you need a great broadhead that will kill the animal quickly and smoothly so you can find your
animal you have shot. My science experiment was which broadhead arrow tip causes the
fastest blood flow. My procedure included setting up the targets, preparing the first trial with
the broadhead, Shooting and timing how long it took for the water to reach a red mark, this
was done for all 3 trials with every broadhead. After I tested which broadhead causes the
fastest blood flow I found my results quite surprising. I thought the Montec would produce the
fastest blood flow but my results say otherwise, the fastest time of them all was the toxic
broadhead. The toxic had the average time of 33.9 seconds which was 30 seconds faster than
any of the other broadheads. My experiment contributes to hunters everywhere. Hunters need
a broadhead that will kill the animal quickly, if it isn’t killed quick enough then you may not find
the animal or it will just walk it off.
11
Soap vs Hand Sanitizer
Brayden Lockling
Hastings Middle School, Mrs. Miles
J-5
The purpose of my project was to see if soap or hand sanitizer cleans your hands the best. I
think that people will care about my project because it can keep your hands and places and
buildings clean. It could change people’s daily life because it could change what people wash
their hands with.The problem I invested in was to see if soap or hand sanitizer cleans your
hands the best. My procedure included swabbing my hands, rubbing the swab in the petri dish,
wash or rubbing my hands with the products,then swabbing again,and rubbing the swab in the
petri dish, finally putting the petri dish in the incubator for 24 hours. My hypothesis was that if
advanced hand sanitizer was the best then it would reduce the amount of bacterial growth. My
hypothesis was rejected because regular hand sanitizer was the best overall. In conclusion my
science fair results could be used to keep our hands clean. My project results did answer my
research question because I found out that hand sanitizer was the best.
Water You Really Drinking?
Dori Sass
Hastings Middle School, Mrs. Miles
J-6
The purpose of my science experiment was to see which brand of water bottle contained the
largest amount of plastic in their bottles. I originally thought that Dasani would end up with the
most plastic. However, Evian contained the most with 29.7 visible fragments of plastic. Nestle
Pure Life had 23, Aquafina 22.7, Smartwater had 21.7, and Dasani had the least, with an
average of 20 pieces of plastic. This experiment was conducted out of a worry for our future. If
plastic water bottles are potentially hazardous, I believe we should be informed about it. A
large percent of our population drinks from these bottles, so if we are in harm’s way because of
it, I believe people should know about it. This experiment could have been prepared in a better
way however, I did not have the proper knowledge or skill level to question the amount of
Bisphenol A in the bottles. While Evian had the most plastic in it, it may not have the most
detrimental effect on the human body. I am not sure on how much BPA is in each bottle, so my
results may clash with those from a similar experiment. I hope to someday further this project
to find out the details on how damaging plastic can be to us.
12
What Music Works Best
Andrew Le
Hastings Middle School, Mrs. Miles
J-7
The purpose of my research and study was to decide if I performed better with different types
of music, or no music at all. Music can heavily affect one's performance. I tested each genre of
music three times with a constant time and a computer that met minimum specifications. My
hypothesis was if I tested different types of music, then my score will do better with classical
music. I reject my hypothesis as my best average score was with 310 points with no music
compared to classical with only an average of 285 points. These results show how someone
would be able to focus more on a task and perform better without music.
Solving Rubik’s Cubes
Jarrett Synek
Hastings Middle School, Mrs. Miles
J-8
I did my project, because I like solving rubik’s cubes and I wanted to help everyone that is
learning how to solve a cube to know the best method. If I solve a 3x3x3 rubik’s cube three
different ways, then the method of the first two layers will be the fastest method to do. I solved
the cube five times with each method, the beginner’s method took an average of 46.52
seconds, the ortega method took an average of 56.28 seconds, the method of first two layers
took me an average of 30.097 seconds. I ended up accepting my hypothesis, because my
hypothesis said that the method of first two layers, and the method of first two layers won by
15 seconds. I found out the method of first two layers, edged out the keyhole method and
beginner’s method and beat it by 16 seconds.
The key to hitting a baseball further
Luke Stevens
Hastings Middle School, Mrs. Miles
J-9
The purpose of my science fair experiment was to determine if corking a wood bat makes it hit
a baseball farther than a regular wood bat. The people that would care about my project would
be baseball players that use wood bats. The question I asked is does corking a wood bat make it
hit a baseball farther than a regular wood bat. My hypothesis is if I cork a wood bat, then it will
hit a baseball farther than a regular wood bat. For my procedure I went to a baseball field and
hit three baseballs with each bat. The answer to my question is corking a wood bat does hit a
baseball a little bit farther. The distances for the corked wood bat are 156.1, 163.1, 150.1, and
the average is 156.43. The distances for the regular wood bat are 155.5, 164.5, 142.7, and the
average is 154.23. I found that corking a wood bat doesn’t make much of a difference in the
distance the baseball travels.
13
Rubber or Metal Softball Cleats
Sophie Cervery
Hastings Middle School, Mrs. Miles
J-10
The purpose of my study was to determine whether rubber or metal softball cleats have a
faster time from first to second base. Rubber or metal cleats can affect the average time. I
conducted my experiment by running form first to second with the different types of cleats on.
I found that metal cleats barely edged out the rubber cleats in time.
Yeti Vs. Ozark
Aden Ortegren
Hastings Middle School, Mrs. Miles
J-11
How long can tumblers keep ice solid? With my experiment and the results I found people
could figure out which tumbler would suit their lifestyle the best. I decided to test two brands
of cups, the Yeti and the Ozark. My hypothesis was that the Yeti would keep ice solid the
longest. I found my hypothesis to be correct, the Yeti did outlast the Ozark. The Yeti melted in
on average 782 minutes, and the Ozark came in on average 742 minutes. So on average the Yeti
kept the ice frozen 40 minutes longer than the Ozark. My experiment relates to the real world,
because if somebody wasn’t sure what kind of cup to get this could help them make the
decision.
Treat or Consequences
Gracie Cervantes
Hastings Middle School, Mrs. Miles
J-12
The purpose of my project was to find out if children listen better if they were to get a treat
versus a consequence when asked to do a simple task. I hypothesized that if I offer a child a
treat, then they are more likely to perform the simple task. To conduct this project I used two
girls that were one and two and a boy that was 4.This could have affected some of the results
but when it came to the treat they all completed the task. So basically bribery is the way to go.
This project is helpful for parents and teachers trying to get kids to listen. The down side is as
the kids get older, you have to have to up the ante on the reward.
14
Heart Rate and Humming
Hannah Gammill
Hastings Middle School, Mrs. Miles
J-13
While conducting my science fair experiment, I measured the heart rates of a person who had
just speed-walked on a treadmill. I tested this because I was determined to find if humming
could be a simple remedy to relieve stress, pain, or exhaustion in some degree, because of a
calmed heart rate. The problem I tested asked the question “Will humming after experiencing
exhaustion calm one’s heart rate faster than without humming?” To find the answer to my
question, I had a person walk on a treadmill for 3 minutes at 4 miles per hour. Immediately
following each 3 minute walking segment, I recorded their heart rate, then recorded their heart
rate once again, one minute after their getting off the treadmill. I ran four trials of this exact
procedure, then proceeded to do the same for four more trials, only having the person begin to
hum immediately after stepping off the treadmill. My hypothesis suggested that humming
would calm a heart rate faster, and I’ve found that humming after experiencing stress, pain, or
exhaustion does calm a heart rate about 15% quicker than without humming, according to my
data. Although my results didn’t turn out to be as drastic as I expected, my hypothesis was still
correct, and I’ve concluded that humming does, indeed help to calm an accelerated heart rate.
How Much Radiation Does A Cell Phone Give Off, and How Does It Affect The Brain?
Whitney Hauge
Ravenna Public Schools, Stephanie Rodenborg
J-14
The amount of radiation given off by a cellphone, and how it affects the brain was studied to
see if a phone call damages brain cells.
A radio frequency meter was used to test the amount of radiation from an iPhone 6s. This
would be tested from all four sides of the phone three times. The second step in the
experiment was to gather up test subjects, and have them do math problems to the best of
their ability for one minute. The math problems would then be checked, and the experimenter
would count the amount of correct math problems. Then, the test subjects would partake in a
one minute phone call, and immediately after the phone call, the test subjects would do math
problems to the best of their ability for one minute. Afterwards, the experimenter would check
the math problems, and count the amount of correct math problems. This would be repeated
three times per test subject.
For the first part of the experiment, the average amount of radiation from an iPhone 6s was
around .4 W/Kg. For the second part of the experiment, fourteen out of eighteen times the test
subjects had been on the cellphone their amount of correct math problems had dropped from
the previous amount. This showed cell phone radiation does dramatically decrease brain cell
activity. It also showed it does not take that much cell phone radiation to affect the brain.
15
Does Food Boost Your Mood?
Callie Coulter
Ravenna Public Schools, Stephanie Rodenborg
J-15
A mood is a temporary state of mind or feeling. Healthy foods are dark chocolate, oats, nuts,
bananas, and lentils. Unhealthy foods are potato chips and french fries. Moods are caused by
aches and pains in the human body. Serotonin and dopamine are two chemicals most
commonly associated with mood. The frontal lobe, Parietal lobe, Temporal lobe, cerebellum,
and brainstem are the parts of the brain associated with moods. The point of the study was to
see if one added certain foods to his or her diet, would his or her mood level rise.
First, the subject was found in study hall, he or she was then asked eight different questions,
next, the subject ate a food, then at the end of study hall, he or she was asked the eight
questions again. On certain items such as oats, lentils, and french fries, the food was made the
previous night or the morning before with a fryer for the french fries or a stove and pot for the
oats and lentils.
The order of mood-boosting foods went from greatest to least in order of chocolate,
bananas, french fries, potato chips, nuts, lentils, and oats. French fries and potato chips were
projected to have to lowest averages of the seven foods but had the second and third highest
averages. Chocolate’s average was 5.51, bananas was 5.19, french fries was 5.13, potato chips
was 5.08, nuts was 5.01, lentils was 4.94, and oats was 4.8.
Do Girls or Boys View Optical Illusions Differently?
Kacey Dethlefs
Ravenna Public Schools, Stephanie Rodenborg
J-16
Optical illusions are created when the color, light, and patterns of the image are misleading. In
order to accurately interpret the image from the eye to the brain, one has to view the motion,
color, angles, and form of the optical illusion. Does it matter whether the human looking at the
image is a girl or a boy?
Optical illusions were placed on Google Slides to present to the survey participant. Only one
optical illusion at a time would be shown on the screen so the participant wouldn’t be
confused. Five optical illusions were shown to the participants and was asked what the
participants saw in the optical illusion. The results were recorded on a sheet of paper for each
individual optical illusion.
The results for this experiment were graphed and charted so a visual could be seen of the
results. The results were not one hundred percent accurate whether there was a difference
between the results for females or males. The majority for females and males for the first
optical illusion were of different answers. For the second optical illusion, the majority of
females and males saw different things in the image. The majority of females and males saw
the same thing in the third optical illusion. It was hard to see a difference in the fourth and fifth
optical illusion because there was a variation of times and answers, but, in the fifth optical
illusion a majority of the participants saw the same thing in the image.
16
Dressed Differently
Noelle Richmond
Wilcox-Hildreth Public Schools, Karen Piel
J-17
Have you ever felt like people weren’t paying as much attention to you because you didn’t
dress as nice as the person next to you? In my science fair project, I decided to test out the
question of how dressing different effects the help you receive in Walmart. I went to my local
walmart store and dressed in three different ways, my normal street clothes, which consisted
of jeans and a t-shirt, then I dressed up in a skirt, and even did my hair up, finally I dressed in all
black. I then asked people at random if they would please help me locate and get something
off a shelf that was too high for me to reach. I was surprised to find that I received help 100%
of the time when I was dressed in street clothes or in my nice skirt, but when I was dressed in
all black, only seven out of the ten I asked were willing to help. While this does show that
perhaps clothing choices do matter, I was glad to see that most people are willing to help out
no matter how you are dressed. I would definitely say I need to test this further to get an even
more accurate study, but it was a good start.
Tasty Colors
Creed Johnson
Wilcox-Hildreth Public Schools, Karen Piel
J-18
Have you ever wondered why food are so brightly colored? Well I heard that colors can
actually make things taste better. I decided to test this theory. In order to test this, I made a
batch of cupcakes and colored the frosting different colors, using food coloring, but used the
same vanilla frosting each time. I then took some of my classmates as volunteers and had them
taste some cupcakes with vanilla frosting, while wearing a blindfold. I asked them to describe
the flavor. Like my hypothesis suggested, most were able to identify the frosting as vanilla.
Then I took the same vanilla frosted cupcakes, but on new cupcakes and had those same
participants eat the cupcakes without the blindfolds. Now they could see the colors clearly. I
asked them to describe the flavor again, while some of them were not convinced that anything
was different, some did think the different colors, such as the pink tasted a little bit like
strawberry. This proved my hypothesis to be partially correct. However, I realize that there
was room for error in this experiment, as my classmates knew I was testing something. Even
though they did not know exactly what I was testing, they may have come into the taste testing
with some pre-existing bias.
