School: Tri-State Region Home Schools
Grade: 4
Category: PHYS
Abstract: My goal for this project was to understand how time changes in different environments. I wondered if time would affect us if we migrated to another planet, especially one that was larger or smaller than Earth. I wondered, how might this help us live, or sadly make us suffer? For my experiment, I used a ramp and two identical balls. One ball was placed near a large object, (a medicine ball) while the other was by itself. I rolled them both down the ramp, measuring the time and speed for each. The ball closer to the large object rolled a little slower, showing that its time was affected by the nearby large object. From this experiment, I learned that time is not always the same. It changes based on its surroundings. The ball closer to the massive object experienced time more slowly than the other, which helped me understand what time dilation might mean for us if we were to migrate to another planet. GPS satellites experience a similar effect: being farther from Earth’s gravitational pull, their time moves differently than ours, which is why GPS isn't always accurate to the second. In conclusion, time dilation, or the changing of time, is a very important concept that affects how time behaves depending on nearby forces, whether on Earth, in space, or on another planet.
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School: J E Ober Elementary School
Grade: 4
Category: PHYS
Abstract: My sister and I like to play with the Hot Wheels track and cars at my grandparent’s house. Sometimes the car goes so fast that it flies off the track and won’t complete the course we made. This project tests to see if different materials can slow down the car on the track. If I can slow down the car, then it could complete the course we create when we are playing. To test this, I first set up my experiment and tested the car on sandpaper. I did five trials for each surface I was testing. I also tested the wood floor, bubble wrap, felt, aluminum foil, and wax paper. I made sure the set up was the same each time, and I let the car go at the same spot on the ramp each time. The car traveled the furthest on the wood floor and then on wax paper. I thought wax paper would go the furthest because it seems slippery like ice on a road in the winter. Aluminum foil went the next farthest, then felt, sandpaper, and last was bubble wrap. I learned about friction and what would slow the car down. Now when we are playing at my grandparents, we can use these materials to slow the car down to be able to complete the course we set up. If I did the experiment again, I would also test a thick roll of paper and little pebbles to see how far the car would go.
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School: Lafayette Meadows Elem
Grade: 4
Category: EAEV
Abstract: People see the damage caused by natural disasters like hurricanes when they show pictures on the news. Living in Indiana we may not be in the middle of a hurricane but heavy rains with rivers, lakes and old canals… can increase the risk of damage to homes or businesses by flooding. Not all people have access to specific flood barriers. This project investigates tools people can use to stop flood waters that are easier to access. My hypothesis is that the bag filled with the gel-beads will be the most effective at stopping flood waters. To test the hypothesis four identical set-ups were made to test the independent variables: sand, gel-beads(grow with water), combination (sand & gel-beads), and a control test without a barrier. The test was completed three times for validity. In all three tests for the control all 12 inches of the cardboard were damaged. All three independent variables reduced the number of inches with water damage. The combination barrier had on average the least amount of damage at 7.75 inches. My hypothesis was not correct, but the combination of sand and gel-beads stopped more water, because there was less damage to the cardboard in all tests. There was not one barrier that stopped all of the water. Trying to use any barrier will help reduce some of the damage from flood waters.
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School: Tri-State Region Home Schools
Grade: 4
Category: CHEM
Abstract: Oranges are renowned for offering a higher dose of vitamin C compared to many other fruits. Vitamin C is well-known for its benefits during flu season, helping to alleviate symptoms and speed recovery from colds. However, when selecting oranges during flu season, is it crucial to consider their age? Does the vitamin C content in oranges diminish over time? This project investigates this question. It becomes particularly relevant as we reach for these citrus fruits hoping to bolster our immune systems against seasonal illnesses. If vitamin C does change as oranges age, the freshness of an orange could directly impact its nutritional value, potentially affecting its effectiveness in fighting off infections. To quantify the vitamin C levels, I employed a titration method using iodine to test the vitamin C content of oranges of different ages to determine whether older oranges have less vitamin C. Understanding these aspects could guide consumers in choosing the most beneficial oranges for health during flu season. Additionally, it can guide producers and retailers in marketing to provide the best quality fruit to meet health-conscious consumers' needs.
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School: Prairie Heights Elem School
Grade: 4
Category: PLNT
Abstract: The reason I chose to research this topic is because I want to know how different liquids can help hydrangeas rise back up to normal. One of the reasons a hydrangea droops is when you cut the stem of a hydrangea, sap can get stuck in the stem. When sap gets stuck it causes the hydrangea to droop. Boiling water could help melt the sap in the stem. Ice water could hydrate the hydrangea. Sugar water helps feed the stem nutrients that help increase the life of the hydrangea. I want to try orange juice to see how the acid would affect the stem or corymb of the hydrangea. I also want to try coffee to see how the caffeine would affect the stem or corymb. My hypothesis is that the boiling water or the sugar water will fix the drooping hydrangea the best. First, I gathered my supplies. Next, I labeled and filled the vases with each liquid: hot coffee, orange juice, boiling water, sugar water (I used 1 cup of sugar and 2 cups of water), and ice water. Then I trimmed each hydrangea stem and put them in the jars and measured each one at 15 inches. Next set a timer for 2 hours, after the 2 hours I measured them and checked the corymbs to see if they are wilting or if they are fixed. After the two hours was over, the hydrangea in the boiling water was not drooping or wilting anymore. The rest of the liquids did not fix the hydrangeas much if at all.
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School: Covenant Christian School
Grade: 4
Category: CHEM
Abstract: Egg substitution in baking has gained attention due to dietary restrictions, allergies, and plant-based diets. Common alternatives include flaxseed, Greek yogurt, and applesauce, each offering unique benefits in different baked goods. This study investigates the efficacy of these substitutes in sugar cookies, a popular dessert. Flaxseed, when combined with water, forms a gel-like consistency that mimics egg’s binding properties, while applesauce contributes moisture and a subtle sweetness. Greek yogurt stands out as the most effective substitute, providing structure, moisture, and a slight tang that enhances the overall flavor profile of sugar cookies. Compared to the traditional egg-based recipe, sugar cookies made with Greek yogurt showed improved texture, moisture retention, and flavor complexity, making it the optimal egg replacement in this particular baked good.
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School: Guidance Islamic School
Grade: 4
Category: CHEM
Abstract: The purpose of this experiment is to investigate which type of milk—whole milk, 2% milk, or fat free milk—produces the strongest bioplastic when combined with vinegar. Bioplastics, made from renewable resources, offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. My hypothesis was that whole milk would produce the strongest bioplastic due to its higher protein content, which I think adds to the strength of the material. To test this, equal amounts of each type of milk were mixed with vinegar and heated to form a bioplastic film. The strength of the bioplastics was then measured through a tensile strength test, where each sample was stretched until it broke. The experiment was repeated three times for each type of milk to ensure reliable results. The data showed that whole milk produced the strongest bioplastic, followed by 2% milk, and fat free milk creating the weakest bioplastic. From my experiment, it is helpful to understand how different milk types can create eco-friendly bioplastics.
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School: Guidance Islamic School
Grade: 4
Category: ETSD
Abstract: I chose to test how weight capacity will affect bridges based on their design. There are many different types of bridges all around the world, but the three bridges I have chosen to test were truss, plank, and the arch bridge. I predicted that the truss bridge will hold the most weight capacity before it breaks. I used the same number of popsicle sticks to build the bridges with different designs and gradually added different amounts of weight to test their strength by examining if it would break the bridge. The procedure was to make three different types of bridges. For each bridge, I used one hundred popsicle sticks. The first bridge I made was the plank bridge, which is a flat bridge that has support underneath. The second bridge is the arch bridge, which is shaped as an upward curve arch to obtain the vertical loads. The last bridge was the truss bridge, which has a series of connected triangles. When testing all the different bridges, I found out the arch bridge held the least weight capacity, which was 17pounds. The plank bridge was able to hold 24 pounds. The truss bridge held the most weight, which broke at 58 pounds. In conclusion, my hypothesis was correct that the truss bridge held the most weight capacity.
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School: Concord South Side Elem School
Grade: 4
Category: PHYS
Abstract: My project is, “What Material Stops Sound the Best?” Our materials were metal, wood, drywall, plexiglass, insulation, and Styrofoam. We built a sound box out of cardboard and plexiglass. We put each material we were using five inches from the end of the box and five inches from a Bluetooth speaker. We measured the sound with a decibel reader. We tested each material 5 times every 5 seconds using a constant sound. Finally, we calculated the average. Wood had the lowest average, which means wood let the least decibels of sound through with a winning score of 81.6 dB.
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School: Country Meadow Elem School
Grade: 5
Category: EAEV
Abstract: I wanted to find out if biodegradable hydrogels could help to conserve water in farming. First, I created three different hydrogels: agar, HEC, and agar+HEC. Then, I tested the hydrogels to see which hydrogel absorbed the most water, retained the most water in the face of evaporation, and conserved water best in soil. I found out that the agar+HEC hydrogel lost water the lowest to evaporation and conserved the most water in soil.
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School: Covenant Christian School
Grade: 5
Category: PHYS
Abstract: My study presents the development of a 3D printed seismograph designed to measure footstep vibrations based on foot placement, using a marker system for tracking. It is used to pick up the vibrations made by footsteps and frequency of vibrations. My study found that specific foot placement makes a larger vibration than other types of foot placements.
