University of Central Florida College of Engineering and Computer Science Internet Science and Technology Fair (ISTF) Pre‐College Student Team Winners Announced
Friday, June 14, 2013 Since October 2012, one hundred student teams (representing 411 students) were enrolled in this year’s ISTF competition. At the end of February 2012, 86 student teams submitted their research findings in a website format to be judged. Following the preliminary round of judging, 43 teams advanced to the final round with ten student teams emerging to capture top awards in the 16th annual Internet Science and Technology Fair (ISTF). These student teams will be receiving “Meritorious Achievement” certificate awards from the University of Central Florida’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. The ISTF program challenges students to research how National Critical Technology (NCT) applications may be used to solve real‐world problems. They use information technology tools while adhering to guidelines based on national science content standards. Students develop critical thinking, research and reading/writing skills as they work on‐line with practicing professionals and publish their final research findings in a website format for preliminary and national rounds of judging. The ten student teams that won our ISTF program’s highest honors are from: 
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Don Bosco Preparatory High School, Ramsey, New Jersey, where: 
one student team explored the design of a product that “would allow patients and doctors alike to be cognizant of the patient’s heart abnormalities as soon as they occur”. 
a second team researched how “magnetic proximity sensors” could be used to eliminate energy wastefulness while increasing the efficiency of power switches. Sterling Park Elementary, Casselberry, Florida, where: 
one student team explored a possible additive to water that might be used to address one’s ability to focus resulting from Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder; 
a second team researched the problem of driving and texting and how a sensor could “be installed in all motor vehicles disabling cell phones upon ignition of the engine”. 
Blaine High School, Blaine, Minnesoata, where a high school team investigated a possible product that is similar to an airport scanner and could be used to scan over shellfish and dissolve harmful “vibrio bacteria”. 
Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, New Jersey, where: 
a middle school team explored how the use of a microchip implanted in brain might be used to reduce stress levels experienced by schizophrenics. 
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a high school team focused their research on a possible method for the early detection of infection from the West Nile Virus; 
a second high school team investigated how a chip implant might provide critical information needed for medical assistance to disabled persons who are incapable of communicating; 
a third high school team explored a possible application that might help early onset Alzheimer’s patients retain their memories. Hunter’s Creek Elementary, Hunter’s Creek, Florida, where a team of students explored how to combat noise pollution from a vacuum cleaner by redesigning the blades in the motor fan. In addition, eight other teams earned Honorable Mention Certificates from the University of Central Florida's (UCF) College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS), host institution for the ISTF. All finalists, award recipients, and links to winning projects from this year and past years are viewable on the Winners page. The ISTF challenges students to work as a team and learn how to communicate on a long‐duration project. At the same time, they learned about what it means to engage in research that leads to innovating possible new products and processes. The following are some thoughts on what the students experienced per their project assessments. Communication and working as a team was definitely an essential factor of this project. Gathering information and deciding which facts were accurate and necessary for our project was a team effort. We all worked together to complete our components, and all proofread each other’s work. Also, we had to find time and make compromises with our fellow teachers and outside mentors to check our information over and help guide us through any questions given. Only through communication could this process occur. When starting this project, we did not realize how unrealistic our idea was and how many gaps were in our design. As we began writing our tasks, we noticed that many important factors were missing and that our idea was not a possibility nor applicable to the real world. We then had to edit our original idea in order to link it to reality. Our group learned that, before dreaming and fantasizing about an idea, we had to analyze the situation and solve any problems that were discovered before we continued with the design. The ISTF experience is made possible by the pioneering teachers and educators who support the students throughout the program. Their dedication and continued commitment (with some who have participated for multiple years involving hundreds of students) recognize the ISTF program as a learning experience that combines both theory and practice in a way that complements classroom and after school activities. The following are some teachers’ thoughts on participating in the ISTF. This is a rewarding and eye opening experience for the students. They learn to communicate with each other and professionals within the scientific community. Students are taught the importance of deadlines and remaining focused throughout the project. To the degree that students participated, this ISTF has been instrumental in better preparing student for STEM related fields. The students were able to see how the science they were learning in class can apply to a real world situation. Our ISTF program continues to be grateful to the many scientists, engineers and other technical professionals who share their expertise and support. Their contributions in the form of technical guidance and final round judging are critical to the students’ success and our program’s continuation. The 16th annual ISTF competition officially starts in September 2013. Interested teachers, technical professionals and parents are encouraged to support students’ interested in participating. Those who are new to the ISTF process should visit the Newcomers Section as it provides a good starting point to become familiar with our program. UCF’s College of Engineering and Computer Science thanks the many students, teachers, technical professionals and parents who continue to support our ISTF program and we wish our winners and all who participated every success with their continuing education. Bruce Furino Director, CECS Outreach College of Engineering and Computer Science University of Central Florida E‐mail: [email protected]