17
Walk the Line
Lane Leib
Wilcox-Hildreth Public Schools, Karen Piel
J-19
Better vision, worse vision. Who walks/runs straighter blindfolded. My name is Lane Lieb, I’m
from Wilcox-Hildreth Middle School. This experiment was utilized because I was very interested
in what I saw on a mythbusters episode. So I conducted this experiment to see it for myself. So I
found two people one with good vision one with bad vision. Then I went to the local football
field and blindfolded them. I had the participant start in the middle of the end zone and the
attempted to walk in a straight line to the other side. Participant one stayed fairly on track but
participant two failed miserably to make it to the other side. With the running participant one
did go off track but participant two fell down multiple time.
All Crossed Up
Brooke Quadhamer
Wilcox-Hildreth Public Schools, Karen Piel
J-20
Have you ever thought about a crossed or uncrossed hand/eye dominance in basketball? Not
all players have the same dominance. My project tested how crossed hand/eye dominance can
affect basketball shooting percentages. Then I attempted to take it further by asking, if
uncrossed or crossed has an effect, then what category will be positive or negative? In my
hypothesis, I said that people with crossed hand/eye dominance will have a negative effect
when shooting free throws, and uncrossed hand/eye dominance will have a positive effect. To
test this, I found volunteers throughout the 7th-11th grades. I asked the subjects a series of
questions on a data sheet. When testing my volunteers, I had them shoot 10 free throws to
determine if their category of dominance was positive or negative. When I averaged my results,
the uncrossed hand/eye dominance had a higher percentage than crossed hand/eye
dominance. So, my hypothesis was correct. Uncrossed hand/eye dominance will have a better
chance of making free throws than if someone was crossed. How interesting, so the next time
you go to shoot a basketball, you may want to see if your left eye is dominant, and if it is maybe
think about learning to shoot left handed. Of course I would need to test many more subjects
to help eliminate other outside errors, but science is always ongoing.
18
Category 3 - Biochemistry
Why do we drink water when exercising?
Anna Wibbels
Hastings Middle School, John Fleming
J-21
People all around the world exercise, hopefully taking on fluids while doing so. But, what if they
didn’t put any fluids into their body while exercising? The reason I did this experiment was to
find out the answer to that very question. One way to measure this is by measuring the
thickness of one’s blood before exercising and after exercising without drinking water. The way
this works is, when an individual exercises they lose weight in water (from perspiration). When
they lose water weight, there is less water in their blood, therefore the blood is thinner. To test
my experiment, I had three subjects not drink any water or eat any food for eight hours, which
is the equivalent to a night of sleep. Directly afterwards, I measured their blood consistency
(hematocrit) and used this as a baseline. Then, the three subjects each ran ¼ of a mile, and I
measured the blood consistency once again. Finally, the three subjects ran ½ of a mile and I
measured the blood consistency again. I repeated these steps twice more, to reach the
optimum results. Between the 8 hour fast and the ½ mile run, all three subjects hematocrit
rose. Subject one’s went from 43.1 to 43.4, subject two’s went from 43.1 to 46, and subject
three’s went from 39.5 to 42. In the future, my results will help both amateur and professional
athletes to exercise in a safer manner, as well as doctors.
Category 4 – Chemistry
Density in Water
Avery Nye
Ravenna Public Schools, Stephanie Rodenborg
J-22
Background: It has been discovered that freezing some water decreases its density. An
experiment was performed to see if another compound, such as salt would change the density
of water as well.
Procedure: Two cylinders were both filled with the same amount of water. In one cylinder, a
spoonful of salt was added to the water. Both densities were calculated and recorded on a
graph. The process was repeated three times.
Results: It was proven that the saltwater had a slightly higher density than the water without
salt. It was measured with the same amount of water and salt in each trial. 90 oz of water were
placed in each cylinder and the cylinder were measured empty as well. The results of the
calculations were each divided by 90 to reveal the density. Overall, it was proven that adding
salt to water slightly increases its density.
19
What chemical reaction will accelerate rusting in steel?
Derek Story
Sandy Creek Middle School, Aaron Biltoft
J-23
The purpose of this project was to see which chemical accelerates rusting in steel. This is
important because people with tools can preserve their tools so they don’t rust and become
frail. My hypothesis is: If I put rust-oleum on steel then the rusting process on steel would be
slower. I used three different chemical solutions (Water, Vinegar, and Bleach) and divided
them evenly among six jars. I put just over a cup of each chemical in individually labeled jars. In
three of the jars, plain steel wool was placed inside. In the last three jars, I put rust-oleum on
the steel then put them in the jar. Results concluded that bleach accelerated the rusting
process in steel when there is no rust-oleum present as well as when the rust-oleum was
present. Based on my results, my hypothesis was correct in all but one of the chemicals I used
to complete this experiment.
Density: Freshwater vs. Saltwater
Jenna Strampher
Silver Lake High School, Alyssa Willicott
J-24
Have you ever wondered what is thicker, salt water or an egg; have you ever wondered why a
person floats in the Dead Sea? The information in this report will give you incite to these
questions. The following information shows the results of an experiment in which a boiled egg
was used to test the various densities of the salt to water solutions. The control, salt to water
solution, of the experiment contained 5 cups of water with 1 cup of diluted salt. The control
solution in this experiment ratio was less than the ratio of salt to water in the Dead Sea. From
the control solution, the salt to water solution was diluted a total of five times. After each time
the control solution was diluted with more water, the boiled egg sank closer and closer to the
bottom until the egg rested at the bottom of the glass. This experiment allowed the boiled
egg’s density to be tested against the salt to water’s density at different ratios. The hypothesis:
If the density of salt to water is greater than the weight of the boiled egg, then the egg will float
on the water. This was proven true with the data from the experiment.
20
Cool Can of Soda
Luke Swanson
Silver Lake High School, Alyssa Willicott
J-25
Which is the fastest way to cool a can of soda? Is it putting the cans of soda in the freezer? A
cooler with ice water? This project looks at what ingredients can cool a can of soda the fastest.
The cans were tested in a cooler with ice and water, a cooler with ice, water, and salt, a
refrigerator, and a freezer by measuring the temperature every five minutes. The hypothesis
was if a can of soda is placed in a container filled with ice, salt and water then the soda will cool
faster than if it is in a container of water and ice, refrigerator, or freezer. This hypothesis was
proven true from the data collected from this experiment. The experimental results supported
the hypothesis by showing that the cooler containing ice, water and salt cooled the fastest. The
experiment also showed that indoor freezers do not cool a can of soda faster than a cooler
does. The experiment also showed that if a student would place salt in a cooler containing ice
and water, then the salt would prevent the ice from melting. Thick styrofoam coolers also do
help keep the temperature of the cans of soda down.
Category 5 – Earth and Planetary Science
Can Water Float On Water?
Shaylen Beaty
Silver Lake High School, Alyssa Willicott
J-26
The experiment brought to light the fact that saltwater has more density than freshwater.
During the experiment, the student took two bottles of water and added salt to one of them.
They then dyed the bottles different colors. The salt water was dyed red and the freshwater
was dyed blue. Both of the bottles of water were cold. Once they were dyed, the student
placed a thin plastic card on one of the bottles. The saltwater specifically. Then, the student
picked up the bottle and slowly lifted it and turned it upside down to place it on top of the
freshwater bottle.
Category 6 – Energy and Transportation
The effect of temperature on the distance a golf ball will travel
Jay Ceperley
Hastings Middle School, Mrs Miles
J-27
The purpose of my study was to determine whether cold, hot, or ambient temperature golf
balls would fly farther. Air and ball temperature can be factors in travel distance of a golf ball. I
conducted my experiment by hitting golf balls of three different temperatures. I found that
there wasn’t always a difference in the distance traveled with golf balls that were different
temperature.
21
Category 7 – Engineering: Electrical/Mechanical
EMP Trial
Brandon Clear
Hastings Middle School, John Fleming
J-28
The reason I did this project is because I saw a video on how to build an electromagnetic pulse
(EMP) generator. I guarantee you that if you read on, you’ll be happy you did. My experiment
includes information about the past of EMPs which has nukes, solar flares, and cold war
experiments and what it does. Also it might give you a different view on science. If you read the
rest of the abstract then you’ll get a better understanding of what i'm doing. I solved how to
increase the range of the EMP device. An EMP disables all electronics in its field. First I got the
materials and then I started building. The most important variable was the high voltage
generator (HVG). What it does is it increases the voltage by a major amount. The conclusion I
got was expected; The HVG played a role and the 500KV generators average was 4.9 in. and the
100KV generator average was 5.1 in. That is a 1.1 in. comparison. I think my project worked the
way, I wanted.
Super Stretch
Brittney Lindner
Hastings Middle School, John Fleming
J-29
My science fair’s purpose is to see how rubber bands react to different temperatures. The
rubber bands react differently to heat and cold compared to other objects. Temperature affects
everything in our daily lives. I wanted to find out how temperature affected rubber bands. My
hypothesis was “If a rubber band’s temperature is freezing, then it won’t stretch as well as a
band with room temperature or boiling temperature.” I used a spring scale and used 5 newtons
of force on 3 groups of 3 rubber bands. Each group was subject to a different temperature. On
was boiled for 10 minute, one was left on the counter as a control group, and the last was put
in the freezer for two hours. The boiled bands stretched to an average of 13 ⅓ centimeters, the
room temperature had an average of 14 centimeters, and finally the frozen rubber bands
stretched to an average to 10 ⅓. I accept my hypothesis that the frozen bands would perform
the worst. My data didn’t match my research though. Normally the rubber band’s long chain of
molecules called polymers do the opposite and compress in heat and expand in heat.
22
Wood vs Aluminum Bats
Challen Edwards
Hastings Middle School, John Fleming
J-30
The purpose of my science fair was to test the question of which kind of baseball bat is the best
for hitting baseballs long distances. This question is really an argumentative question in the
baseball community. This could change everyone's opinion of which kind of bat they use. My
hypothesis was that if I were to hit the same amount of baseballs with an aluminum bat then
the balls would go further than a wood bat could hit. The easiest way to test this was first to
find a flat baseball field. Then I hit the same amount of baseballs with each kind of bat,wood
and aluminum.Once all of them were hit I measured the distance from the tip of home plate to
the baseball. At the end the aluminum bat had won. The aluminum bats average for the
distance was 274 feet while the woods was 252 feet. Knowing this information could help any
newcomer to baseball or softball or even people that just want to learn some differences
between the two bats.
Science of Softball
Brittany Ochsner
Hastings Middle School, John Fleming
J-31
Spring is in the air, which means the softball/baseball business will be booming! But, does it
really matter whether you purchase a $350 bat or a $50 one? The purpose of my study was to
determine if composite bats (normally selling for $300 and up) are more powerful than wood,
alloy, or aluminum bats, all of which can be bought for a lot cheaper. My hypothesis was that
you get what you pay for, in other words, the composite bat is the most effective bat to use
when hitting for distance. I conducted my experiment by strapping each bat to a blue rock
thrower, so every “swing” was taken using the same amount of force at the same angle. Each
bat hit a total of five balls, and each distance was measured and averaged. The experimental
results supported my hypothesis in that the composite bat hit the furthest, but not by as wide
of margin as I would have guessed. This experiment could prove to be valuable information for
both players and parents when deciding which bat to choose.
23
How Many Turns Does it Take for a Windmill to Pump Water?
Karson Paitz
Ravenna Public Schools, Stephanie Rodenborg
J-32
What was known about the topic was that the most common type of windmill is an aermotor,
the most common size windmill wheel is eight foot. The paper is trying to explain that each
windmill will have a different amount of rotations per stroke unless altered to be identical to
another windmill.
The methods for this experiment included some safety concerns like falling. The experiment
required having a variety of windmill wheel sizes and depths to water. The experiment was
done by going to a windmill, shutting it off, taking off the pump head, measuring the water
level, putting the pump head back, marking a fan section, turning the windmill on, and seeing
how many times the wheel turns before the windmill starts to pump water.
The results of this experiment were that the six foot windmill had a 2.5 rotation stroke and
took 22 rotations to pump water at 55 feet to water (deep). Eight Foot Number One had a 1.5
rotation stroke and took 48.5 rotations to pump water at 73 feet to water. Eight Foot Number
Two had a 1.75 rotation stroke and took 48 rotations to pump water at 68 feet to water. The
ten foot windmill had a 3 rotation stroke and took 41 rotations to pump water at 124 feet to
water. The controlled variable was the stroke of the windmill. The independent was the
windmill head. The dependent was the number of rotations that it took to pump water.
Which battery will last longer?
Brock Karr
Silver Lake High School, Alyssa Willicott
J-33
My science fair project is a simple motor. My hypothesis question was which battery works
better, the C cell or the D cell battery? My hypothesis was the D cell battery would work better
and my hypothesis was proven correct. The C cell battery ran out of energy at 22 hours while
the D cell went for 41 hours and 40 minutes before running out. The wire was shaved off all the
way on one side and half of it was shaved off on the other side. Then the magnets used the
battery’s energy and pushed the wire. I took all the shaved part plus the half shaved part then
divided them by two to get 270% that gets pushed with the magnetic pulse, then the other 90%
spins freely. It spins constantly this way. That is the reason it spins a lot. The reason I did this
project was because I’ve always had an interest in magnets. I believe that I have enough
sufficient data to state that my hypothesis is correct. I believe my data is accurate for the most
part. It may be a few minutes off but the two battery’s times are very different so not enough
to make a difference.