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School: Marrs Elementary School
Grade: 5
Category: CHEM
Abstract: I love to play soccer, but the ice in my cups always seemed to melt and my water was never cold at the end of a practice or game. The question in "Ice, Ice Maybe" was which metal bottle will hold ice the longest? I thought the Stanley would outlast the others. For my experiment, I chose Stanley, Cirkul, and Hydroflask metal water bottles. I also needed nine cups of water in order to have three in each bottle, thirty ice cubes for ten in each, and a thermometer to measure the starting temperature of the water. First, I filled each cup with sixty-three degree water and ten ice cubes. I left them on the counter and checked on them every twenty minutes. After each check I recorded the trial data until all the ice had melted. The results of my experiment were unexpected and inconclusive. In cooler temperatures, the Stanley had the longest time. In slightly warmer temperatures, the Hydroflask outlasted the others while the Cirkul was the most consistent. My conclusion from this experiment is the fact that all of the water bottles did well overall. The Stanley would be good for indoor use while the Cirkul and Hydroflask would be good for outdoors activities.
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School: Frankton Elementary School
Grade: 5
Category: EAEV
Abstract: Our Strawberries are getting moldy before we can eat them. Does the type of container and how you store strawberries help them last longer? For this experiment, I made four groups to experiment. Group 1: strawberries are not washed, not cut, and left on the counter. Group 2: strawberries are not washed and not cut but put in the fridge. Group 3: strawberries are washed, not cut and put in the fridge. Group 4: strawberries are washed, cut and put in the fridge. I stored strawberries in plastic bags, plastic containers and glass jars for each of these groups. My hypothesis for this experiment was the glass jar with the washed and cut up strawberries will last the longest over a period of one week. After a week of checking on the strawberries and observing to see if they had grown mold or soft spots, my results were that washing, cutting and storing strawberries in a glass jar and putting them in the fridge will keep them fresh the longest. In conclusion, I noticed group 1 got moldy within a week. Group 2 developed soft spots within a week. Group 3 became soft and lost juice. Group 4 was still firm and was starting to lose just a little color. Once my experiment was over, I disposed of all the moldy strawberries and washed all the containers.
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School: Eastern Elementary School
Grade: 5
Category: MATS
Abstract: Does the temperature of a magnet affect the strength of the magnet? Expose the magnet to trials of varying degrees of temperature from freezing to boiling. Test the strength of the magnet by measuring the weight of the paperclips the magnet picked up. Collected, analyzed and recorded data
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School: Maple Grove Elementary School
Grade: 5
Category: PHYS
Abstract: Project Abstract: The hypothesis states that the loudest point in a parabola is where all sound waves meet, which is the mathematical focal point. To test this, a custom-built parabola was used, and sound intensity was measured at various points. The results showed the highest sound intensity was at the focal point, confirming the hypothesis.
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School: Eman Schools
Grade: 5
Category: EAEV
Abstract: In this experiment, I tested the effects of two types of activated carbon. My control group was dyed water without activated carbon, and I tested it against powder activated carbon and granular activated carbon. Water filters remove the harmful impurities in water. They can improve the taste, smell, and safety of tap water. A substance called activated carbon or activated charcoal is in water filters that removes the unwanted impurities in our water. However, there is different types of activated carbon which includes powdered, granular, tablet, impregnated, and catalytic. All of these types have different shapes and different sizes but its particles also have different shapes and sizes. So I came up with a question about which activated carbon filters water the best? I figured that my hypothesis was partly correct and partly not.
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School: Frankfort Middle School
Grade: 5
Category: ANIM
Abstract: My purpose is to see if mealworms go through metamorphosis faster in darkness, light, or a normal environment (a mix of light and dark). I thought the mealworms would go through their metamorphosis faster in the light. The light provides energy, and the mealworms need energy to become beetles. The more energy, the faster they become beetles. I put 30 mealworms in 3 containers, with 10 in each. I added 50mL (53.6g) of cornmeal into each container, plus 5mL of water. I put one container in a spot that is always light, one somewhere that is dark all the time (inside a cabinet), and the last one somewhere that is light during the day and dark at night. All three places were in the same room. I checked on the containers weekly until all the mealworms turned into beetles and rated development as to what stage of development it is in. Stages 1, 2, and 3 are about size of the mealworms, Stage 4 is pupa, and Stage 5 is the beetle. My hypothesis was correct. Mealworms go through metamorphosis faster in the light because the light produces energy, and the more energy, the faster the metamorphosis goes. Mealworms need lots of energy to become a pupa and then a beetle, and being in constant light helps with this. In the same way, the mealworms in the dark were the slowest to develop. They do not have the benefit of any extra energy, so they take longer to complete metamorphosis.
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School: Frankfort Middle School
Grade: 5
Category: EAEV
Abstract: My purpose is to see which kind of liquid would affect a magnet's strength the least: syrup, water, or saltwater. My hypothesis is that the water will affect the magnet the least because the syrup is thicker than the others and saltwater is more dense. Water is not too dense, like salt water, and not too thick, either, like syrup. That is why I believe that water will affect the strength of a magnetic field the least. First, I put 30mL of water into the small cup and then added the magnet. I used the magnetic field meter to find the strength several times. I made saltwater by adding 5g salt to 100mL water. I put 30mL of saltwater into the cup and then added the magnet. I measured the magnetic field again. I did the same thing with syrup. Finally, I measured the field with no liquids. My hypothesis was incorrect because all of the magnetic field readings were about the same number as one another, no matter if it was syrup, saltwater, regular water, or just the magnet by itself with no other liquids around it. This shows that the liquids do not affect the magnetic field in my experiment, no matter the liquid or its thickness. I think this happens because the magnet is just too strong to be affected by the liquid.
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School: Arcola School
Grade: 5
Category: PHYS
Abstract: My project was about modifications of model rocket fins to reduce drag. My hypothesis is that increasing the sweep angle of the planform profile, and tapering the leading edge of the cross-section profile will have the least amount of drag as the sharper leading edge will more easily cut through the air. The way that I tested this was by selecting four fin planform profiles and four fin cross-section profiles and testing each combination. I created four test rockets, one for each planform profile, and each test rocket had one fin for each of the cross-section profiles. We created a leaf blower wind tunnel to test the fins. With the test rocket tube attached to a weight on a scale, each fin was placed into the wind tunnel and the drag was measured by seeing how much of the test weight was reduced as the fin was in the wind. Each fin was measured five times at a high and low speed. After recording and comparing all the data, I concluded that my hypothesis was halfway correct. I was correct that the fin planform profile with the larger sweep angle had the least drag, but it was the fin cross-section profile with the tapered trailing edge had the least amount of drag. The way that I wanted to test this was by building and launching lots of rockets over and over.
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School: Butler Elementary School
Grade: 5
Category: PHYS
Abstract: The purpose of my project is to determine if a wooden bat or an aluminum bat will hit a baseball farther. I chose this project because of is one of my of the active sports that I am in. I think that a wooden bat will hit a baseball the farthest because that is what the professionals use in their games and are able to hit them over the fence. I first made my hypothesis and conducted my experiment by gathering the materials needed and following my procedure. I learned that my hypothesis was incorrect and that the aluminum bat hit the ball further than the wooden bat. If I were to do this project again, I would try it with a baseball being pitched at me from a pitching machine that is throwing at a consistent speed to see if the results are different.
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School: Mary Frank Elementary School
Grade: 5
Category: PLNT
Abstract: This project's aim was to learn which companion fruit ripens tomatoes the fastest. The hypothesis was that the tomatoes paired with bananas would ripen the fastest. Green tomatoes were placed in paper bags with either an apple, banana, or an orange. The control group contained no companion fruit. The tomatoes were observed in five day increments and compared to the standard Tomato Ripeness Scale. The results were recorded and the final results of each group were averaged. I also learned about how the chemical process by which tomatoes ripen and why some fruits make better companion fruits than others for the purpose of ripening. The hypothesis was incorrect, the tomatoes paired with apples ripened the fastest.
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School: Creekside Middle School
Grade: 6
Category: CBIO
Abstract: Dementia affects over 55 million individuals globally, with an annual incidence of approximately 10 million new cases. Conventional diagnostic tools, such as the MMSE and MoCA, primarily evaluate motor and memory functions but are labor‑intensive, necessitate expert clinical oversight, and typically identify cognitive decline only after substantial neural damage. Recent studies have demonstrated that quantitative changes in speech and ocular motor behavior, specifically, reductions in speech rate, increased pause durations, diminished lexical diversity, and aberrations in saccadic velocity and gaze patterns, can be detected well before clinically evident memory impairment. We introduce a computer‑based, multimodal diagnostic tool that synergistically integrates advanced speech analytics with high‑resolution eye‑tracking during a standardized 20‑second reading and eye tracking task. In a controlled study, this platform demonstrated diagnostic accuracy comparable to conventional methods with a percentage of 97.8%, while predicting cognitive decline at a preclinical stage, as we saw that computer based test scores started to decrease before MMSE started to decline. Furthermore, its capacity for continuous, objective monitoring enables dynamic evaluation of therapeutic efficacy over time. By substantially removing areas in which it is too late to diagnose dementia, this scalable and cost‑effective approach holds significant promise for large‑scale, at‑home screening and could fundamentally transform the early diagnosis and management of dementia.
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School: DeKalb Middle School
Grade: 6
Category: ROBO
Abstract: Sketchy Robots is a project to determine the effect of robot motion and termination types on the speed and quality of its task. To accomplish this, the FANUC CRX robot will be programmed to sketch out a picture of a human drawn image. The experiment will test different programs that have varying continuous termination types and record the duration and quality of each program to determine the effect of speed versus quality.
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School: Hibberd Intermediate School
Grade: 6
Category: BEHA
Abstract: Many features are genetically inherited like hair color, skin color, eye color, face shape and so on. One defining feature that is used across the world to help identify people and a common measure for biosecurity is fingerprints. We know that a person can't get identical fingerprints or it is just insanely rare. What I want to figure out is whether or not fingerprints are genetically inherited and what features may pass on to the child and what factors help determine your fingerprint pattern. The way we tested this is we got multiple people who were related and had them dip their finger in forensic ink and then roll it onto a paper. We also have one fingerprint that is not related to anyone. We studied it with a magnifying glass and then put the patterns down and looked for similarities. My hypothesis was that fingerprints were genetically inherited. And this proved my hypothesis right as any parents with more than one child had a fingerprint match on at least one of their kids and the parents with one seem to have a combined fingerprint with their child instead of either one.
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School: Hibberd Intermediate School
Grade: 6
Category: MCRO
Abstract: This science project tests the effectiveness of three different cleaning agents—soap and water, Lysol wipes, and Clorox wipes—in eliminating bacteria from common surfaces. By swabbing surfaces, cleaning with the agents, culturing bacteria, and analyzing the bacterial growth in petri dishes, the project seeks to determine which cleaning method is the most effective. The hypothesis was that soap and water would work better at eliminating bacteria. While soap and water did prevent bacterial growth in the short term, Lysol and Clorox wipes were more effective at reducing bacterial colonies over a longer period. This project emphasizes the importance of using proper antibacterial products for cleaning, especially in high-traffic areas where soap and water may not always be available. The findings have practical implications for public health, environmental impact, and cost efficiency by highlighting the most effective and sustainable cleaning practices.
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School: Lafayette Sunnyside Middle School
Grade: 6
Category: SOFT
Abstract: Amazing AI Purpose The purpose of this experiment is to see if test subjects can tell the difference between an AI generated image and a real image. Online readers should care about the results of this experiment because they should want to know if the website is reliable. Procedure 1. Gather the materials. 2. Set up the table that will hold the iPads. 3. Find ten test subjects to test. 4. Open the PowerPoint and begin testing. 5. Repeat step 4 with the 9 other test subjects. 6. Find the percentage of correct answers and incorrect answers. 7. Record the data on the data table. Data The averages (in percentage of correct and incorrect answers) of all the trials of each type of image were: • AI generated images -92.5% • Real images -7.5% Conclusion We have a conclusion to our problem question; can people tell the difference between real images and artificial intelligence (AI) generated images. We expected the odds of AI tricking humans to be much greater but we were incorrect. We changed our procedure by not walking around all of Purdues campus, rather just walking around the WALC building. Also instead of finding the mean of the correct or incorrect percentages we found both. This way we could show the difference in the percentiles. A problem we ran into was approaching people to ask them to participate. Which made the project go slower, and was more difficult to calculate the data. Something we would change would be using a different AI image generator. We found that the results were mostly the same, and almost all people either got all the questions right or they got the same questions wrong. The results of this experiment are important because it shows how different people’s minds work, how AI generation works and how people compare two similar things to each other and make a conclusion about the different circumstances.
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School: Lafayette Sunnyside Middle School
Grade: 6
Category: ANIM
Abstract: Sawyer Knoy Grade 6 Sunnyside Intermediate School Project Category: Animal Science Abstract Mooo-re germs Purpose The purpose of this experiment was to help other cattle people know what breed of cattle is the most heather. Procedures 1. Get cattle in pen 2. Get materials out and ready 3. Test first cattle 4. Put swab in Petri dish 5. Write down amount of germs in mouth 6. Repeat steps 1-5 Data The averages (In CFUs) of all the trials for each breed of cattle were: • Shorthorn - 99 • Angus - 109 • Shorthorn plus - 141 Conclusion I have an answer to my problem question; what breed of cattle is the healthiest? I changed the breed of cattle, the position of the swab, and the place. If I were to do this experiment again, I would try to test more cattle or different breeds such as, Simmental, red angus, and so on. The result of this experiment is important, because then people know what breed of cattle to get, stay away from, and clean more of. When doing this experiment, I felt like I could have put the swab in their mouth for longer, and maybe I would find more germs in various places. Overall, I would love to do this experiment repeatedly, to collect more data.
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School: Lafayette Sunnyside Middle School
Grade: 6
Category: CHEM
Abstract: Carter Gillespie Grade 6 Sunnyside Intermediate School Project category: Chemistry Abstract Destructive Drink Purpose the purpose of this experiment is to teach people that sugary drinks can badly effect you teeth. Procedures 1. Gather materials 2. Set cups on table 3. Put one egg in each of the five cups 4. Pour one and a half cups of water in each cup 5. Repeat step one through four two more times Data The averages color (1 no change, p10 big change) change of all the trials for each type of drinks were: • Water - 1 • Milk - 1 • Orange juice - 5.34 • Redbull - 7.34 • Coca Cola - 9.67 Conclusion I have an answer to my problem question; How will different types of drinks effect an egg’s color or texture? A change that I made in my procedures was the different drinks I used. A problem that I ran into while doing this experiment was time, I had to do three trials of seven days. If I were to do this experiment again, I would change how long I put the egg in the different drinks. The results of this experiment are important because they can help people better understand how bad some drinks are for your teeth.
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School: Monroe Central Elem School
Grade: 6
Category: PLNT
Abstract: I tested corn seed treatment. I was trying to determine what corn seed type and what corn seed treatment did the best. I wanted to do this project because my family has a farm background. I had 5 different brands/types of seed, Channel 213-19, Chanel 213-49-VT, Chanel 210-79DG, Dynagro 48vc84, and “Mixed”. I also had 3 different treated colors: red, green, and purple. I tried planning the seeds in 2 different ways. I planted 10 seeds of each seed brand in 5 different rows. I tried to do a variety of different colors. I planted seeds in soil and more on a tray layered with paper towels. I kept watch over 12 days and watered them each day. My hypothesis was that the Chanel 210-79DG corn seed with the green treatment would do the best because green treatment helps protect against corn pests. My conclusion turned out to be the Dynagro 48vc84 with the red treatment did the best, and the Channel 210-79DG with the green treatment did the worst. So my conclusion proved my hypothesis wrong. The green treatment is supposed to help protect against corn pests. Red treatment is a refuge seed, it does not protect against the same corn pests to prevent future failures of seed treatment. Purple/blue/pink seed has not been treated with the same anti pest/pesticide to prevent long-term failure of the main treatment. The red treatment technically helps protect the corn plants in the long run.
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School: Frankton Elementary School
Grade: 6
Category: ANIM
Abstract: The purpose of this experiment is to help people know the best and most effective bedding to get for their animals. Bedding is like a mattress for animals and keeps them clean, dry and healthy. My hypothesis is that shavings will be the most absorbent because a lot of people use shavings more often than the other types of bedding. I selected 5 different kinds of animal bedding: paper, corncob, cedar, sawdust, and straw. I put the bedding in 5 different tubs and weighed them to be equal amounts of each bedding. Next, I poured 64oz. of water in the buckets and waited 45 minutes to allow the bedding to absorb the water. Next, I checked each type of bedding and drained the water and measured the leftover water in ounces. Last, I weighed the remaining bedding to see which was the most absorbent. My results showed the paper bedding was the most absorbent followed by the corncob bedding, cedar bedding, shavings, and then straw. In conclusion, I found that the paper was the most absorbent and my hypothesis was incorrect. Although, the paper bedding was the most effective, it was also the most expensive bedding to use per ounce.
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School: Castle North Middle School
Grade: 6
Category: BEHA
Abstract: This study investigates how the use of AI tools like ChatGPT affects the critical thinking skills of middle school students. With AI increasingly present in classrooms, we wanted to explore whether students benefit from using AI as a learning partner or whether it encourages dependency and weakens their ability to think independently. Twenty students were given two open-ended questions. In one task, students used ChatGPT to directly copy answers. In the other, they used ChatGPT to explore ideas and construct their own responses. Their answers were then evaluated using a rubric measuring reasoning, organization, and originality. Results showed that students who used AI analytically—asking questions and interpreting responses—performed significantly better in demonstrating critical thinking. In contrast, those who copied answers displayed limited reasoning and depth. Our findings suggest that AI can enhance learning if students are guided to use it thoughtfully. However, when used purely for quick answers, it may hinder skill development. We recommend that educators and developers promote responsible AI use, focusing on exploration rather than shortcuts.
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School: Zionsville West Middle School
Grade: 6
Category: EAEV
Abstract: Testable Question:How does mass affect the relationship between the earth and the moon. Using a stimulated software to change some variables like mass#. Keep scrolling.. Hypothesis: If the mass of an object changes, then the way moon revolves around the earth will differ, because heavier objects pull stronger with gravity. Procedures is next….. Procedures: -Open the Gravity and Orbits Simulation on the PhET website -Select the Earth and moon model and enable the following options: path,grid,line,gravity, velocity -Measure the time in earth days it takes for the moon to complete a 360 degree orbit -Record the data as following Earth and Moon 1.5x mass Earth 1.5x mass Moon 1.5x mass -Repeat steps 3-4 with masses increased to 2x their original values. -Input your data into excel, noting the earth days required for each scenario -Use the LiveGap bar tool to create a chart. Bar graph, the axis’s will be labeled following… X-axis is the mass scenarios(1.5x e.g.) Y-axis earth days for moon’s full rotation Title:”The earth and moons masses increased and the time it takes for the moon to complete a rotatation
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School: Riverdale Elementary School
Grade: 6
Category: ROBO
Abstract: My project aimed to determine if using a vague prompt with AI would show more bias toward gender and race than using a more specific prompt. People should care about my project because humans who have to work with AI images for their jobs need to know to use more specific prompts when creating images. I tried to find out if using less specific prompts would show more bias in AI than using more specific prompts. I thought that AI would show bias toward gender and race more than 50% of the time. First, in the process, I made a list of prompts. Next, I made a chart to keep track of my information. Then I tested the prompt to see if AI was more biased when the prompt was vague or specific. The independent variable that I changed in my experiment was my prompt. One thing that stayed the same was the way I tested my prompt. Another constant was the website that I used to create my images. My results for my experiment were as my prompt got more specific, AI-generated a white person or male for the majority of the time. The percentage of time a black person was chosen stayed the same. The percentage of time an Asian person was chosen increased when the prompt got more specific. The percentage of time a Latino person got chosen decreased when the prompt got more specific.