24
One Person's Junk Is Another Person's Treasure
Evan Blank
Wilcox-Hildreth Public Schools, Karen Piel
J-34
The purpose of my project is to build a resistance spot welder by using salvaged parts from an
old microwave. I hypothesize that my resistance spot-welder will weld washers, nails, and sheet
metal together.The inside of a microwave can be quite dangerous. The large high voltage
capacitor may be charged. For safety precaution, I discharged it by touching a metal rod such
as an insulated screwdriver across the terminals to discharge it I used a voltmeter to measure
the 1.6 volts of my spot welder. The amount of amps was recorded as 800. I modified a
microwave oven transformer into a high-energy current device that can create a electrical
current, which can melt metal. The spot welder created a low voltage of electricity, which acts
as a resistor between the electrode wires and heated up due to electrical friction. My spot
welder is a device that uses a current to fuse two pieces of metal together. The electrical
resistance of the pieces of metal can create a temperature high enough to weld them together.
This creates a spot weld, which is literally a spot on each piece of metal that is bonded together
and determine that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. It can be used for spot welding
aircraft, automobiles, and sheet metal.
Category 8 – Environmental Management
Do cover-crops help prevent erosion?
Sam VonSpreckelsen
Sandy Creek Middle School, Aaron Biltoft
J-35
Farmers have attempted various practices to decrease soil erosion. For my science fair project, I
performed an experiment that compared 3 different levels of ground cover. The purpose of my
project was to show that cover-crops reduce the amount of soil erosion on farm ground. Bare
soil erodes drastically and adding cover-crops will lessen the amount of soil lost. I constructed
three containers with spouts on the front and proceeded to fill each one with bare dirt, bean
stubble, or cover crop. I poured 3000 milliliters of water on the soil in each box. Next, I weighed
the amount of soil erosion produced from the runoff and measured the amount of water for
each container. The results I got were that bare soil had 226.8 grams of erosion and 1800
milliliters of water runoff. The bean stubble soil had 45.4 grams of erosion and 1600 milliliters
of water runoff. The cover-crop produced 10 grams of erosion and 1500 milliliters of water
runoff.
25
Category 9 – Environmental Science
How greasy are potato chips?
Sidney Kistner
Sandy Creek Middle School, Aaron Biltoft
J-36
The purpose for doing my science fair project was to see how much fat we are putting in our
body’s from what kind of potato chips we are eating. The hypothesis I have investigated is that
if I compare Stacks, Oven baked, Kettle cooked, Classic and Oven baked will be the greatest.
How I approached my procedure was by taking 4 different chips and put them on separate
pieces of graph paper. Then smash all the chips with your wax paper and take those chips and
throw them away make sure that all the chips are removed from the graph paper. Then find
some clear tape and tape the graph paper up to a well-lit window and leave it there for a day,
after that time, count the grease stained squares. Record your data on a piece of paper and
graph. The results that I found were that Stacks was 230 squares and 342 squares, Oven Baked
was 0 squares and 254 squares, Classic was 365 squares and 409 squares, and Kettle cooked
was 274 squares and 370 squares so as you can tell Classic has the greatest amount of grease.
My science fair project contributes so people know about their health issues.
Category 10 – Medicine and Health Sciences
Tooth Sleuth
Linnea Howie
Hastings Middle School, John Fleming
J-37
My reason for doing my experiment, “How does fruit with different amounts of fluoride affect
the plaque index grade on teeth when eaten?” was to see how different fruits would change
the amount of plaque found on a person’s teeth. My hypothesis stated that if I took a plaque
disclosing tablet then eating fruits with the most fluoride would reduce the amount of plaque
more than a fruit with a smaller fluoride content. I did my experiment by having my test subject
ttake a plaque disclosing tablet and measuring the plaque, then having them eat apples,
bananas, grapes, and kiwis and measuring the plaque again. My results showed that the teeth
with the grapes and apples reduced the most plaque, while the banana and kiwis reduced only
2 out of the 3 trials. I concluded after doing my experiment that fruits with high fluoride and a
crunchy texture will reduce plaque on a higher average than a fruit with a soft texture and
lower fluoride levels.
26
Coffee or Water
Caiden Henry-Perlich
Hastings Middle School, John Fleming
J-38
Athletes around the world are unsure whether or not caffeine improves exercise. The reason I
chose this as my experiment was that I felt like it would be beneficial to know if drinking coffee
would help exercise performance. In my experiment I had two subjects run for five minutes and
I measured how far they ran in that amount of time. My hypothesis was if an athlete consumes
a moderate dose of caffeine 30 minutes before exercise, then their performance will be better
than when they only drank regular water. Overall, coffee did not improve the performance for
this five minute exercise. Coffee only had a better time than the trial with water on two out of
the six trials. After this experiment I rejected my original hypothesis.
Eye Spy
Alice Vu
Hastings Middle School, John Fleming
J-39
The purpose of my experiment was to observe if different eye colors affect how people saw
colors in low light. My experiment would help anyone in situations where they would need
people with the better eyesight to help them see in the dark. The problem I analyzed was
whether different eye colors mattered while seeing colors in low lighting. I tested my project by
hanging colors on a wall in a dim room, I had different eye colored people read off the colors
they saw, and recorded their answers. What I’ve collected from my data was, both brown and
blue eyes got the average of 7 out of 9 colors correct, and green eyed people got the average of
6 colors correct. My science fair project could help occupations such as policemen, because
they could recruit detectives with the better eyesight to catch criminals. Overall, in my study,
I’ve concluded that brown or blue eyed people would have better sight in the dark than green
eyed people.
Tooth Decay
Courtney Beave
Hastings Middle School, John Fleming
J-40
During the science fair, I soaked animal teeth in different liquids. I tested this because I was
curious to see which liquids were most damaging to teeth. The problem I tested asked the
question “How do teeth decay when being soaked in different liquids?” I soaked various animal
teeth in 5 different liquids to monitor how they decayed. I weighed the teeth in grams every
night before I soaked them again. Surprisingly, none of my teeth decayed. A majority of the
teeth even gained weight. Two of the teeth stayed the exact same weight from beginning to
end, but the other 28 gained at least a little bit. Even though my hypothesis turned out to be
wrong, I still feel like I learned a great deal doing this experiment.
27
Double Dipping
Andrew Brandt
Hastings Middle School, John Fleming
J-41
chose to do my science fair experiment due the common statement of concern when someone
acts in doing an infamous double dip. I always felt that due to the small elapsed time between
dips and bites, there isn’t enough time for the bacteria present to reproduce exponentially and
grow in size. I feel that the data I gathered could be useful to many different professions such
as scientists, restaurant owners, and food processors. The problem I solved with my experiment
was the concern of double-dipping and the spread of germs and bacteria between a group of
people. In my hypothesis, I stated that double dipping does not spread germs or bacteria due to
the elapsed time between biting and double dipping the chip, there would not be enough
bacteria to reproduce (as it take approximately 12-20 minutes) exponentially. To do my
procedure I made an agar mixture and rubbed a “dipped” chip and a “dipped” salsa as well as a
clean Q-tip and a clean chip and salsa. I let the bacteria grow for 6 days and then recorded my
results and made up my results. From my data collecting, I found that double dipping does not
spread germs. The data I collected could be used for many professions such as scientists and
restaurant owners.
Potential Hydrogen
Christine Phuong
Hastings Middle School, Mrs Miles
J-42
My study was to determine if pH level in the body will change based on healthy or unhealthy
foods we eat. My hypothesis was if I change my normal diet to a particular diet, then I will have
a small change. I tested three different diets: healthy, unhealthy, and normal. The healthy diet
had a change of 1.25 pH while the unhealthy diet had a change of 1.0 pH. At the most, the
normal diet changed 0.25 pH overall. This is beneficial to those who have complicated health
problems. In conclusion, these results did not match my hypothesis.
28
Sound Frequencies
Akira Quick
Hastings Middle School, Mrs. Miles
J-43
My purpose of study was to prove that people below age 50 could hear more sound
frequencies. Nobody should ignore my experiment because it explains why hearing aids help
people and why hearing loss happens. I tested if people above or below age 50 could hear more
sound frequencies, and I thought that people below 50 would hear more sound frequencies.
My hypothesis was accepted because the two youngest people (age 10 and 19) were able to
hear the highest sound frequency at 16,000 hertz when two of the oldest people (age 68 and
73) couldn’t hear a single frequency. The reason why the oldest people couldn’t hear anything
was because their stereocilia had died. Stereocilia is a medium sized hair cell that sends the
signal to your brain when you’re hearing something. Sometimes it breaks, or dies because of
loud sounds. But once it’s broken, it won’t grow back. This causes hearing loss because when
those people were younger they listened to so many sounds that their stereocilia cracked under
pressure, literally. I had two age groups, presented them with sound frequencies, and asked
them if they could hear it or not. The young people (ages 10, 19, 40, and 41), and the old group
(ages 65, 68, 72, and 73) had many differences. The two younger people in the old group could
only hear to 10,000 hertz and the older two couldn’t hear any. The two older people in the
youngest group could hear them all until 16,000 hertz, hearing 14,000 hertz at most. With my
hypothesis being accepted, sound frequency is a major part of human society, and I proved it
with my experiment.
Stains and your teeth
Nakiya Combs
Hastings Middle School, Mrs. Miles
J-44
The purpose of this student was to test which liquid stains your teeth the most. The reason
why I picked to test this is because people all over the world are unaware of how badly and
easily your teeth can be stained and damaged. It is expensive and inconvenient to get your
teeth whitened and fix the damaged that the harsh liquids that people have been drinking has
done to their teeth. I decided to substitute teeth for eggs and I put the eggs into four separate
containers each containing a different liquid. The liquids were coffee, cranberry juice, tea and
coke. I place an egg in each container with 150 ml of each liquid and sealed it with plastic wrap
and left if for five days. I then drained the liquid and measured how much liquid was left. Then I
compared the eggs that had been stained to a normal egg. Then I recorded my data. I found
that on all eggs there was a gunk residue on each egg. However the egg that was the most
stained was the coffee egg. Based on my test I accept my hypothesis that coffee stains the most
on teeth.
29
Does Cinnamon Lower A Type One Diabetic’s Blood Sugar?
Claire Standage
Ravenna Public Schools, Stephanie Rodenborg
J-45
Type one diabetics are people who must keep track of their blood sugar due to a lack of insulin,
a hormone that allows the body to use sugar. Cinnamon is useful for many medical things, it is
also thought by some scientists and researchers that it may lower blood sugar. Blood sugar is
the amount of sugar in the bloodstream at a certain time.To begin this experiment a handful of
type one diabetics were selected. To do this experiment, for eight days, an average blood sugar
was taken before the participant ate the toast at night and in the morning. Then, for eleven
days the participant ate cinnamon toast every night before bed. Afterwards to look for a
delayed effect, they did an average before bedtime and in the morning. In the end, the average
morning blood sugar before the cinnamon toast was 142mg/dL, during 159.3mg/dL, and after
143.1mg/dL. This evidence suggests a large variety of things. The blood sugar while eating the
toast likely means that the simple carbohydrate of bread raised the participant’s blood sugar, as
it was eaten right before bed. The blood sugar afterwards could mean that the cinnamon
needed to accumulate in the body before it began to work. Or perhaps the cinnamon did not
work at all, the end blood sugar may just have been the blood sugar returning to average.
Unfortunately, the actual effect can’t be known because of the many things that affect one’s
blood sugar.
How Does the Temperature Affect an Athlete’s Performance?
Chase Lockhorn
Ravenna Public Schools, Stephanie Rodenborg
J-46
The human body’s major muscle groups are the arm, hand, core, back, leg, and foot muscles.
Tendons connect muscles to bones; joints are where the bones bend. Blood vessels react to
weather by expanding in hot weather and shrinking in cold weather. The three test subjects ran
200m on the track three times a day, and the times of the runs were recorded. The subjects
also threw a football three times, and they did long jump three times a day. The length of the
throws and the length of the jump was recorded. This was done 6 times; three times in 9℃ and
below and three times 10℃ and above. After testing all six times, the test subjects’ data was
averaged out for both 9℃ and below, and 10℃ and above for all three activities the subjects
did. The results of the experiment showed that athletes perform better in warm weather. The
averages of running in warm weather were 35.94s, 39.39s, and 32.36s. The averages for
throwing in warm weather were 20.86m, 22.75m, and 22.09m. The averages for jumping in
warm weather were 2.83m, 2.46m, and 3.13m. Averages for cold weather differed. The
averages of running in cold weather were 37.97s, 39.43s, and 33.76s. The averages for
throwing in cold weather were 18.25m, 20.26m, and 21.02m. The averages of jumping in cold
weather were 2.73m, 2.45m, and 2.86m.