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School: West Lafayette Intermediate School
Grade: 6
Category: CELL
Abstract: In this experiment, I tested if higher humidity increased mushrooms yields. Mycology is the study of mushrooms. Monotubs are tubs which mycologists can use to grow mushrooms indoors. In this experiment, I had three different bins, low, medium, and high humidity - each containing 3 mushroom grow logs. I sprayed each mushroom log - the low-humidity bin had no lid, the medium-humidity bin had a lid, and the high humidity bin was sprayed additional times around the perimeter of the tub and had a lid. I measured the average humidity of each tub twice a day using two humidity gauges, morning and night. After the mushrooms were ready for harvesting, I harvested them and weighed them on a scale to determine their total weight. I ran this experiment twice because the closed lids suffocated the mushrooms, making them grow thin and lanky. So I flipped the logs over to the other side, and ran the experiment again, leaving the lids open a few inches, and the mushrooms grew normally. Through this experiment, I found that the mushrooms in the medium and high bins had much larger yields but not significantly different from each other.
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School: Kankakee Valley Middle School
Grade: 6
Category: PLNT
Abstract: The question I am trying to answer for my project is: Is it profitable to use a strip-till bar? I came up with the idea of doing this experiment because fertilizer prices have increased recently, and maybe our family farm is spending money that we don't need to. An advantage of the strip-till bar is soil conservation. The strip-till bar only works a third of the field so that helps soil moisture and protects the topsoil from erosion. My family farm uses the strip-till bar on our crops, and I was curious if we were really getting our money out of it. The strip-till bar is a piece of equipment that is connected at the end of a tractor and gets pulled through the field while it tills and fertilizes at the same time. The corn planter plants rows of corn that are 76.2 cm apart. Before the corn is planted, the strip-till bar does 12.7 cm of tillage on each side of where the row of corn would be and repeats the process through the whole field. The first step to answer this question is to organize the experiment. The second step of this experiment is to go to the field and perform steps three through five throughout the whole field. Then, you grow and monitor the corn as it grows. When the corn is done growing, you harvest it and weigh each trial separately. Lastly, you collect your data, analyze your results, and make your conclusion.
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School: West Lafayette Intermediate School
Grade: 6
Category: MATS
Abstract: This experiment investigates the relationship between the shape of ice and its melting time. The hypothesis proposed was that ice in different shapes would melt at different rates due to variations in surface area exposed to air. Three distinct ice shapes were frozen: a globe, a hexagon, and a cylinder. The amount of water used in each ice mold was kept consistent. The melting time of each ice shape was measured by observing when the ice completely melted, and the amount of water that melted was recorded. Control variables such as room temperature and water temperature were maintained throughout the experiment. The results indicated that the shape of the ice indeed affects the melting time, with the cylinder melting the fastest due to its larger surface area, while the globe took the longest to melt. This experiment highlights the importance of surface area in the melting process, as greater surface area allows heat to reach the ice more quickly. The findings could be useful in real-world applications where controlling the rate of ice melting is essential, such as in food storage, cooling systems, and emergency situations. Further experimentation with additional ice shapes and varied water amounts could provide a deeper understanding of the factors influencing ice melt time.
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School: West Lafayette Intermediate School
Grade: 6
Category: CELL
Abstract: For my science fair project I tested to see the effect of water on fruits’ browning. I started by checking what causes fruit browning. Then I made my hypothesis which is that if I put a peeled banana and a half apple inside the water. And put a peeled banana and a half apple outside the water. Then, the fruits in water will brown less because oxygen in the air causes browning, not the oxygen in the water. I did all my testing which took three hours total. Then I checked both groups of fruits to find out which group of fruits brown less. I realized that the fruits outside the water brown less. So in conclusion, it is not a good idea to put your fruits in water to keep them fresh and to block its browning.
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School: West Lafayette Intermediate School
Grade: 6
Category: MATS
Abstract: It is critical to know what metal conducts heat the best in various applications. For example, efficiently conducting heat away from semiconductor chips can prevent overheating or even permanent damage. Metals conduct energy by free electrons absorbing said energy and turning it into kinetic energy. They then transfer the kinetic energy to other free electrons, and are able to conduct energy. I know that different metals conduct heat and electricity with different speeds. Knowing this inspired me to hypothesize that, out of copper, aluminum, titanium, and wood, copper will conduct heat the best, as it is the best at conducting electricity. I chose each metal for specific reasons. Aluminum and copper because they are inexpensive, and popularly used as heat conductors in things such as Macbooks. Titanium because I read about the SR-71, and wanted to know why they chose titanium for the plane, instead of copper. Wood was chosen as control for my experiment. In my experiment, I took an ice cube, and put it on a metal cube immersed 1 cm into boiling water. I then timed how long it took to melt the cube. I repeated this three times for each of the four materials. My experimental data supported my hypothesis. This likely supports my theory that the ability to conduct heat and electricity have a direct relationship.
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School: West Lafayette Intermediate School
Grade: 6
Category: EGSD
Abstract: My experiment aims to find out which shape out of an arch, a straight dam, or a rounded triangle, can hold the longest as a dam against water pressure. I hypothesize that the rounded triangle will hold the longest because the front sharp edge is easier to cut through the water like an airplane head. The procedure used three plastic sheets to act as dams in a large plastic container. A clipboard is moved back and forth to generate the waves in a controlled manner. One is to set three different metronome numbers to control the moving speed, the other is to have two stages to control the moving distance. A mechanical sensor is designed to monitor the deformation of the dam under the water pressure, once the sensor feels it a time will be recorded. Each experiment with the same setup will be repeated at least three times. As a result, my hypothesis was proven wrong. The arch dam was the strongest other than the rounded triangle, and the straight one is the weakest. The arch dam is stronger because the rounded shape can divert the pressure more smoothly and evenly to their abutments, which are usually solid rock or the wall of a valley. In addition, the arch shape is deformed to compress that is hard to break and more resistant to the force and pressure.
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School: Schmucker Middle School
Grade: 6
Category: EAEV
Abstract: Soil respiration is the process by which carbon dioxide is released from the soil by living organisms. Extreme weather conditions (flooding, drought) are increasingly common. My goal was to understand how varying amounts of moisture impact soil respiration and pH. Hypotheses: (1) soil respiration will be highest when soil samples are wet but not saturated, (2) saturated samples will have the lowest soil respiration and (3) soil pH will decrease as moisture increases. Varying amounts of water (0-control, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64mL) were added to bottles containing 182g of soil (3 samples per condition). Soil respiration was measured by studying changes in CO2 emissions over 300 second windows (readings every 2s) and pH was measured with a probe. Samples were tested on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. Soil respiration increased from 0-16 mL but dropped off sharply for 32 and 64 mL. This indicates that moisture has a positive impact on respiration until water limits oxygen and microbes switch to anaerobic respiration which produces less CO2 . Moisture has a negative relationship with soil pH; waterlogged soil (32 mL and 64 mL samples) had a steep decline in pH from anaerobic activity producing lactic acid. Declines in soil respiration and pH for the saturated/oxygen limited 32 and 64 mL samples lasted several days. Results suggest that extreme rainfall due to climate change can disruption soil microbial activity negatively impacting soil respiration and pH which ultimately can reduce the soil's ability to support plant life.
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School: Kankakee Valley Middle School
Grade: 6
Category: EBED
Abstract: My project is about learning how to make a working traffic light and how electricity travels through a circuit. It works by connecting the positive side of the lights to the positive side of the battery, and the negative side of the battery is connected to the switch. This keeps the current rolling through the lights, switch, and battery. The battery is hooked up to the switch so that the switch is powered. The lights are connected to the battery so they will work and glow. The lights are also connected to the switch, because the switch is attached to the battery as well. I created a circuit by making a wooden box with a rectangle shape sticking upwards on the side. The bottom wood piece is longer so that i can put my battery and switch there. I then made a hole in the box on the opposite side of the rectangle. The hole is so that you can put a small metal pole through it so that it can crank. Once you crank the handle the can will spin and this will help the lights change colors at the end. Next I made three more holes on the tall rectangle to be able to place the lights. I glued down the battery on the bottom piece of wood that is sticking out, and drilled in the switch next to it. Then I put four holes on the side of the wooden box that was facing me, and put four wires through it. I made sure that the inside part of the wire is touching the can by cutting the outside coating of the wire about two inches down. I took the other side of the wires and connected each one to the negative side of the light. The fourth wire was connected to the switch. This is the ground that connects the battery to the can and has the electricity travel through it. Finally you put tape in the right spots on the can to create a timer. This will help change the color of the lamps because the wire that is connected to the light will glow if it's touching the can. If the wire is touching the tape it will not glow because it is blocking the electricity. If they are placed in the right spots, it will make the lights glow from red to yellow to green one at a time. That is how you create your working stop light.