30
Which Toothpaste Whitens the Best?
Ashlyn Fiddelke
Ravenna Public Schools, Stephanie Rodenborg
J-47
It is important to have detergents, sodium lauryl sulfate, saccharin or sorbitol, abrasives, and
fluoride in toothpaste. Tea, coffee, wine, sports drinks, berries, hard candies, and tomato sauce
are all foods that can cause tooth discoloration. First, one has to boil eggs. Next, one has to put
eggs in a liquid stain. After that, one has to scrub eggs with toothpaste and toothbrush. Lastly,
one has to record data and take pictures. The data shows the comparison of clean when
someone brushes eggs, that have all been stained the same, for the same amount of time. The
following toothpastes were compared: Crest, Colgate, Sensodyne, and Aquafresh, Sensodyne.
The results showed that Sensodyne whitens the best. Crest cleaned both tea and Coca Cola the
same and were rated at a one, but cleaned the grape juice at a rating of three. Colgate cleaned
tea, Coca Cola and grape juice had the same rating at a four. Aquafresh cleaned tea and grape
juice the same rating at a two, but cleaned Coca Cola at a three. Sensodyne cleaned tea rating a
three, Coca Cola at a two and grape juice at a one. The hypothesis: If one brushes his or her
teeth with Crest toothpaste, then one's teeth will be whiter than if one were to use other
brands, was not supported because sensodyne whitened the best overall. This experiment
could of been improved by using more toothpastes, stains, and were tested on actual teeth.
Save money, live butter
Magnolia Springer
Wilcox-Hildreth Public Schools, Karen Piel
J-48
Have you ever been at the store and wondered if butter, margarine, or a spread product were a
better deal? What about which one contains more water? My project answers all of these
questions. The purpose of my project was to determine the amount of water in different types
of butters, margarines, and spreads. I hypothesised that margarines and oil-based spread
products would contain more water and less fat-based liquids than the butters. To test my
hypothesis I purchased two butter, two margarines, and two spreads, and measured out equal
portions of each product using a scale. One at a time, I then put the products into a cooking
container and boiled them down until all of the water had been boiled out. The remaining
oil/fat that remained in the pot after all of the water had been boiled out was then remeasured
on the scale in order to determine the quantity that remained. Calculations were then
performed to determine the percentage of water that was in the product. These findings were
then compared to the price of the products to determine which products were actually the
most expensive based off of the amount of water they contained. These prices were then
converted into the price of water per gallon because the usual cost of water is about $1.22 per
gallon. Products containing large amounts of water that had high cost were found to have been
a worse deal than products with higher percentages of fat.
31
Peppermint: Effective or Not?
Sarah Johnson
Wilcox-Hildreth Public Schools, Karen Piel
J-49
Peppermint is a strong flavor. Some schools give them to students during tests to increase
scores. The idea behind this is that it will keep you awake and more alert, but just how much
more alert does make it? I decided to test this. I had four participants, Sam Gruwell, Lane Lieb,
Creed Johnson, and Jordan Glenn. I had them test different peppermints on three different
days. I completed three different reaction tests first without the peppermint flavor and then
again after having some peppermint in their system. The first test I gave them, was a color test
on a computer app. Then on a different day I tested them by seeing how fast and accurately
they could sign their name on a piece of paper. Finally, I tested their reaction time to see how
fast they could grab a meter stick that I dropped for them. I then averaged their scores to see
what kind of difference we were looking at. Surprisingly, Jordan who is the oldest (27yrs) and
the youngest Sam (11yrs) were shown to be the most affected by the peppermint products.
And the two teenagers Creed and Lane were not to much affected by any peppermint products.
This led me to even more questions, does the peppermint effect have to do with a person’s
age. I can see many more tests that may be ahead of me.
Sweet Deal
Natalie Billington
Wilcox-Hildreth Public Schools, Karen Piel
J-50
You are going down the ice cream aisle and you spot your favorite ice cream, and right next to
it is the same flavor but sugar free. Do you grab the regular kind, because you know that the
sugar free won’t taste as good, or do you opt for the less calorie version, excited that you have
a healthier option to you? I decided to test this by first seeing if people could tell the difference
between sugar free and regular ice cream. Then I asked which one was more preferred.
Getting volunteers was easy, everyone wanted to sign up to be an ice cream tester. I gave
them each a cup, I marked the sugar free ice cream with a black x on the bottom. Then I had
them describe which ice cream tasted creamier, which tasted sweeter, and which one they
thought was the original and which one they thought was the sugar free. Some could tell the
difference some could not. I then asked if they would be willing to pay more for a healthier
version of their ice cream, I didn’t get any takers. This probably had to do with the fact that I
only tested 8th graders. If I were to do this project over I would definitely expand my age
group. I also asked if they would be willing to eat the ice cream that they didn’t claim to be the
better if it was cheaper. Every response was yes. Therefore, I concluded that in the 8th grade
cost is more the deciding factor on which ice cream they would buy, not whether it was sugar
free or not. I also found out that most of those tested did prefer the sugar free, because it
actually tasted sweeter. This is definitely a project that is worth expanding on, you could say it
was very sweet.
32
Category 11 - Microbiology
French Fry Mold
Ashlee Long
Hastings Middle School, John Fleming
J-51
The purpose for doing my science experiment is to find out what french fries mold the fastest.
The problem I found was that people are becoming unhealthy and obese so I wanted to know
what french fries, we should and shouldn’t eat. At the beginning of my experiment, I thought
that all of the french fries would mold slower than a cut raw potato. To test my experiment I
took six mason jars and placed Runza, Arbys, Mcdonalds, Wendys, Frozen, and the raw potato
in them, then after ten days, I took a picture everyday and measured the amount of mold by
percentage of them covered. At the end, I found out that Wendy’s french fries mold was the
fastest. They molded on second day with six percent of them covered in mold along with the
cut potato that was seven percent covered. Mcdonald's and Arby's fries never molded. In
conclusion my hypothesis seems right. But most french fries are still bad for your health and
shouldn’t eat them.
Category 12 – Physics and Astronomy
Best angle for a Basketball Shot
Lauren Hinrichs
Hastings Middle School, John Fleming
J-52
The purpose my experiment was to find the best angle of follow through for a free throw in
basketball. I did this because with this information people who are just learning how to play
basketball will be able to learn the best techniques rather than having to completely relearn
their shot the right way. By using the correct angle it can affect a person’s whole shooting
percentage. If a person has a follow through of 90 degrees then he or she will make the highest
percentage of 10 shots, was the hypothesis I used to test this experiment. To test this question I
picked 5 angles, 33 degrees, 52 degrees, 70 degrees, 90 degrees (control), and 102, degrees. I
did two trials with each angle and shot ten baskets for each trial and counted how many i made
out of ten. At the end of the experiment, data showed that the 90 degree angle is the best to
use because it had the highest percentage of 95% (average). Based on my results I can
conclude that a shot using a 90 degree angle will be most beneficial and improve a person’s
shooting percentage.
33
Warm H2O vs Cold H2O
Diana Brailita
Hastings Middle School, John Fleming
J-53
My experiment was based on changing the way that people view the ocean. Because the
temperature of warm water and cold water is responsible for ocean currents, submarines and
other submersible vessels may not be prepared for strong currents. Traveling through water
could be much safer with further research related to my science experiment. Also, travel time
in water could be more accurate if you know the temperature of the water in the depths you
are traveling in. My science experiment tested if an object, in this case a ball, travels faster
through warm water or cold water due to the frequency of how fast the molecules move in
each type of water. This experiment could be useful for oceanographers studying how objects
like submarines travel through different temperatures of water. During my procedures, I
repeatedly dropped a ball into warm and cold water from the same height (2 ft.) Somebody
else timed how long it took the ball to hit the bottom. 0.77 seconds was the average time it
took the ball to hit the bottom in warm and cold water. My results were very surprising
because my research stated that objects travel faster through warm water than cold water. I
disproved my hypothesis because the ball did not travel through warm water faster than in cold
water. To take this experiment to the next level, I could drop a ball in a deeper water
environment with a higher degree of change between the warm and cold water.
Does the temperature of a tennis ball Affect the height of its bounce?
Trey Mieth
Ravenna Public Schools, Stephanie Rodenborg
J-54
A tennis ball can bounce higher or lower depending on the air temperature around the ball. The
paper is trying to explaining about how a tennis ball's temperature can affect the height of its
bounce. All of the tennis balls were dropped on a wood piece and measured. Also for making
the tennis balls hotter and colder they were put in a oven and freezer for 2 minutes. The room
temperature tennis ball was dropped and measured. That same ball was dropped two more
times for an accurate measurement of it. The hot tennis ball was dropped and measured three
times. The cold tennis ball was dropped and measured three times. The room temperature
tennis ball’s measurement was: 91.44 cm, 90.17 cm,91.44 cm. First, second, and third drops for
the hot tennis ball were: 96.52 cm, 95.25 cm, and 95.25 cm. The cold tennis ball had a
measurements of: 86.36 cm, 87.63 cm, and 86.36 cm. Therefore the hot tennis ball bounced
the highest, and the cold tennis ball bounced the lowest out of the three tennis balls. The data
that was collected was not supported by the hypothesis, because the cold temperature tennis
ball did not bounce the highest. This experiment could have been improved by adding more
tennis balls with different temperatures. Another way is to have a more precise way to measure
the height of its bounce.
34
Category 13 – Plant Sciences
Does Facial Hair Effect Facial Bacteria?
Madalynn Welsh
Franklin Public School, Mr. Drew Kendall
J-55
We encounter trillions of pathogens every day. Though we try to prevent them from growing
and spreading, for some, they’re thriving right under our noses, literally. I conducted this
experiment to determine whether or not facial hair effects facial bacteria. I tested for fecal and
general bacteria. I hypothesized that there would be more bacteria found on faces with facial
hair than faces without. I obtained 10 agar plates that test for fecal bacteria and 10 that test for
general bacteria. I swabbed 9 men total, 3 men were used for control, the other 6 made up the
rest of the experiment. I swabbed all nine men with sterile swabs, streaked the agar plates,
then set the agar plates upside down in the incubator at 37 degrees Celsius for 24 hours. I
counted and calculated the number of colonies before graphing my results. I found that my
control had more bacteria than some people with facial hair, therefore my results contradict
my hypothesis that facial hair effects facial bacteria.
Vitamin C
Natalie Brandt
Hastings Middle School, John Fleming
J-56
Most fresh fruits do not include a nutrition label leaving many people to wonder how much
Vitamin C is contained in an orange or green pepper, and if non-organic fruits and vegetables
have more Vitamin C than organic. After completing my experiment, and much research, I
found that non-organic fruits and vegetables had only a slight difference in Vitamin C compared
to organic. I began my experiment by making a cornstarch solution to which I added iodine to
make it blue. Next, I used an eyedropper to add the orange or green pepper juice to determine
the amount of Vitamin C. To test the average amount of Vitamin C in a fruit or vegetable, I
crushed a 100 mg Vitamin C tablet and dropped it into the iodine solution. My results did not
support my hypothesis. Instead, I discovered that non-organic fruits or vegetables had only a
3.3 ml difference, but in the end, non-organic did have more Vitamin C than the organic. This
experiment will not only affect people's purchasing decisions, but will hopefully encourage
them to make healthier choices.
35
Banana Peppers and Mulch
Jarrett Ochsner
Hastings Middle School, Mrs. Miles
J-57
The purpose of my study was to determine whether Banana Peppers grow better with or
without mulch. If I mulch Banana Peppers, then they will grow better and produce more. The
average mulched pepper plant grew thirty-nine centimeters tall and produced thirty-seven
peppers. On the other hand, The non-mulched peppers grew an average of thirty centimeters
and produced sixteen peppers. Due to the results, I accept my hypothesis. My science fair
project contributes to the world by letting home gardeners and commercial growers know that
mulch helps plants grow.
At what depth in the soil do Wisconsin fast plant seeds grow the best?
Blake Janda
Sandy Creek Middle School, Aaron Biltoft
J-58
Farmers have started having more success with harvest as they learn how deep to plant their
seeds. The purpose of my project is to see the difference in growth that a Wisconsin fast plant
seed has at different depths in the soil. It is important to plant your plant at the right depth
because roots vary in size and if you don’t plant them at the right depth then they won't get the
nutrients and water that they need to grow and survive. The problem that I solved was at which
depth in the soil my seed grew the best. I started by putting eight seeds in eight different
planters for each depth 1cm, 2cm, and 3cm, and let them grow for fifteen days. My final results
were that at 1cm all eight seeds sprouted up and the roots had the most mass and were the
longest, at 2cm all eight of the seeds sprouted up as well but the roots didn’t have as much
mass and weren’t as long and finally, at 3cm only three plants sprouted up and the roots were
very small with almost no mass. The collected data resulted in my conclusion of my experiment
was that the seeds planted at the depth of 1cm grew the best.
What type of chemical kills plants faster?
Jason Brockman
Sandy Creek Middle School, Aaron Biltoft
J-59
For my science fair project, I designed an experiment to show what kind of chemicals kills plants
faster. The purpose of this project is to see if household chemicals kill plants faster than
commercial grade chemicals. It also relates to my career interest in Chemical Agriculture. If I
apply household chemicals to a plant they will not perish as fast as with commercial grade
chemical. First, we had to grow soybeans in cups and then I put all of my six chemicals on the
leaves and on the soil of the plant. Then I waited 3 days and all of my plants had died but one,
resulting in an incorrect hypothesis. The household chemicals in my investigation killed the
plants faster than the commercial grade chemicals. Adding more chemicals to the plant leaves
would be an extension of my experiment and may add more data.
36
Does Temperature Matter?
Abby Klein
Wilcox-Hildreth Public Schools, Karen Piel
J-60
Have you ever wondered if the reason you can’t grow a single plant is because the temperature
of the water you’re using isn’t suited for the plant? Well, I decided to test this theory by taking
lavender seeds to see if that was the case. I investigated whether the temperature of water
affects a plant’s growth. I used different temperatures of water on each seed. I started to see
results a few weeks later, the room temperature seed had sprouted. I waited about two more
weeks for the other variables to sprout, but it hadn’t happened yet. I had proven my hypothesis
correct. However, I know that I would need to test this theory again to see if there weren’t
some other reasons as to why the two plants with cold and hot water never came up. This is a
project in which the investigations are still ongoing. I did learn through research that a seed
will not grow if given the wrong temperature of water. A tropical climate plant can not have
very cold water, and a cold climate plant can not have hot water. This is all due to the fact that
plants and seeds are both sensitive and can become damaged if using the wrong temperature
water. When you plant a garden, you should know what the plants needs to survive. It goes to
show that maybe if we used temperature of water to help grow plants then maybe we could
grow more plants.
Category 11B - Microbiology
Effect of Sugar on Carbon Dioxide Production in Baker’s Yeast
Jenna Cecrle
Hastings Middle School, John Fleming
J-61
The amount of sugar used in making bread has a direct effect on how much carbon dioxide is
produced. In this experiment baker’s yeast was placed into recycled plastic bottles along with
different amounts of sugar to see how the sugar affected the amount of carbon dioxide was
produced. Carbon dioxide was captured in a balloon and measured using a graduated cylinder
filled with water. I discovered that the amount of sugar does have an impact on the amount
carbon dioxide produced.
37
Senior
Division
Entries
Category 1 – Animal Science
How Diets of Eisenia Foetida Effect Soil Composition
Taraesha Cole & Emma Raders
Adams Central High School, Sandy Kliewer
S-1
Worms are an essential part of our ecosystem. While forming pores in the soil, they allow
oxygen and water to seep down into the soil which helps plants flourish and grow. Worms also
have the capability to breakdown materials that have decayed and blend them into a nutritious
fertilizer. This project gave us more of an understanding of how much worms actually do for our
environment. We compared how much worms eat, in what state the soil is in depending on
their diets, and how the worms reacted. Noticing an extreme difference between Pot A and Pot
B, we had to determine that the choice of food selected for them was the difference maker. Pot
A contained only apples for the worms, whereas Pot B contained cereal. Pot A prospered better
than any of the pots, especially pot B, testing out with higher levels in pH, Nitrogen, Potassium,
Phosphorus, worm mass, and the total of worms. Our hypothesis state that the soil would
contain more nutrients if the worms had a diet of organic foods.
The Effects of E-Cigarette Vapor on Drosophila Melanogaster
Sophia Conant & Abby Klammer
Adams Central High School, Sandy Kliewer
S-2
Many smokers believe the concept that e-cigarettes are a healthy alternative for the otherwise
prejudicial cigarettes. Although they are not as harsh as traditional cigarettes, these perilous
alternatives could be capable of damage themselves. Few studies have been conducted on the
longer term effects of the devices. Our goal in this experiment was to get a clearer idea on the
potentially hazardous effects of the e-cigarettes by studying the phenotypic expressions and
number of progeny in fruit flies. We hypothesized that by adding vapor into flasks containing
same-strain fruit flies, there would be mutations in the gene expression and less offspring. We
sorted five male and five female Drosophila melanogaster (free of any visible mutations) into six
different erlenmeyer flasks. Using a bulb, we simulated smoking an e-cigarette. The vapor was
administered in the flasks in either five puffs or ten puffs repeated once everyday for three
days. We then analyzed our F1 generations and F2 generations. Once we had studied our
results, we found that our hypothesis was confirmed to be true. The data we evaluated showed
a substantial number in both generations that contained phenotypic mutations. We also saw
the number of progeny drop off sharply. After conducting this experiment we can confirm that
there may be more to e-cigarette vapor than most people realize. In the future we hope to
divulge more helpful information about the potentially negative effects of these devices.
38
If You Feed Chickens a Higher Quality Feed, Will They Produce More Eggs?
Kieran Feeney
Adams Central High School, Zac Foster
S-3
Many people go to the store and buy a dozen of eggs thinking nothing of it, but in the
agricultural industry there are many different aspects to producing more eggs. I split my
chickens into two groups and placed each group in a different place. In the first group I fed
Purina Organic Chicken Feed and in the other chicken house I fed Country Lane Chicken Feed. I
conducted the study for 6 weeks. I also found the grade for one eggs from each group once a
week. At the end of my experiment I concluded that the non-organic feed produced more eggs
than the organic feed, proving my hypothesis wrong.
The Effect of Tenebrio molitor and Galleria mellonella on the Decomposition of Polystyrene Foam S-4
Shelby Bamesberger
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
This purpose of this project was to find an eco-friendly way to increase the decomposition rate
of Styrofoam. Styrofoam has a very slow decomposition rate and contributes to landfills. If
there was a way to increase the decomposition rate, the amount of material in landfills could
decrease. The problem was to see if greater waxworms and mealworms could increase the
decomposition rate of styrofoam. Two experimental chambers and eight jars were filled with 6g
of styrofoam each and 40 waxworms or 40 mealworms. The carbon dioxide levels within the
chambers was recorded twice daily using a CO2 monitor. After seven days the mass of the
styrofoam was recorded in all containers. The carbon dioxide levels were then measured for
worms only and styrofoam only in the environmental chambers. Because the styrofoam
decreased the most in the container with waxworms, it was concluded that
they are better at decomposing Styrofoam. This may have been because they have bacteria in
their gut than can decompose plastic. The container with the mealworms had a greater
increase in carbon dioxide levels than the containers with waxworms and control. If I were to
test this problem again, I would want to test the worms with longer trial periods to see what
the long term affect is. It is important that research on this subject be continued because we
need to investigate alternative ways to decrease material in landfills without producing more
garbage or using more energy.
39
The Effect of Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Shea Lotion on Danio rerio Embryo Development S-5
Emiline McGinnis
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
Hormones are chemicals secreted by the endocrine system that the body uses to regulate daily
life processes, but personal care products can disrupt this process. Endocrine system disruption
can be very harmful to organisms, which is why this experiment was conducted to see if Gold
Bond Ultimate Softening Shea Lotion would disrupt the development of Danio rerio. It was
hypothesized that Danio rerio would develop faster when exposed to synthetic hormones in
personal care products. A personal care product containing known endocrine disruptors was
added to the water containing Danio rerio embryos. There were three levels of
experimentation 1 μL, 2 μL, and 4μL along with a 0 μL control that were all kept in the same
environment. Pictures were taken every 2 hours over a 12-hour period using a
stereomicroscope and cell phone camera. These pictures were compared to a zebra fish
embryo developmental chart to determine the developmental stage in hours. It appeared that
the experimental embryos were going to develop faster, because they were ahead in
development at hours 4 through 10, but at hour 12 the control caught up. This could mean that
the personal care product had no effect on the development of the embryos or not a significant
effect. It would be beneficial to conduct this experiment on a larger scale to determine if a
larger sample size shows less varied data. Also, determining the specific chemicals within the
lotion that affect development could aid in the manufacturing of future products.
Category 2 – Behavioral and Social Science
Association of Color and Test Results
Sophia Cass & Derek Vonderfecht
Adams Central High School, Jay Cecrle
S-6
It has often been suggested that colored paper could improve test scores opposed to white
paper. We decided to choose this topic because this question is easily applied to our everyday
lives as high school students. If we change the color of paper it may increase test results
because blue has been known to be a “soothing” color, and orange is often associated with
happiness. We executed our experiment by designing a 20 question test, copying it onto the
specific colors of paper, having participants volunteer to take the test, then grading the results
ourselves. It was determined after running a series of tests on our data that students who had
randomly chosen to use the colored paper showed better performance levels than the students
who took their tests on white paper. These results deem our hypothesis as correct. If we were
to repeat, we would grade the tests electronically.
40
Category 3 - Biochemistry
Techniques for Extracting Lipids from Algae Cells for Biofuel Production
Bailey Manhart
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-7
Scientists today are attempting to discover a fast, reliable, and energy efficient method to
extract the oil from algae. This experiment was chosen because of the many unexplored
possibilities for accomplishing this task. I hypothesized that the cellulase would split the cells
and increase light transmittance in the algae samples. There were 24 flasks of algae grown in
Miracle-Gro and distilled water. The growth was monitored by transmittance on a
spectrophotometer. After two weeks, the experimental flasks were split up into five groups
with 0.3 g, 0.6 g, 0.9 g, 1.2 g, or 1.5 g of cellulase. Afterward, the transmittance was once again
measured to determine the effect of the cellulase. When compared to the control there was a
smaller increase in transmittance in the groups that received larger amounts of cellulase, but
there were more intact cells remaining. The cellulase may not have the ability to break down
the lignin in the cell wall, but made enough holes for the chlorophyll to be released. Further
testing will be necessary to determine the true effect of the cellulase and which components of
the cell wall were affected.
Category 4 – Cellular and Molecular Biology
Out of the Shell Eggsperience
Ben Moritz
Hastings St. Cecilia High School, Thera Jones
S-8
The purpose of my experiment was to determine if chickens can be hatched in an artificial
vessel. I hypothesized that life would be seen in the yoke, but the chicken would not hatch. For
my experiment, I cut a hole into the side of a clear plastic cup and stuck a cotton ball and a
coffee straw through. I added 0.01% benzalkonium chloride into the bottom of the cup, then
covered it with a double layer of Saran wrap making a pouch halfway down the cup. I then
added calcium lactate powder into the pouch, along with distilled water and carefully cracked
the eggs into the pouch (experiment 1 - 7 eggs pre-incubated for 3 days and experiment 2 - 8
eggs pre-incubated for 2 days). After cutting holes and placing a lid on top, they were gently set
into an incubator set to 100⁰F with a high humidity. I then had to wait approximately a week for
any signs of life. My results in Experiment 1 were that 1 of the 7 eggs had a heartbeat at one
point in the incubation process. The one egg had a heartbeat for approximately 24 hours. In
Experiment 2, 0 of 8 eggs showed any signs life. In conclusion, my hypothesis was correct. Life
in the egg was present in one of the eggs for 24 hours, but the egg did not hatch into a mobile
chicken. I also concluded that 3 days of pre-incubation is necessary for life outside of the shell.
41
Category 5 - Chemistry
Incubation of Various Water Bottles and Possible Leaching of Bisphenol-A
Thomas Moller & Noah Sass
Adams Central High School, Jay Cecrle
S-9
Plastic disposable water bottles are constantly left in cars for days at a time. The sun heats up
the car, and consequently heats the water bottle inside up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. For
several years this topic has been studied to determine if any toxins are being released from the
bottle into the water. We have decided to conduct this experiment to dictate whether or not
Bisphenol-A is being released into the water, as well as to raise the health concern of drinking
out of these bottles and eating out of certain tupperware. It is not clearly known how much
Bisphenol-A is considered the “healthy amount” to consume, but it is harmful in large
quantities. We incubated various water bottle brands at 125 degrees Fahrenheit. We took
samples from each bottle and mixed it with a solution containing a tester named acridine
orange. We used an ultraviolet spectrophotometer to measure the amount of light that passed
through each solution. The tests found that each brand of bottle had a definite amount of
Bisphenol-A in the water samples.
Apples Vs. Oranges
Adam Eddy & Cody Knehans
Adams Central High School, Sandy Kliewer
S-10
Vitamin C is one of the most essential vitamins for everyone. Humans could not survive without
the antioxidant powers that Vitamin C provides, nor the collagen that Vitamin C helps build. The
human body cannot store Vitamin C, so you must absorb Vitamin C from foods or drinks. It is
well known that oranges and orange juices are high in Vitamin C, but which of these two
contains high levels of Vitamin C? Are the juices or fruits more Vitamin C plentiful?
42
Investigating Biofuel Enzymes Using p-Nitrophenyl glucopyranoside and Mushrooms
Will Wagner
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-11
The purpose of this experiment was to discover an efficient way to produce biofuels. The
human population constantly demands more energy, so this type of research is important.