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School: Mount Vernon Jr High School
Grade: 6
Category: BMED
Abstract: I was curious about how beverages would affect my teeth. My project investigated the impact of common beverages on teeth. I believed that the beverages with the most sugar would have the most negative effect. I weighed teeth, soaked them in various beverages, and then, weighed them again. My hypothesis was proven incorrect. The results showed that the acidity of the beverage had the biggest impact.
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School: Lafayette Tecumseh Jr High School
Grade: 7
Category: EAEV
Abstract: My topic is pH levels near natural Tippecanoe County water sources. I chose this topic because I filled out a questionnaire to get experiments that you may enjoy based off of what you answered in the questionnaire. My hypothesis is if pH levels are tested 15.24 meters from a Tippecanoe County freshwater source, then those pH levels will be more acidic. For my experiment, I collected and tested pH in soil and water samples from five natural Tippecanoe County water sources. I learned how to test pH levels in soil and water, as well as how to benefit plant health according to soil pH.
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School: Lafayette Tecumseh Jr High School
Grade: 7
Category: BMED
Abstract: My topic was testing how far someone ran while singing. I chose this topic because I found out that Taylor Swift sang for three hours while running in preparation for her Eras Tour. My hypothesis was “If a person runs while singing, then they will not run as far as when they are not singing, because their lungs will not be able to hold as much air as the person not singing”. To conduct this experiment, I had 15 people run 80 feet down and back for 5 minutes. Then they did that again, but sang while running. During my experiment, I learned that singing while running makes you run a shorter distance, while if you’re just running, you run a farther distance.
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School: Lafayette Tecumseh Jr High School
Grade: 7
Category: PHYS
Abstract: I ran an experiment on how high a baseball bounces based on the temperature of the baseball. I ran this experiment because I love baseball and I wanted to see the effect of a baseball at different temperatures. My hypothesis was that the hotter the ball was the higher it bounced. For my experiment I heated a few baseballs up and cooled others down and I left some the same. Then I dropped them over the concreate at 217.8cm and then saw how high they bounced and recorded the data. I found that my hypothesis was correct. The hotter a ball was the higher it bounced. The hot balls bounced on average 75cm the room temperature ones bounced on average 73.8cm and the cold ones bounced 55.2 cm. What I learned was that the hotter it is does not really matter but the colder does.
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School: Christ The King School
Grade: 7
Category: CHEM
Abstract: When painting your nails you want them to dry as fast as possible. Nail polish that contains nitrocellulose dries faster than those without. Nail polish was invented in 1911 and nitrocellulose was discovered in 1799. Nitrocellulose was first put into nail polish in 1920 to be used as a drying agent. I tested four nail polishes, two with nitrocellulose and two without. I evenly put each polish onto a piece of cardboard. Every 30 seconds I dabbed the nail polish with a dry Q-tip to see if polish would transfer. Once nothing came off the cardboard I recorded the time. I repeated this step for each polish three times and then found the averages. The two nail polishes with nitrocellulose had the shortage averages. My hypothesis was that nail polish with nitrocellulose dries faster. It was proved correctly because the two polishes with nitrocellulose dried faster. The experiment showed nitrocellulose helps nail polish to dry quicker.
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School: DeKalb Middle School
Grade: 7
Category: CHEM
Abstract: Abstract Which Solution is The Best to Restore Dried Latex Paintbrushes? By Emmett Gibson I wanted to see which of 3 solutions is the best solution to restore dried latex paintbrushes. I also want to find environmentally friendly and less expensive types of solutions. I predicted Downy fabric softener would perform the best at cleaning the dried latex paint out of the paintbrushes. I measured and weighed the 6 paintbrushes and applied paint to each paintbrush and let them dry out. I used 3 cleaning solutions, Diluted Downy fabric softener, Klean-Strip Green Brush Cleaner, and Distilled White Vinegar. Brushes sat in the solution for 4 days while I observed the jars for paint particles that fell off. After the four days I measured the flexibility, used a paint comb to get excess paint out then rinsed the paintbrushes with soapy warm water. Once paint- brushes were dry I recorded my observations. I repeated the procedure for procedure 2 but I added 6 grams of each paint to each paintbrush. I only soaked them in solution for 2 days. I used a paint scraper to take off any remaining paint. I had 5 professional painters evaluate based on the 4 question criteria. I was hoping to find the best solution for cleaning the dried latex paint off paintbrushes, and Diluted Downy fabric softener was the best overall. I recommend using Downy fabric softener to clean dried latex paint off of paintbrushes because it performed the best and is environmentally safe, it’s cost effective, it's a common household product, and it does not have any bad chemicals inside of it.
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School: North Middle School (Henderson, KY)
Grade: 7
Category: BMED
Abstract: To go about this, we use test subjects and measure their blood sugar before and after drinking sodas each morning. We would measure the same amount of soda that they consume every morning and wait 15 minutes after they drink the soda to re-measure their blood sugar.
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School: Heritage Hall Inc
Grade: 7
Category: BCHM
Abstract: The purpose of this project was to help people know how to cook healthier. The question was: Which method of cooking broccoli keeps the most vitamin C in it? The hypothesis was: I believe that steaming the broccoli will keep more vitamin C than boiling or microwaving it because steaming cooks it without submerging it in water and it is more gentle than using a powerful microwave. Farm fresh broccoli was gathered and cooked. After each method of cooking (steaming, boiling and microwaving), the broccoli samples were blended with water. The vitamin C extraction liquid was placed in a burette and titrated into 10 mL of dilute iodine solution until the iodine solution was neutralized. The results obtained confirmed the hypothesis. The vitamin C extraction from steamed broccoli contained the most vitamin C using an average of 18 mL to neutralize the iodine solution. The second highest concentration was the extraction from microwaved broccoli using an average of 20.9 mL. The lowest vitamin C concentration was the extraction from boiled broccoli using an average of 32 mL. Interestingly, the raw broccoli control required 23.1 mL of vitamin C extraction which was more than both the steamed and microwaved broccoli. Most likely, this was because mechanically grinding the broccoli alone did not release the vitamin C as effectively as cooking.
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School: Indian Springs Middle School
Grade: 7
Category: EAEV
Abstract: Sunscreen pollution is an emerging environmental issue affecting aquatic ecosystems worldwide, with concerns ranging from coral reef bleaching to freshwater contamination. This study investigates the local impacts of two sunscreens—Blue Lizard (marketed as eco-friendly) and Coppertone (a conventional brand)—on Bowman Lake, a freshwater body in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Five tanks were used to replicate real-world conditions, including a control tank with pure lake water and tanks treated with weekly additions of sunscreen. Water quality metrics (pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity) were measured using a Hydrolab Quanta, while visual observations (aquatic life, water clarity, and residue formation) were documented. Results revealed that Blue Lizard, despite its "reef-safe" label, showed potential toxicity as it developed bleached water and an absence of aquatic microorganisms. On the other hand, Coppertone led to significant cloudiness and chemical residue, with measurable declines in water quality. The findings challenge the reliability of eco-friendly claims and highlight the need for stricter sunscreen ingredient regulations to protect aquatic ecosystems. This study bridges local freshwater concerns with global environmental challenges, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and policy change.
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School: Castle North Middle School
Grade: 7
Category: PHYS
Abstract: This experiment was designed to help figure out if density has an impact on sound absorption. Conducting this experiment could help aid in various ear related problems. Five different materials were used in testing this experiment. Aluminum, cardboard, cork, foam, and wood were made into 21.1 cm x 13.2 cm x 8.9 cm boxes. Then, we placed the speaker inside each one of the boxes and measured the noise made by a speaker using a decimeter. The percentage of sound absorbed was found using the percent change formula. In our data, Aluminum had the highest density and the lowest absorption rate. Wood had the second highest density and the highest absorption rate. Our data was not linear due uncontrollable factors out of our controlled variables. For example, wood didn’t have the lowest density but still absorbed the most sound. Also, cork absorbed less sound than cardboard even though cork had a higher density . With everything taken into account, our data generally shows that materials with lower densities still outperformed materials with higher density. To summarize, density of an object does greatly impact percent of sound absorption. The trend from our data is not perfect, however it shows that materials with higher densities absorbed less sound. Revealing that density can immensely influence how much sound an object can absorb.
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School: Castle North Middle School
Grade: 7
Category: CHEM
Abstract: This project is based on how the temperature of water affects the amount of corrosion on iron. Engineers might benefit from this experiment, because the purpose of this experiment is to find the ideal temperature of water for iron structures submerged, for there to be less corrosion. The hypothesis stated that if the temperature of the water is greater, the amount of corrosion(mass loss) will be more. To start this experiment, 21 iron nails are required. The mass of each nail was measured, and color coded with 7 different colors in groups of three. 3 jars were filled with cold, room temperature, and hot water, and each jar was placed in a bowl. The bowls were filled with water of the respective water temperatures of each jar, and one nail of each color was placed in each jar. For 7 days, the rust was wiped from each nail in 1 color set, and the new mass of the nail was measured each day. This procedure was repeated for trial 2. The nails in hot water produced more rust, while the cold water nails had little rust. In the data, hot water nails had the highest corrosion, the room temperature water nails had a medium amount of corrosion, and the cold water nails had the least corrosion. In summary, the results supported the hypothesis that when the temperature of the water increases the amount of corrosion will increase. Therefore, iron structures submerged in cold water will most likely minimize corrosion.