Cellulose is commonly used in biofuel production, but the process can be expensive and
inefficient.To perform the experiment, enzymes were extracted from three different types of
mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus, Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus eryngii) and were combined with
the substrate p-Nitrophenyl glucopyranoside for different reaction times. p-Nitrophenyl
glucopyranoside was used as a substitute for cellulose because it produces varying shades of
yellow depending on the amount of substrate broken down. To determine the effectiveness of
the enzymes, transmittance was measured using a colorimeter at 400 nm and qualitative data
was obtained by comparing the samples to standards of known concentrations. It was
hypothesized that mushroom type would have an effect on the amount of p-Nitrophenyl
glucopyranoside broken down.The data showed that enzymes from Agaricus bisporus were
consistently better at breaking down the substrate compared to enzymes from Lentinula
edodes and Pleurotus eryngii. This may have been because Agaricus bisporus contained a
higher quantity of enzymes. For Agaricus bisporus the greatest increase in reaction efficiency
occurred between one and four minutes. This shows that when using enzymes from this
species, the optimal reaction time is four minutes. In the future, I would like to test different
kinds of mushrooms and different time intervals. Continued research of this type is essential
because of the limited nature of many of our natural resources.
Category 6 – Computer Science
Through the Eye of the Lens
Morgan Baker
Adams Central High School, Zac Foster
S-12
There are many factors that go into taking great pictures. A good first step is determining the
quality of your lens and which one to use. In my experiment, I tested my 18-55mm Canon EF
lens against my 55-250mm Canon EF lens. The 18-55mm lens is priced at $200, while its
opponent is priced at $300. First, I captured multiple photos on each lens. I then evaluated
these shots and checked the following: resolution, distortion, purple fringing, sharpness,
chromatic aberration, and lens alignment. At the end of the experiment, I found that my results
agreed with my hypothesis. After collecting my data, I came to the conclusion that the 1855mm Canon EF lens overcame its opponent. Lens testing can be a great way to find which lens
is the better fit. In this case, it might even save you $100.
43
Category 7 – Energy and Transportation
The best ďattery for your buck
Nathan Anderson
Adams Central High School, Zac Foster
S-13
AA Batteries are used in many small electronics. With all the brands, and the different types
each brand makes, it can be hard to figure out which battery is the most cost-effective. In this
experiment I am looking to find which battery is the most cost-effective. If I use Energizer
Ultimate Lithium then it will last the longest and be the most cost effective. I tested my
hypothesis by putting new batteries in a small remote controlled car. I then placed the car at
the bottom of a rocky driveway with a gradual incline. I placed a socket on the front of the RC
car as a weight to keep the front end down providing more stability. I timed how long it took to
make it to the top of the hill, walked it back down timed it again. When the RC car came to a
complete stop, I stopped the time and added it with all my previous times. I repeated this for
each battery. At the end of the experiment, I found that Energizer Ultimate Lithium was the
most cost effective proving my hypothesis correct. Max Performance was the second most cost
effective while being second to worst in time. Max performance made up for it in price, being
the cheapest battery I tested. I found that Energizer Max was the least cost effective battery.
Category 8 – Engineering: Materials/Bioengineering
Thin Metal Sheets in Doorway Headers
John Pohlson
Adams Central High School, Jay Cercle
S-14
I tested to see what would happen if thin metal sheets replaced plywood in traditional doorway
headers. I tested this because at times, headers fail. When headers fail, it is a very large task to
fix this structural failure. First, I figured out the dimensions of the 2x4s that i would test. A
traditional header is 3 ½”x1 ½”. The plywood is usually ½”. The aluminum used would be 7
gauge aluminum if metal was used. I scaled the headers down to ⅛ scale. The scale headers
were 3/16”x7/16”x12”. The plywood used was 1/16” and the metal was 24 gauge aluminum. I
tested the scale headers using a Vernier Structures and Materials Tester. This device allowed
me to track exactly when the headers failed and broke. My data and results supported my
hypothesis that when aluminum replaces plywood in doorway headers, the new headers have a
higher structural integrity than traditional headers.
44
Boards Under Pressure
Krystin Aschoff
Hastings St. Cecilia High School, Thera Jones
S-15
The purpose of my experiment was to find out the most effective wood for the use of building. I
hypothesized out of all the trials that Pine would be the most effective because it used in most
projects today. To do this project, I had to think of a unique way to test the wood. I borrowed a
porta power from my father’s work and welded 2x4 steel rectangle tubing to a 3” diameter
steel pipe, which I later added a pressure gauge, so I could test what pressure the wood failed. I
tested different types of wood and cut them to my desired length. In all the trials, I put the
wood in the testing apparatus. Then, pumped at a slow rate and kept my eyes on the pressure
gauge. When the pressure would not increase any more, it was officially called “broke.” Usually
it ended with a large pressure release. I tested each type of wood 3 times. In trial 1, I tested the
1x2 boards with the 2 inch side facing the hydraulic ram tip. In trial 2, I tested the 1x2 boards
with the 1 inch side facing the hydraulic ram tip. In trial 3, I tested the 2x2 boards. After all the
testing was completed, I divided each pressure held by the weight of the board to determine its
score. My results showed in trial 1 aspen had the highest score, in trial 2 oak had the highest
score, and in trial 3 poplar had the highest score. I conclude that oak is the strongest type of
wood overall, pine is the lightest wood, and maple had a higher average of scores.
Category 10 – Environmental Management
Increasing Efficiency in Animal Waste
Luke Krabel
Adams Central High School, Jay Cecrle
S-16
I have done a project looking at the efficiency and productivity of using animal and other bio
waste to produce biogas from biodigestion. This is important because animal waste and other
bio waste is everywhere and can help solve and make the world’s energy problems less because
biogas can be used to make energy. It is used widely in third world countries because of its low
cost and easy use. This process is environmentally friendly and the fuels used are completely
renewable and most times are just waste products or things we would throw away. Finally, this
project can help people realize the power available and the possibilities involved with this
process. After running experiments with different kinds of substances added I found that
adding things can help or hurt the amount of biogas produced. This information is beneficial
and can be used to help improve this process for areas that use this for energy and a way to use
their waste. In the end, food was the best material to add to the digesters.
45
Category 11 – Environmental Sciences
The Effect of Sodium Chloride on Daphnia Magna in a Simulated Fresh Water Lake
Sebastian Boelhower
Adams Central High School, Jay Cecrle
S-17
Sodium chloride can have major negative health effects on humans if taken in excess. However
salinity levels in our freshwater ecosystems are steadily rising. In this experiment, six solutions
ranging from a control of 0 g/L NaCl to 5 g/L NaCl were tested on Daphnia magna (water fleas).
Water fleas were placed on a welled microscope slide. Two drops of a specific salt solution
were applied on each flea. After the Daphnia became acclimated to the new environment, a
recorded video of their heart was used to calculate the heart rate. The data was analyzed using
a t-test and an ANOVA. As the concentration of salt grew, so did rise the beats per minute of
the fleas. These results show that as salinity increases it will have a negative impact on aquatic
invertebrates such as the Daphnia magna.
The Effect of a Range of pH levels on Tardigrades (Hypsibius dujardini)
Elena Dahlke
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-18
Due to increasing levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, which can lower pH in aquatic ecosystems, it
is important to determine the effects of changes in pH on organisms. Tardigrades are known for
surviving extremely harsh physical conditions, so I was hoping to find out if they can survive low
pH levels. They go into a cryptobiotic state by undergoing extreme desiccation called
anhydrobiosis. The hypothesis was that the tardigrade would be able to survive even the lowest
pH levels (pH 1) as long as it was in cryptobiosis. To test the hypothesis I extracted a tardigrade
from the water in which it lived, which caused it to dry out and go into cryptobiosis. Then I
placed the tardigrade in a petri dish of a certain pH level (either pH 7, 5, 3, or 1) for one minute.
I then placed the tardigrade back into spring water which is their natural environment. Then
using a microscope and a drop slide with a grid, I recorded survival and distance traveled over
10 minutes. I did this same thing with 20 tardigrades for each pH level. I learned that
tardigrades can survive a low pH level of 1, however most don’t, and that distance traveled
decreases as pH goes down. I would like to test a variety of organisms in different pH levels.
Further research of this type is needed because humans are impacting the carbon cycle
dramatically every day and also emitting pollution that leads to acid rain.
46
The Effect of Well Location on the Amount of Heavy Metals and Nitrogen in Water
Taylor Wagner
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-19
The purpose of this experiment was to see if different parts of Merrick County, Nebraska have
different amounts of heavy metals and nitrates that could be affecting drinking water. I chose
this experiment because it is important for people to know if there are contaminants in their
water. It was predicted that water in heavily farmed areas would have more nitrates and heavy
metals than unfarmed areas and city supplied areas. Samples were taken from an outside
hydrant from heavily farmed areas, unfarmed rural areas, and city supplied water. The water
was run for 10 minutes before collection to get a representative sample. Hydrochloric acid was
added to the samples to preserve them and they were refrigerated before being sent to
Midwest Laboratories to be analyzed for nitrates, lead, arsenic, and aluminum.
The data showed a significant difference in nitrate levels when comparing heavily farmed areas
to city supplied and unfarmed rural areas. There wasn't a significant difference in the lead levels
in any of the locations. There was significantly more arsenic in the city supplied areas than the
other two areas, but not more than the maximum contaminant level. A possible explanation for
arsenic being significantly higher in the city and unfarmed rural areas is that it occurs naturally
in the sediment in differing amounts. To extend this study it would be interesting to test
additional heavy metals to get a broad overview of all the metals in the area.
The Effect of Cacao Powder on Daphnia magna
Jacob Kruckenberg
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-20
Due to recent research that shows the benefits of dark chocolate on humans, I thought it would
be interesting to see if dark chocolate would also be beneficial to small water organisms. It was
predicted that if Cacao powder was added to the water of Daphnia magna, it would reduce the
level of stress and lower the heart rate. Four Petri dishes were set up with seven Daphnia each.
The following levels of Cacao powder were added to the dishes: 0 (control), 0.1g, 0.2g, or 0.3g.
After twenty four hours, data was taken on heart rate and mortality. Then each dish was
agitated for one minute and the same data was taken to determine whether the Cacao powder
had any effect. It was found that in certain amounts Cacao powder did reduce Daphnia magna’s
heart rate, but too much Cacao did not reduce the heart rate as much or was fatal. If I were to
extend this experiment, I would include more levels of Cacao powder and wait 48 hours before
observing and agitating the Daphnia.
47
The Effect of an Odocoileus virginianus on the Surrounding Ecosystem
Sydnie Reeves
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-21
This project was conducted to determine the effect of an Odocoileus virginianus carcass on an
ecosystem. It was predicted that the carcass would increase the animal presence, compared to
an area without a carcass. Also, the levels of nitrogen, carbon, sulfur, phosphorus and bacteria
in the soil would increase. Plants grown in soil taken from underneath the deer carcass would
exhibit increased height, and plant color would be darker. The deer carcass was staked down
and a game camera was used to monitor wildlife interaction. Every fifteen days for a sixty-day
period soil samples were taken. Temperature, humidity, and precipitation were recorded daily.
The soil samples were used to grow Brassica rapa, and were sent to be analyzed for nutrient
and bacteria content. Very little difference was found in the stem lengths of the control and
experimental plants. More wildlife was spotted in the area with the deer carcass. There was
more carbon, nitrogen and bacteria in the experimental soil compared to the control soil.
There was no detectable amount of phosphorus or sulfur in any of the samples. The stem
length, and color hypotheses were not supported, but the wildlife, mineral and microorganism
hypotheses were supported. Next time I would like to do a more long-term study allowing the
bones to decompose, because bones contain a high percentage of minerals.
The Effect of Deer Urine on Wisconsin Fast Plants
Morgan Twiss
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-22
After thinking about how animals urinate on plants in the wild, I was curious to see the effect it
had on plants. I wanted to learn what effect the urine had on how tall the plant would grow. I
predicted that more seeds would germinate, the plant’s stem length would not change, and
that the color of the plant would be lighter when I added urine to the plant.
The experimental plants were watered with two drops of deer urine per cell and the control
plants with only distilled water. Plant color, stem length, and germination data was taken.
Less seeds germinated in the experimental quads. The deer urine had a negative effect on stem
length. The experimental and the control plants were very similar in color. The deer urine also
made the top of the soil surrounding the plant moldy. The hypothesis that more seeds would
germinate, stem length would be unaffected and color would be lighter was not supported. If
this experiment would be tested again, I would add a smaller amount of deer urine to each cell.
48
The Effects of Classical Music on Wisconsin Fast Plants.
Kendee Couse
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-23
My project was about finding out how sound waves from classical music would affect plants. I
chose it because sound waves interest me. I first set up my deli dishes and labeled them. Then I
planted the seeds. I placed my control dish under the main lights in the classroom. Then I put
my experimental dishes in the room next door and set up my speaker. I then played classical
music and kept it going for 24 hours every day. I learned from this experiment that classical
music does not kill plants, but it does not really benefit them. If I were to conduct a similar
experiment I would put them in an environment where there is no other sound besides the
music that could affect the growth, and I would also like to see if pop music would have a
different effect than classical music.