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School: Castle North Middle School
Grade: 7
Category: EAEV
Abstract: The purpose of this experiment was to test the amount of soil that slows the rate of erosion. There was one side filled with soil as a slope where the more the wave maker moves the further the water pushes towards the end of the wave tank. The other side consisted of just water and we separated the water with the wave maker that was constructed by taking it apart and putting it back together. There were different amounts of salt placed in the water by breaking up salt crystals and letting them dissolve in the water for 5 minutes. Then we placed the soil, water, and wavemaker on top of the tank. We then started the wavemaker for each test, which we did 9 tests and each one was 5 minutes long. We found the rate of erosion by finding the inches of soil eroded per minute. When there was no salt in the water, 0.13 inches of soil was eroded per minute. Then when there was 5% of salt compared to water, or 288 grams of salt the soil eroded slower. The soil eroded at a rate of 0.09 inches per minute. Finally, when we used a 10% salt to water ratio, the soil eroded at 0.06 inches per minute. To summarize, The rate of erosion slows when there is more salt in the water. This was the goal of the experiment, to slow the rate of erosion. Erosion is bad for our planet so finding a solution to this problem is crucial for our environment. Nevertheless the more salt in the water, the slower erosion.
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School: Fall Creek Junior High School
Grade: 7
Category: EAEV
Abstract: This experiment was conducted because of the fascination of how durable wood is in other climates that often produce acidic rain. The problem that is being solved is to see if the type of rain affects the pH and durability of pinewood. The hypothesis of this experiment is if pieces of pinewood are soaked in different rain simulations, then the pH will increase, and the wood will become weaker because the simulations will decrease the wood’s pH and make the wood softer. The background research that was done before this experiment is important because it helped understand how and what pH is, scientifically and simply. The results of this experiment are inconclusive, mainly because of the questioning results of the pH strips that were used to take the pH of the experimental pieces of pinewood. The experiment conducted was spilt into three groups: no simulation group (control group) of five pieces of pinewood; rain simulation group of five pieces of pinewood; and acidic rain simulation group with another five pieces of pinewood. Each of the five experimental pieces were soaked in their simulations for an hour and left out for ten minutes. All fifteen pieces of wood had five nails (two-inch) hammered into them. The amount of hammer hits to get the nails into the wood and the time for each nail was recorded and later averaged. The results are inconclusive due to the data of the acidic simulation and the unusable pH strips.
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School: Saint Mary School
Grade: 7
Category: PHYS
Abstract: This project investigates the effect of the number of parachutes on the terminal velocity of a falling model crew capsule. The study aims to understand how varying the number of parachutes influences air resistance and the rate of descent. The independent variable is the number of parachutes attached to the capsule, while the dependent variable is the terminal velocity, measured in meters per second during free fall. The experiment involves releasing the model capsule from a consistent height under controlled conditions, with varying numbers of parachutes (e.g., 1, 2, or 3). Velocity is calculated using a stopwatch and the measured time of descent. It is hypothesized that increasing the number of parachutes will reduce the terminal velocity due to the greater surface area generating higher air resistance. This study aims to provide insights into the principles of aerodynamics and their applications in spacecraft safety and recovery systems.
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School: Saint Matthew Cathedral School
Grade: 7
Category: EGSD
Abstract: In this experiment I take 4 types of wood such as cedar, pine, plywood, and treated wood. Then I test them along with cotton, polyester, poly fill and fleece fabric. For all of these woods we were going to see how fast they burn, how long they take to catch on fire, temperature, and height. I will be graphing this on a chart based on wood type. My hypothesis is that I am trying to find if any wood that has sap residue such as pine, will it burn faster because sap is flammable and it could get hot making the fire burn the wood. I tested all the wood and the wood with all four types of fabric. Here are the five ways I gathered my data: the time it took to catch on fire, the hottest recorded temperature of the fire, time to burn full structure, maximum flame height, and density of the wood. The low flames do not receive as much oxygen, which oxygen is the fuel to the fire. The biggest factor to this project is the density of the woods along with the materials in the house. With the furniture it burned even faster. Furniture is a big part of the spreading of fire. Depending on how much you have, if a house has lots of furniture it can make the fire spread very fast.
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School: Frankfort Middle School
Grade: 7
Category: BMED
Abstract: My purpose is to determine the effect of naturally made medicine versus chemically made medicine on the regeneration process of planaria. I predicted that natural Ginkgo Biloba has been proven to help blood circulation, which could help with cellular regeneration, while chemical Ibuprofen increases blood pressure, which would not necessarily help. I took eight planaria and cut them in half horizontally. I separated heads and tails into two different dishes filled with water using a pipet. I repeated this process twice, so that there were three containers with 8 heads/tails in each. I crushed a Ginkgo Biloba tablet and weighed out 2 grams, then added it to 100mL of water, for a 2% solution. Do the same process with an Ibuprofen tablet. Next, I exchanged the water with 20mL of a test solution. Let them sit undisturbed and check daily using the microscope to observe regeneration. Based on my results, the Ginkgo Biloba overall had a slightly faster effect on the regrowing planaria. Although the Ibuprofen also worked faster than the control group, the regenerating planaria with Ginkgo Biloba added were almost a day faster than Ibuprofen. I believe this was due to the fact that Ginkgo Biloba doesn't have many side effects, unlike Ibuprofen. So, while both additives speed up regeneration, Ginkgo Biloba does so at a faster rate. I also observe that heads regenerating tails occurs faster than the reverse. This happens because a head is more complex than a tail, so it takes longer to regenerate.
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School: Saint Charles Borromeo School
Grade: 7
Category: PHYS
Abstract: The purpose of my project was to determine how the amount of air pressure affects the speed of a car and whether a lower or higher air pressure would change the speed of a car. My hypothesis was that a lower air pressure would make a car go slower. I tested my hypothesis by putting a propeller powered car in a vacuum chamber and timed how long it took for it to reach the end of the vacuum chamber with lower or higher air pressures. The most important variable in my experiment was the air pressure. This made the car go either faster or slower, depending on whether you used a lower or higher air pressure. After checking the results, I found that a lower air pressure makes a car go slower. My hypothesis was correct because when the air pressure was at 0, the highest air pressure, the car went faster, and when the air pressure was at -27, the lowest air pressure, the car went slower. This explains why my hypothesis was correct and a lower air pressure does make a propeller powered car go slower.
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School: Sarah Scott Middle School
Grade: 7
Category: BMED
Abstract: I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome in August of 2023, I took this as an opportunity to bring awareness to POTS. I chose to do my project on how exercises affect someone with POTS versus someone with a healthy heart. I chose exercises that can also be seen as daily activities, that way I could also show how both exercises and daily movements affect heart rate. So to test this I did these following exercises, sit ups, stand ups, running, and walking. I chose these because they seem like they are the closest to daily activity. Everyone with POTS has a different reaction, for example some people get sick, dizzy, they might get a headache, pass out, there are so many other symptoms to POTS, age can also play a role in how your heart would react, so that is why I tested people of various ages, I tested a 13, 22, 41, and a 27 year old. I also wanted to include two people who are on medication for their POTS so I found two people who are 27 and 41 that are both on metoprolol, which is a beta blocker used to slow their heart rate. I wanted to compare how the beta blocker worked for the two different people. After charting my data I was able to see that when someone with POTS is exercising, or just doing daily activities their heart rate will be higher because there is more stress on the heart.
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School: Honey Creek Middle School
Grade: 7
Category: BEHA
Abstract: Herd mentality is the way of thinking that causes people to believe the beliefs of the majority rather than their own beliefs. To see whether or not this way of thinking influences our daily lives, I will be replicating the Solomon Asch experiment, where I will gather a group of 30 male participants and have them do a line perception test. The line perception test has three lines that are each labeled A, B, and C. There is also another line on the test sheet that is not labeled and is the same length as one of the labeled lines. The participants will be asked to tell which labeled line is the same length as the unlabeled line. Participants will first do a line perception test by themselves, and then they will do the test with the group of people who are going to play the majority. The majority/group will answer some of the questions wrong and some of the questions correctly, and I will see what the participant does to then record it. Based on my results and experiment, I learned a lot about herd mentality as a social norm that is in our daily lives, and I understood more about why people have a herd mentality.
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School: Carroll Middle School
Grade: 7
Category: PLNT
Abstract: The purpose of my project is to determine which method of growing, in soil or hydroponically, provides the best environment for a plant to grow vigorously. To compare, I grew basil in six containers with soil and six hydroponically. Out of the six for each method, three had non-nutrient water and three had nutrient-rich water. Through research I learned how successful growing hydroponically can be and thought this method would be the best. However, my experiment showed that the soil grown basil with the non-nutrient water grew more vigorously than any other plant tested; 5.9 cm tall, root length of 5.7 cm, 8 leaves, and a leaf length of 2.6 cm! This proves how forgiving soil can be and how challenging it is to successfully grow plants hydroponically! Finally, we must find a way to take better care of our soil now so that future generations can continue to grow plants easily because 95% of our world’s food is grown in soil. There is a way to make new healthy soil to reduce soil degradation by 86% – composting! I would design a new trash bin to allow people to place their carbon (brown materials) in the top section of a collection bin and their nitrogen (green materials) in the bottom of the collection bin so everyone would be able to easily participate in composting each week. Each week, a compost collector can empty their bin and take it to their local composting facility instead of adding it to a landfill.
Elevator Pitch Video:
School: NE Region Home Schools
Grade: 7
Category: EAEV
Abstract: In my experiment I discovered whether parking lots, or paved walking paths contain toxins harmful to organisms. I did this experiment to determine if the number of cars parking in a parking lot effects the level of toxicity in the sediment that is found there. I wanted to know if paved walking paths, made of a similar material to parking lots, are toxic as well. To run this experiment I used Daphnia magna, which are small water crustaceans. Daphnia magna are commonly used in pollution studies because of their extreme sensitivity to toxins in their environment. Sediment was collected from 3 locations in my experiment: a frequently used parking lot, a less frequently used parking lot, and a paved walking path. I ran three different trials using Daphnia magna in water containing each location’s sediment. After 8, 16, 24, and 48 hours, I counted how many Daphnia magna were still viable. My results showed the average number of viable Daphnia magna with the sediment from the frequently used parking lot was 18, from the less frequently used parking lot was 25.33, and the paved sidewalk was 12 after 48 hours. These results were compared to the control trials, which averaged 27.67 viable Daphnia magna. This information is beneficial to understanding what is present in the sediment from everyday places, so that we can take further action to prevent toxic sediment runoff from harming the environment.
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School: Castle North Middle School
Grade: 7
Category: BMED
Abstract: The purpose of this project was to test different moisture and oil levels for three different skin types such as dry, regular, and oily. Our procedure was to start with a teaspoon of hyaluronic acid and apply it onto the face in circular motion. The main part is to wait for a few weeks and see how it affects the different skin types. After waiting for 3 weeks we saw a big difference with the oily skin because we thought it would have the least amount of change but it had the most. The reason why it had the most is because oily skin already has a lot of moisture but mainly a lot of oil. The next big thing we realized was that all of the skin types had close to the same amount of change. Even though different skin types had different levels of oil and moisture they all had a good amount of glow. Overtime we also noticed that our skin felt way smoother and we could feel the plumpness mainly in week 3. This is how we realized that hyaluronic acid is good for all skin types except oily skin because that skin types get clogged pores which can cause side effects like acne or it may also strip the outer layer of skin and you may also have a chance of getting eczema around areas like around the lips and around the T-zone.
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School: Honey Creek Middle School
Grade: 7
Category: EAEV
Abstract: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are organic photovoltaic devices that harness the energy from the sun and convert that into electricity through a photo-electrochemical process. Unlike silicon-based solar cells, DSSCs and their design allow for lower manufacturing costs, access to readily available materials, and simpler manufacturing processes. This study was based upon my previous research by shifting focus from initial efficiency measurements to long-term stability through a life-cycle assessment. Instead of collecting data at a single time frame, I judged DSSC performance over a three-week period to observe degradation patterns and efficiency retention. I tested four naturally extracted dyes with their unique light-absorbing pigments: blackberries (anthocyanins), spinach (chlorophyll), turmeric (curcumin), and beets (betalains). Turmeric showed the highest long-term stability, retaining 67.54% of its initial power output, followed by spinach (22.28%), beets (8.15%), and blackberries (2.26%). To enhance DSSC durability, I conducted a literature review and changed my perspective to look at structural weaknesses and made crucial modifications to improve the cell’s integrity. The electrolyte solution was switched to a gel-based iodine electrolyte to reduce evaporation and degradation. The TiO₂ semiconductor layer was refined using a doctor blade method and prolonged annealing to improve crystallinity and electron transport. Additionally, I enclosed the cell in resin to lessen dye oxidation from moisture and oxygen exposure. These structural improvements greatly improved the cell’s longevity and efficiency compared to my previous study. My future research will explore variations in pH and the usage of different electrolytes to improve DSSC stability and viability for real-world applications.
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School: Islamic School of Indianapolis, MTI
Grade: 7
Category: BMED
Abstract: Purpose The generic versions of Tylenol are meant to mimic the effectiveness and efficiency of Tylenol. They both relieve pain and reduce fever. In order to test which, one will work faster, we need to make a mixture that has around the same pH level or stomach acid. We found that Hydrochloric acid mixed with couple of other things should give us the pH we need. Since the stomach normally contains 20-100ml of stomach acid, we will make 100ml of the solution to conduct our experiment. To ensure the experiment works accurately, we need to make sure that the medicines have the same dosage forms and the same strengths. Hypothesis I think that the brand name will dissolve faster than the generic one because of the difference in their formulas and quality of ingredients. Results The Tylenol dissolved first, Amazon was a close second, and Equate took longer time. Even though Amazon started dissolving first, Tylenol completely dissolved before Amazon. Tylenol took 82 seconds, Amazon brand took 144 seconds and Equate took 817 seconds. Conclusion The brand name Tylenol dissolved the fastest.
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School: Westside Catholic School
Grade: 7
Category: EAEV
Abstract: The purpose of this experiment was to find what type of soil lets water move through it the fastest. This experiment could help farmers when buying land to decide what soil would be best for their crops. This experiment also could help people like my family that has a marshy backyard to find what type of soil would be best for irrigation for their backyard. First I measured 236 ㎤ of the three types of soil and put it into the cups with pin holes in it. Then I poured 236 mL of water onto the soil. I set a ten-minute timer and then measured the amount of water that was caught in the catching cup. I then recorded the data and repeated four times for the different types of soil. In conclusion of this experiment I found that loamy soil would be the best for farmers with their crops because it holds moisture but not too much moisture. I also found that sandy soil is the best for drainage because it has the biggest pore size, allowing the water to have more area to move around. So if you do not want any moisture in your yard then have a sandy soiled yard. Clay soil is the worst type of soil for irrigation but the best type of soil for building a pond because it has the smallest pore size not allowing the water to flow easily from the pond or lake.
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School: Central Catholic Jr-Sr High School
Grade: 8
Category: CHEM
Abstract: There are several methods for preventing browning on apple slices, and one of the most well-known methods is coating apple slices in lemon juice. This presents a question - which property(s) of lemon juice is the most effective at inhibiting the browning of an apple slice when exposed to air? In this experiment, I isolated chemical attributes of lemon juice. Apples slices were coated with the following substances and left in open air: citric acid (acid + chelator), ascorbic acid (acid + antioxidant), citric + ascorbic acid (lemon juice chemical mimic), HCl (strong acid), EDTA (strong chelator), cysteine (strong antioxidant), and fresh lemon juice (to account for sugars, minerals, etc. not in the chemical mimic). Observations were recorded at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours, and again at 3.5 and 7 days. I hypothesized that if apple slices were coated with the aforementioned chemicals, EDTA would be the most effective isolated chemical at inhibiting the browning of an apple slice because of its strong chelation property (chelation is a property unique to citric acid, which was effective in a related experiment I ran in 2020). Lemon juice was the most effective at inhibiting the browning of an apple slice, followed by citric + ascorbic acid. Citric acid was the most effective isolated chemical; however, the reason behind its effectiveness is difficult to determine, as both the strong acid and strong chelator were ultimately ineffective at preventing browning on the apple. Future research to better understand citric acid specifically may be beneficial.
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School: Saint Pius X School
Grade: 8
Category: ANIM
Abstract: Humans have a dominant side of the brain, which means they have a hand preference. The right side of the brain controls the left hand, and the left side of the brain controls the right hand. What about cats? My hypothesis is that most female cats prefer to use their right paw, meaning they prefer to use their left side of the brain, and male cats prefer to use their left paw, meaning they prefer to use their right side of the brain. This study involved 29 cats from different places such as the home of the researcher, Cat Lady Cafe in South Bend, Black Forest Cat Cafe in Fort Wayne, and the Humane Society of St. Joseph. The results concluded that most of the cats prefer to use their right paw, meaning use their left side of the brain.
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School: St Thomas The Apostle School
Grade: 8
Category: MATS
Abstract: My Project is about buoyancy and the Ideal Gas Law along with other math. I made 3D printed cubes with different infills, changing the density. I 3D printed my Datzman Density Dice as I like to call them. I did tests in the kitchen to confirm my theory about some of the cubes. I thought some would sink and some would float and I was right. I made the cubes so the lighter the color the less dense the cube was. Since I created a cube that floats and a cube that sinks I knew there had to be a sweet spot where a cube would float at the top of a pool, be neutrally buoyant somewhere in the middle, and sink at the bottom. My project question is “Can I make a cube that floats at the top of a pool, is neutrally buoyant somewhere in the middle, and sinks at the bottom?” I arrived at the Fort Wayne dive center with their 25 ft deep pool. I kitted up and got into the water to start testing. I figured out that green and yellow did what I wanted them to. Yellow floated, became neutrally buoyant at 20 feet and then started sinking. Green became neutrally buoyant at 5 feet and then started sinking. I concluded that I did succeed in creating a cube that floats at the top of a pool, is neutrally buoyant somewhere in the middle, and sinks at the bottom. Dive students can use this.
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School: DeKalb Middle School
Grade: 8
Category: PLNT
Abstract: The cost of inputs, NPK, continue to rise and are directly contributing towards the increased cost of food in our grocery stores. One way to combat these rising costs is to modify current agricultural practices. The purpose of this project was to determine which soil mixture, in combination with horse manure, would produce the highest yield of green beans. In addition, test each soil mixture to ensure valuable nutrients, NPK, do not leach. This provides a positive impact on agriculture because it will benefit farmers and gardeners alike. Both could follow this research to determine how much fertilizer to use and what soil mixtures to use to get the best yield from their green bean plants. In addition, it generates an affordable way to increase your yield without breaking the bank. Many new gardeners and farmers want to maximize their yield of green beans but not always using the most economically or environmentally friendly methods. This research is critically important to the agricultural industry because matching the right plants with the right soil types not only maximizes your yield and gross revenue but it also can decrease your expenses and increase your profits. This is because producers also match their fertilizer program with the type of plant they are growing. If it is not in the correct soil mixture, many of those valuable nutrients will leach out of the soil and not be available next year driving up the cost of fertilization. The study was conducted by using a garden as a control plot and then testing five mixtures against the control with the variable being sand. The mixtures were 25% Sand, 75% Soil; 50% Sand, 50% Soil; 75% Sand, 25% Soil; 100% Sand; and 100% Soil. The results discovered that the 50% Sand, 50% Soil mixture produced the highest yields amongst the control and five mixtures. The soil was also tested for pH as well NPK and found that the 50% Sand, 50% Soil mixture did not leach nutrients but the 75% sand, 25% Soil and 100% Sand did leach nutrients. These results can be applied to the agricultural industry by controlling the quality of garden beds and potting mixes. In addition, commercial agriculture can apply these results by matching appropriate plants with proper soil types which will both increase yields and reduce expenses due to less leaching of nutrients.