50 Shades of Blue Food Coloring
Angelica Buford
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-24
In this project I was trying to learn how the blue food coloring would affect the plants’ seed
germination, color, and stem length. I chose this experiment because in addition to observing
the effects on growth, I was interested in seeing the water move throughout the plant like I
read in my background research. I mixed 1 mL of blue food coloring and 8 mL of regular water
and put 0.5 mL of that solution into each cell of the experimental plants. I also had control
plants that were given distilled water. Many of the experimental plants were darker than the
control plants. There was no affect on the stem length. Next time, I would use a higher
concentration on the food coloring to see if it would have more of an affect.
The Effect of Metal Shavings on Wisconsin Fast Plants
Kevin Urban
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-25
This experiment was about the effect of metal shavings in the soil on Wisconsin Fast Plant seed
germination, plant height, and plant color. I chose this project because it hadn’t been done
before as far as I knew. My hypothesis was that metal shavings would have no affect on
Wisconsin Fast Plant seed germination, plant height, or plant color. Metal shavings were mixed
into the soil. The amount was lowered from the original ⅛ cup to ½ teaspoon after all the
original plants died. The metal shavings had a negative effect on seed germination and plant
height. This may have been because of the large amount of rusting metal that soaked into the
plants before they could germinate. They had a positive effect on plant color. None of my
hypotheses were supported.
49
The Effect of Temperature on Daphnia magna Heart Rate, Fecundity and Population
Sydney Williams
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-26
Because of global climate change that is occurring, this study was conducted to see how
temperature affects an aquatic organism, Daphnia magna. It was predicted that temperature
would have an effect on the heart rate, fecundity and mortality of D. magna because an
organism’s physiology and reproduction depend on its environment. There were six petri
dishes, each with ten D. magna in a control temperature of 22°C. After one week, heart rate,
fecundity, and population were recorded on sixty D. magna. Each week the temperature was
increased in one incubator (24°, 26°, 28°, and 30°C) and the same data were taken. In another
incubator the temperature was decreased weekly (20°, 18°, 16°, and 14°C). It was found that
the cold temperatures caused a statistically significant increase in fecundity along with a
statistically significant decrease in heart rate and population compared to the control. The D.
magna in the warmer temperatures showed a significant increase in fecundity and heart rate
and a decrease in population. These results support the hypothesis that temperature would
affect the D. magna and also show that climate change can affect an aquatic organism.
Tornado Data Comparison
Ethan Lang
Adams Central High School, Jay Cecrle
S-27
At the conclusion of this project I was able to find results that closely matched my
hypothesis. The averages that I was able to calculate were not surprising as all of the outbreaks
that I have been able to chase had produced atmospheric parameters very close to the
averages that I calculated. The point of this experiment was to essentially find a threshold so
that when the atmospheric parameters reach that point, a tornado outbreak is possible. One
thing that I noticed while analyzing the data was that often times the upper level shear was
nearly double of what the low level shear was. With the averages that I found I will definitely
pay attention to these in future outbreaks. In the future I will continue this project by watching
for parameters nearing these levels and then closely monitor to see if we get tornado numbers
close to what these study dates produced.
50
Category 12 – Medicine and Health Sciences
Does Caffeine Effect the Steadiness of Your Hand?
Lexi Vertin
Hastings St. Cecilia High School, Thera Jones
S-28
The purpose of my experiment was to determine if caffeine effects the steadiness of your
hands and it was hypothesized that the caffeine did effect the steadiness of your hands. In
order to conduct my experiment I made a structure that had a wooden platform and a metal
pole bent in many different directions with both ends connected to the wood. Along with the
structure, I had three different sized metal hoops: one large, medium, and small. I also had two
different caffeine drinks: Mountain Dew Kickstart and a Starbuck’s Double Shot energy drink. I
began by having the participant take the large hoop and try to go around the pole one end to
the other. If they passed they went on to the next sized hoop. If they failed, they still continued
on to the next hoop. I then had the participant drink a ½ cup of the Mountain Dew Kickstart and
then wait 5 minutes. They then performed the same process again. The next day the same
participant did the process without caffeine in their system. They then drank a ½ cup of
Starbuck’s Double Shot Energy Drink and waited 5 minutes and performed the same process.
While they were performing the experiment the data was collected of: how many tries it took
until failure on each hoop with and without caffeine. My results showed that caffeine does
indeed have an effect on the steadiness of your hand. Based on my experiment my hypothesis
was partly correct but partly incorrect. I said that the steadiness of your hands will be effected
right after you consume the caffeine drink, which was partly true. I was correct on saying that
the steadiness will be effected, but I was wrong on the time frame. The bad effects won’t be
noticeable until 35-40 minutes after the intake of the caffeine. I might’ve been able to have
more, precise information if I would’ve timed how long each trial took for each hoop.
Category 13 - Microbiology
The Effects of Topical Acids on Staphylococcus aureus
Jayden Swayze & Jack Keller
Adams Central High School, Jay Cecrle
S-29
A new age of modern medicine has approached us with great new technologies and
innovations that have helped mankind. But this comes with new obstacles humans must
overcome. Bacteria are beginning to evolve into something much greater than we can possibly
fathom. Antibiotic resistance is a huge problem and finding an alternative solution will benefit
mankind for years into the future. This experiment focuses on testing possible methods to
prevent bacterial infections through low doses of acidities. It will focus on the bacteria known
as Staphylococcus aureus. This type of bacteria is known to have antibiotic resistant strains. Our
experiment provides evidence to support the claim that the acids we used altered the growth
of the bacteria.
51
Effects of Essential Oils on Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli Bacteria
Alexa Mitcham & Sydney Kerr
Adams Central High School, Jay Cercle
S-30
The overuse of antibiotics will cause the antibiotics to be completely useless in the future. We
tested the effects of essential oils on two types of bacteria, Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli
bacteria. The reasoning behind this project was to see which essential oils eliminated the most
bacteria. One way to solve this problem is to treat the infections with essential oils, a type of
aromatherapy. In this experiment, we tested the remarkable healing properties of 15 different
plant oils on Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli. Our hypothesis was that Cinnamon,
Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Melaleuca (tea tree oil) , and Lavender would kill the most bacteria. We
swabbed the bacteria onto petri dishes and dipped sterilized paper dots in the oils and placed
them on the dishes. We put the dishes in an incubator, waited a couple days for results, and
then used a ruler to conclude our data. The results we found were that the top five essential
oils that killed the most bacteria were Geranium, On Guard, Melaleuca (tea tree oil), Clove Bud,
and Eucalyptus (in no order) on Staphylococcus. Cinnamon, Thyme, Purify, Oregano, and
Eucalyptus were the top five (in no order) essential oils that had the highest results on E. coli
Bacteria. We concluded that our hypothesis was overall correct. Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and
Melaleuca were some of the top five essential oils. We learned that different essential oils work
for different types of bacteria. Some errors in the data may include waiting different amounts
of time for the bacteria to die and the changing of the temperature in the incubator.
The Effects of Bleach on Staphylococcus aureus
Taylor Bunde
Adams Central High School, Sandy Kliewer
S-31
Bacteria are organisms that are essential for all life’s survival, but they also cause many
diseases. Humans have discovered several disinfectants, such as household bleach, a solution of
sodium hypochlorite and water. Bleach can be harmful, so it’s important to use just enough
bleach to kill bacteria. In this project, I will investigate what concentration of bleach is sufficient
for killing bacteria. I tested bleach solutions that contained 10%, 1%, .1%, .01%, .001%, .0001%,
and 0% bleach. I prepared each bleach solution and added equal amounts of Staphylococcus
aureus to the bleach solution. After letting it sit for 30 minutes, I added the bleach solution and
bacteria to agar plates and let bacteria grow for 24 hours. I found that 10% bleach kills the
majority of bacteria, 1% kills approximately half of the bacteria, and anything of a .1% bleach
concentration or lower did not kill any bacteria.
52
Popular Acne Solution vs. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Oleic Acid
Garrett Furrow & Max Winkler
Adams Central High School, Sandy Kliewer
S-32
50 million people struggle with acne in the U.S. 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24
endure at least minor acne. We tested to see if a popular acne solution would have
uncompromisable potency across varying skin types. If we increase the amount of oleic acid in
an oleic acid/ acne product solution, then we will see a greater resistance against the acne
product in bacterial growth. Our control was 100% acne solution applied to paper disks on 10
petri dishes of pure Staphylococcus epidermidis. Our independent variables were acne
solution/ oleic acid concentrations and our dependent variable was bacterial depletion. We
applied different ratios of acne solution/ oleic acid to each set of discs (3 discs per plate, 10
plates per concentration). We then allowed the bacteria to grow and measured the radii of the
zones of inhibition on each plate. We found that as the oleic acid concentration increased, the
bacterial resistance against the acne solution increased, rendering our hypothesis true. We
conducted many statistical tests. Our ANOVA proved our data to be significant; Having a pvalue of less the 0.05.
The Effects of Antibiotics on Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria
Lexi Brodrick & Emma Allen
Adams Central High School, Sandy Kliewer
S-33
This project is an experiment to determine which antibiotics have the best effect on grampositive and gram-negative bacteria. The bacteria that was tested was E.Coli (gram-negative)
and Staph (gram-positive), and the antibiotics we used were ampicillin, penicillin, tetracycline,
and streptomycin (all common antibiotics). Our hypothesis was that the zone of inhibition on
staph will be greater because staph is a gram-positive bacteria. Bacteria was smeared on the
agar plates and all four antibiotics were placed on the plates immediately, allowing time for the
bacteria to grow. Our hypothesis was proven to be true. Each antibiotic has a different effect
but overall, the antibiotics had a better effect on the staph because it is gram-positive. For a
gram-positive bacterial infection, antibiotics that contain high amounts of penicillin and
tetracycline would have the best effect. For a gram-negative bacterial infection, antibiotics with
high amounts of ampicillin and tetracycline would be most effective. Our results prove that
different antibiotics will have different effects on certain bacteria, depending on the gram-stain.
53
The Effect of Different Foods on the Growth of the Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Alyssa Belitz
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-34
The problem was to discover the effect of different foods on the growth of probiotics. It was
hypothesized that the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus would grow best with the wheat and
red wine, and the least growth would be shown with banana. Six repetitions of petri dishes with
MRS agar were inoculated with Lactobacillus rhamnosus mixed with either wheat germ, onion,
bananas, honey, red wine, or garlic. Each dish was sealed using a vacuum food sealer device to
create an anaerobic environment. The dishes were incubated at 35 degrees Celsius. After 48
hours, the number of colonies in each dish was counted. The entire procedure was then
repeated using hydrochloric acid with a pH of 2 to more closely represent the conditions of the
human stomach. It was found that the bacteria with wheat germ and red wine grew the most
and the other substances grew significantly less. The bacteria grew significantly less with garlic
and more with red wine when compared to the control (P = 0.02). When the pH was reduced,
only bacteria grown with wheat germ had more colonies than the control. Significantly less
bacteria grew in the dishes with honey and onion than in the control dishes (P = 0.05 and 0.01
respectively). To extend this experiment, it would be interesting to see if different
temperatures or pressures affected the growth of bacteria. Also, knowledge on the interaction
of multiple probiotics and different types of food would be beneficial.
Alkane's Adversary: The Effect of Ammonium Nitrate on the Ability of Alcanivorax
borkumensis to Degrade Crude Oil
Tyler Ferris
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-35
Bacteria like Alcanivorax borkumensis have natural habitats in the oceans, and they are already
fairly efficient at degrading oil. I was trying to find a way to increase the ability of A.
borkumensis to degrade crude oil using the presence of higher-than-natural levels of nitrogen
in the form of ammonium nitrate. Since elements like nitrogen are often a limiting factor in the
reproduction of marine bacteria, I hypothesized that an increased level of nitrogen would result
in more oil degraded by the bacteria, due to increased reproduction. Bacteria was cultivated in
a marine broth with a sodium-pyruvate inoculate at thirty-two degrees Celsius for 4 days on
plates. Following cultivation one milliliter of crude oil, .one single, well-isolated colony of
Alcanivorax borkumensis, and .5 grams of ammonium nitrate were added to their
corresponding series. At the conclusion of the test period, a spectrophotometer test was
conducted and the amount of oil remaining was measured and recorded for each tube. In order
to determine the validity of results a T test and standard deviation evaluation were performed.
The results yielded partial support for the hypothesis, as the increase in nitrogen availability
resulted in increased bacterial growth, but not oil degradation. In conclusion, increasing
nitrogen availability resulted in a subsequent increase in culture size, but not oil degradation. In
the future I would like to conduct other, similar tests dealing with phosphorous availability, or
even hydrostatic pressure.
54
Category 14 – Plant Sciences
Artificial Light, Real Growth
Avery Muff
Adams Central High School, Sandy Kliewer
S-36
The purpose of this project was to determine if growing plants by bulb or by natural light was
more efficient. The seeds were planted in separate groups, and grown over a period of almost a
month. They were watered, daily, with twenty milliliters of water for each seed. The plants
grown under a bulb were exposed to light for eight hours a day, every day. After uprooting the
plants, data was taken in the form of length of the plant, mass, number of roots, length of the
longest root, and length of stem. The plant that was the largest, by a significant margin, was the
third plant grown by bulb. Its longest root was almost two centimeters longer than the plant
behind it, and it was almost five centimeters longer in total length. Two of the plants grown
under the bulb out grew the plants grown in the sun. The third was almost dead when it was
collected, yet its measurements still were not far behind the others. My conclusion was that
plants grown under a bulb will grow bigger and faster than plants grown by natural sunlight.
From Rot to Resource
Max Granstrom & Riley Eckhardt
Adams Central High School, Zac Foster
S-37
Many people don’t realize the benefits of using a homemade compost. In this project we
compared our homemade compost to other store bought potting soils. We made sure to give
them the same amount of water, put them in the same spot to get equal sunlight, and kept
them in the same room at equal temperatures. We measured the height of the plants, then
sent in samples to measure the amount of minerals in each soil. In our hypothesis we predicted
that the homemade compost would do better than the other soils. We found that our compost
had way more minerals than the potting soils, but the compost had a way higher pH level.
Cover Crops- The Soil's Best Friend
Allison Bohlke
Adams Central High School, Zac Foster
S-38
Many farmers use cover crops as a way to prevent erosion. I am conducting an experiment to
determine if cover crops really do prevent erosion. My hypothesis is that using a cover crop will
be efficient and prevent erosion. I tested my hypothesis by planting radishes in a tin pan and
letting them grow for 3 weeks. Next I had another pan with a dirt and corn husk mixture. The
last pan had plain dirt. Then I poured a controlled amount of water into each pan and tilted it at
a controlled angle and punctured holes in the other end of the pan. Following that, I had
another pan catch the runoff from the pan of dirt. Lastly I found the mass and volume of the
runoff from each pan and created graphs of the data. I came to the conclusion that using cover
crops does prevent erosion and thus keeps soil enriched for the next years crop.
55
What Effect will Soaking Seeds in Peppermint Essential Oil have on Plant Growth?
Ryah Richardson
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-39
The purpose of this experiment was to see if peppermint essential oils would have an affect on
the germination of seeds and growth of plants. Because peppermint essential oils help humans
with headaches, nausea, and respiratory problems, I wanted to see if peppermint essential oil
would help plants germinate and grow. It was predicted that soaking seeds in peppermint
essential oils would help more seeds to germinate, the stem length to grow longer, and the
color to be more vibrant because of the natural healing properties.20 seeds were soaked in 2
ml of warm water for 15 minutes and then the same 20 seeds were soaked in 2 ml of
peppermint essential oil for 15 minutes. Two experimental quads were planted with seeds
soaked in peppermint oil and two control quads were planted with un-soaked seeds. Data was
taken over seed germination, stem length, and plant color seven days after sowing. Stem length
and plant color were taken nine, twelve, and fifteen days after sowing. The results of the
experiment supported the hypothesis by showing that soaking seeds in peppermint essential
oils before planting causes more seeds to germinate than those not soaked in peppermint
essential oil. Next time melaleuca essential oil would be an interesting thing to test.
The Effect of Freezing Seeds on Wisconsin Fast Plants.
Blake Wert
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-40
This project was to see if freezing Wisconsin Fast Plant seeds before planting would affect how
they germinate and grow. I chose this project because my dad’s hobby of growing plants, and
watching his plants grow I started wondering if freezing the seeds before planting would have a
big impact on how they grow. I was wondering if the cold temperature would affect the seed
coat and if the plant’s color would be affected. The experimental seeds were frozen for 24
hours. 2 seeds per cell were placed in quads and then they were watered. They were placed
under florescent light. The plants grown from frozen seeds grew faster. There was an average
of 7 mm height difference on the last day I took data. Next I would like to test multiple freezing
times. That would give a clearer picture of optimal freezing times for seeds.
56
The Effect of Different Watering Methods on Brassica Rapa
Chesney Reeves
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-41
In the ever-changing world of agriculture, farmers and scientists are constantly trying to
develop new ways to irrigate their crops efficiently. Water conservation is one of the main goals
of these new irrigation methods. This project was designed to test the growth of Wisconsin Fast
Plants when watered by drip, spray, and flood methods. It was hypothesized that the most
seeds would germinate with the drip method, stem length would be highest using the spray
method and all three group’s plant color would be the same. The flood method was set up by
having two rows in the soil on both sides of the row of seeds and placing one end of the
container at a 3 degree angle. To represent drip irrigation on a small scale, a straw system was
used under the soil, that allowed the water to soak into the soil. In the spray test, a household
spray bottle was used to distribute the water. In all three groups, 14 seeds were equally planted
in seven sections and the same amount of water was used to ensure that the results were
consistent. The results showed that plants watered with the spray method germinated less,
were shorter, and underdeveloped, compared to the other two groups. If I were to test this
project again I would set up a more accurate spray system that didn’t waste as much water as
the spray bottle did.
The Effect of Soaking Seeds in Coffee on Plants
Dana Journey
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-42
This project was about coffee and plants. Wisconsin Fastplants were used. They are plants that
have a short growth cycle. Coffee is used to keep people awake due to its high caffine content.
Coffee is made from coffee beans. I wanted to test coffee on seed germination because I
wanted to see if the caffine would stunt the plants growth or if the organic materials in the
coffee would act as compost. The hypotheses were that more seeds would germinate, the
stems would be shorter and the color would be darker. Eight control and eight experimental
plants were tested. They were planted in quads and were watered with a wicking system. The
experimental seeds were soaked in coffee. Germination, plant color, and stem length data was
taken.The germination hypothesis was supported by the data because it was found that coffee
had a positive effect on germination. 75% of the the control seeds and 88% of the experimental
seeds germinated. This may have been because coffee is an organic material that is frequently
used to give the plant extra nutrients. The plant height hypothesis was supported because
there was a negative effect. This may have been because coffee has caffine that could stunt
the plants growth. The plant color hypothesis was not supported because the experimental
plants were the same color as the control. Next time I would like to test the affect coffee
grounds have on the soil.
57
The effect of blue light on Wisconsin Fast Plants
Mariah Van Leer
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-43
This project was about testing blue light on Wisconsin Fast Plants. Blue light is a color of light
that could help agriculture.
I wanted to test blue light because if we could use blue covering for greenhouses it could let
plants grow faster, germinate faster, and be healther. The question being asked was what
effect will changing light color have on Wisconsin Fast Plants?
The hypothesis on germination was that it would germinate faster, it would grow taller, and the
color would be darker. 8 control plants were tested and 8 experimental plants were tested.
They were planted in quads and were watered with a wicking system. The experimental plants
were under a blue cellophane structure. Germination data was taken once. Plant height and
color were taken four times.The germination hypothesis was supported by the data because it
was found that the hormone called auxin had a positive effect on germination. 75% of the
seeds in the control germinated and 88 % of the experimental seeds germinated. The plant
height hypothesis was not supported by the data because there was a negative effect on the
plant height. This may have been because it stopped producing the same amount of auxin. The
plant color hypothesis was not supported by the data because there was a negative effect on
plant color. This may have been because the plants were only receiving one wave of light. Next
time I would like to test several different colors.
The Effect of Ibuprofen on Plant Growth
Gabriella Homolka
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-44
The purpose of this experiment was to determine if watering plants with an ibuprofen solution
would have an affect on the plant’s growth. Because Wisconsin Fast Plants have a short life
cycle of 28-30 days they work perfectly for this type of experimental research. Ibuprofen is a
drug that is used to ease headaches and treat pain and inflammation. It was hypothesized that
plants watered with ibuprofen would have less germinated seeds, darker leaves, and shorter
stem lengths. Plants in the control quad were watered with regular distilled water while the
plants in the two experimental quads were watered with 1 mL of an ibuprofen solution
(independent variable). The ibuprofen solution consisted of 1 adult ibuprofen tablet, and 100
mL of water. This solution was applied the day the seeds were planted, and nine days after
sowing. Germination data was taken 7 days after sowing as well as stem length and color data
on the 7th, 9th, 12th, and 15th day after sowing. The results of the experiment supported the
hypothesis by showing that plants watered with the ibuprofen solution had darker leaves than
plants watered with only distilled water. However in contradiction to the hypothesis, the plants
watered with an ibuprofen solution had longer stem lengths and more germinated seeds than
plants watered with only distilled water. If this experiment was to be tested again, it would be
interesting to see what response the plants would give if ibuprofen was put into the soil.
58
Black Tea and Baby Greens
Brady Sheets
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-45
I chose to test the effect of black tea on the growth of Wisconsin Fast Plants. I chose this to see
if there would be a positive or negative effect on the plants. I mixed tea with the potting soil in
two quads, and left one with potting soil only for a control. I then measured the difference in
germination, stem length, and plant color. The tea had a slightly positive effect on the plants.
The hypothesis that the tea would cause the seeds to germinate faster was not supported by
the data. The hypothesis that the tea would cause the plants to grow taller was supported by
the data. The hypothesis that the plant color would stay the same was not supported by the
data. If I were to do this again, I would see if green tea had a different effect than black tea
The Red Death
Shayla Douthit
Central City High School, Chelle Gillan
S-46
“What effect does red food dye have on plants?” Was the question being asked in this project.
The hypothesis was that the plants would turn red because of the color of the food dye. Red
food dye was added to the water of eight plants to see how it affected the color and growth.
Distilled water was used to water control plants to find out if the red food dye would make a
difference. The red food dye had a negative effect on plants. The plants hardly came out of the
soil, and when they did they died very soon afterwards. In the future, I would like to see if
adding a lower concentration of red food dye would make a difference. I also think it would be
interesting to see how red food dye affects bacteria.
59
Anderson, Nathan
Aschoff, Krystin
Baker, Morgan
Bamesberger, Shelby
Beaty, Shaylen
Beave, Courtney
Belitz, Alyssa
Billington, Natalie
Blank, Evan
Boelhower, Sebastian
Bohlke, Allison
Brailita, Diana
Brandt, Andrew
Brandt, Natalie
Brant, Calan
Brockman, Jason
Brodrick, Lexi
Buford, Angelica
Bunde, Taylor
Cass, Sophia
Cecrle, Jenna
Ceperley, Jay
Cervery, Sophie
Cervantes, Gracie
Clear, Brandon
Cole, Taraesha
Combs, Nakiya
Conant, Sophia
Coulter, Callie
Couse, Kendee
Dahlke, Elena
Dethlefs, Kacey
Douthit, Shayla
Eddy, Adam
Edwards, Challen
Feeney, Kieran
Ferris, Tyler
Fiddelke, Ashlyn
Furrow, Garrett
Gammill, Hannah
Granstrom, Max
Hauge, Whitney
Henry, Alexi
Henry-Perlich, Caiden
Hinrichs, Lauren
Homolka, Gabriella
Howie, Linnea
S-13
S-15
S-12
S-4
J-26
J-40
S-34
J-50
J-34
S-17
S-38
J-53
J-41
J-56
J-4
J-59
S-33
S-24
S-31
S-6
J-61
J-27
J-10
J-12
J-28
S-1
J-44
S-2
J-15
S-23
S-18
J-16
S-46
S-10
J-30
S-3
S-35
J-47
S-32
J-13
S-37
J-14
J-3
J-38
J-52
S-44
J-37
Janda, Blake
Johnson, Creed
Johnson, Sarah
Journey, Dana
Karr, Brock
Kistner, Sidney
Klein, Abby
Krabel, Luke
Kruckenberg, Jacob
Lang, Ethan
Le, Andrew
Leib, Lane
Lindner, Brittney
Lockhorn, Chase
Lockling, Brayden
Long, Ashlee
Manhart, Bailey
McGinnis, Emiline
Mieth, Trey
Mitcham, Alexa
Moller, Thomas
Moritz, Ben
Muff, Avery
Nye, Avery
Ochsner, Brittany
Ochsner, Jarrett
Ortegren, Aden
Paitz, Karson
Phuong, Christine
Pohlson, John
Quadhamer, Brooke
Quick, Akira
Reeves, Chesney
Reeves, Sydnie
Richardson, Ryah
Richmond, Noelle
Rohrer, Kristen
Sass, Dori
Schardt, Henry
Sheets, Brady
Springer, Magnolia
Standage, Claire
Stevens, Luke
Story, Derek
Strampher, Jenna
Swanson, Luke
Swayze, Jayden
60
J-58
J-18
J-49
S-42
J-33
J-36
J-60
S-16
S-20
S-27
J-7
J-19
J-29
J-46
J-5
J-51
S-7
S-5
J-54
S-30
S-9
S-8
S-36
J-22
J-31
J-57
J-11
J-32
J-42
S-14
J-20
J-43
S-41
S-21
S-39
J-17
J-2
J-6
J-1
S-45
J-48
J-45
J-9
J-23
J-24
J-25
S-29
Synek, Jarrett
Twiss, Morgan
Urban, Kevin
Van Leer, Mariah
Vertin, Lexi
VonSpreckelsen, Sam
Vu, Alice
Wagner, Taylor
Wagner, Will
Welsh, Madalynn
Wert, Blake
Wibbels, Anna
Williams, Sydney
J-8
S-22
S-25
S-43
S-28
J-35
J-39
S-19
S-11
J-55
S-40
J-21
S-26
61
Hosted by
www.hastings.edu/sciencefair