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School: North Middle School (Henderson, KY)
Grade: 8
Category: ANIM
Abstract: As inflation increases, the price of eggs goes up. A lot of times when people buy a carton of eggs, they always have tiny eggs. Eggs that are way too small! This project will use peanuts and cashews to change the duck’s diet. For 3 weeks they will eat peanuts. Then for 3 weeks they will eat cashews. The 3 weeks they eat their normal food with nothing special in it, will serve as the control. Every other aspect will be the same for the duck. This way stress from being separated will not affect the animal. The goal of this experiment is to observe how changing a duck’s diet will affect the overall egg. Including quality and size.
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School: North Middle School (Henderson, KY)
Grade: 8
Category: ETSD
Abstract: The purpose of this project is to create a device to help teach people to read braille. According to The Braille Literacy Crisis in America: Facing the Truth, Reversing the Trend, Empowering the Blind a report by the National Federation of the Blind, “Fewer than 10 percent of the 1.3 million people who are legally blind in the United States are Braille readers. Further, a mere 10 percent of blind children are learning it.” This is a major problem as braille is an extremely important tool for those with visual impairments. On the National Federation of the Blind’s website under the section Braille it states, “Compared to listening to audio versions of books or other materials, reading and writing with Braille teaches grammar, spelling, and punctuation.” This shows that Braille is a vital tool in the blind community. This device is a tool that, when plugged into an electronic device with the corresponding code, in this case a computer and an Elegoo MEGA 2560 Controller Board, will display braille through six solenoids. This will happen when buttons, each one representing different characters or letters, on a connected pin pad are pressed.
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School: Castle North Middle School
Grade: 8
Category: EAEV
Abstract: The purpose of this project was to show the effects of carbon dioxide on temperatures. The main inspiration was the greenhouse effect, so this experiment is essentially a model for it. The hypothesis was, “If carbon dioxide is added then the temperature will increase because carbon dioxide weakens the protective atmosphere”. The hypothesis was proven correct with jars in all 5 trials having more heat produced and change in temperature being higher. For example, in the 4th trial the CO2 jar gained 7.1 degrees and the control gained only 4 degrees. Therefore, the hypothesis was correct because it proved that adding CO2 will increase temperatures faster.
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School: Saint Mary School
Grade: 8
Category: CHEM
Abstract: This project investigates the effect of acidity on the strength of eggshells. The goal is to understand how exposure to different levels of acidic solutions influences the structural integrity of eggshells. The independent variable is the acidity of the solution, which will be varied by using different concentrations of vinegar (a common acidic solution). The dependent variable is the strength of the eggshells, measured by the amount of weight the eggshells can support before breaking. The experiment involves immersing eggshells in solutions of varying acidity for a set period and testing the maximum weight they can withstand. It is hypothesized that higher acidity levels will weaken the eggshells, making them more likely to break under less weight due to the corrosive effect of the acid on the calcium carbonate structure of the shell. This study aims to provide insight into how acidic environments affect the durability of eggshells and could contribute to broader understanding in fields such as biology and material science.
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School: Yorktown High School
Grade: 8
Category: PHYS
Abstract: Black hole mergers are one of the most powerful events that occur in space. Mergers leave a ripple in space-time that travels as a gravitational wave, similar to the way a rock thrown into a pond creates ripples. In LIGO experiments using gravitational wave detectors, scientists were able to detect space-time ripples produced by the black hole mergers. These gravitational waves produce the famous chirping sound of black hole collisions in which the strain frequency of the LIGO detectors rises sharply in a very short span of time. The time-frequency characteristics of chirping sounds can be analyzed to infer the strength of gravitational waves and hence black hole mergers. The first black hole merger event was detected in 2015 and since then there have been more than 200 of such occurrences. I analyzed a sample of these events to understand the relationship between the black hole masses and their distances that account for the strength of chirping sounds. According to Newton’s law, gravitational energy is proportional to the masses and falls off inversely with distance. I tested this idea by analyzing the chirping sounds and how they relate to the black hole masses and their distances. The results, to a first approximation, are found to follow Newton's law of gravity reasonably well.
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School: Castle North Middle School
Grade: 8
Category: ENEV
Abstract: In modern times, we face many problems. Some of these pressing issues include limited space, energy demands, and a need for a renewable energy source. To address these issues, I considered ways to solve them. One day I was researching solar panels in my free time, and I saw that mirrors would be an effective tool if they didn’t create shade on the surface of the panel, how could we remove this shade? Then, I realized that we could move the solar panels robotically to prevent shade from being cast on the panels. I hypothesized that this would lead to a dramatic increase in power production over a normal solar panel To test this out I conducted a series of experiments spanning over November in various weather conditions and days. The results came back, and especially on sunny days there was a dramatic increase in power production from the normal solar panels using the mirrored ones, the data supported my hypothesis. This data supported my hypothesis because the mirrors could always allow the robotic solar panel to receive direct sunlight from the azimuth. With increasing populations, and decreasing ways to solve this problem, I believe my experiment will be crucial in approaching this problem. In conclusion, to solve tomorrow's problems, I set out to find an improvement in today's energy.
Elevator Pitch Video:
School: Castle North Middle School
Grade: 8
Category: EGSD
Abstract: All over the world, there is a rise in electric vehicles, one of which the world has never seen before. Even though electric vehicles themselves don’t emit CO2 emissions, the way that they get that energy isn’t always clean. Even if someone were to power their vehicle totally carbon free, it would cost them thousands of dollars which makes this option very unappealing. This led to the idea of a fully solar powered electric vehicle. The basis of my hypothesis is that a solar powered model electric car would be able to travel longer on the same charge than that of a model electric car. To investigate my hypothesis, I performed my experiment and analyzed the data; my hypothesis was incorrect! The scenario with the model electric car had the longest mileage of the three scenarios because it lacked the added weight of a solar panel. This project has determined that solar powered cars for commercial use aren’t feasible. However, I have gained much knowledge through the duration of this project, some of which I will withhold for the rest of my life.
Elevator Pitch Video:
School: Castle North Middle School
Grade: 8
Category: PLNT
Abstract: The purpose of this experiment was to determine the impact of different fertilizers on plant growth. The results of this experiment can help improve the agricultural conduct of plants all around the world. In this experiment I tested various different fertilizers including: All-In-One, Phosphorus-Based, Potassium-Based, and Organic Eggshell Compost Fertilizers. Alpine Strawberries, Coriander Cilantro, Scarlet Globe Radishes, and Bibb Lettuce were all watered/fertilized every other day for 15 days and kept in the same environmental condition to ensure the only independent variable is the type of fertilizer. The Alpine Strawberries in my experiment did not start to sprout till the end of the experiment by the control group with an average of 0.0042418 centimeters due to only one plant sprouting! On the other hand, Coriander Cilantro started sprouting on Day 8 with the All-In-One Fertilizer having an average of 0.6096 centimeters due to the low germination rate. Continuing, my Scarlet Globe Radishes grew to about 15.24 cm height, and a high average rate of 8.4074 centimeters by the All-In-One Fertilizer again! Finally, my Bibb Lettuce had a high growth of 7.62 centimeters, and a high average by the Potassium-Based Fertilizer of 4.2926 centimeters tall. My organic fertilizer came in second place in all groups other than Group A, with averages of 0.5588, 7.8486, and 3.9624 centimeters. Results suggest that All-In-One Fertilizer is the best for promoting plant growth, while proving my hypothesis partially correct.
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School: Frankfort Middle School
Grade: 8
Category: ROBO
Abstract: My purpose is to see if a robotic arm powered by water pressure can lift more weight with fresh or salt water. I predicted that salt water would lift more weight because the salt will add to the pressure of the water, making it easier to lift more weight, compared to the fresh water, which might not hold as much. For my procedure, the first step was to build the robot arm from the Elenco Hydrobot Arm kit. I then put the fresh water into the tubes. I filled a handled cup up with marbles and determined how many marbles the arm could lift. I tested this multiple times. Next, I used a different container filled with 100 mL of water, and added five grams of salt to make a 5% solution. I flushed the fresh water out and added in the salt water. I tested again as beforea and recorded results. My hypothesis was correct: the salt water held more weight than the regular water. The salt water clearly helped the robotic arm lift more weight compared to fresh water. This leads me to believe that the salt added more pressure, making it hold more weight due to the higher level of internal pressure. It would be interesting to see if this result is still true when you increase the salt in the water. A higher concentration of salt in the arm could produce better results because of added pressure, but only up to a point.
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School: Central Catholic Jr-Sr High School
Grade: 8
Category: ROBO
Abstract: This experiment detects plants toxic to animals through artificial intelligence (AI.) The objective of this experiment was to identify and alert the user to harmful plants in their pasture or backyard. I collected images and trained AI to determine 10 categories of toxic plants and non toxic items, trained on 18 image types. In the future, this technology could be used to help farmers cheaply and effectively make pastures safer for their animals. To make it easier for field use, the program can be used on smartphones. It can also be used on an AI Vision V2 camera board, connected to a laptop.
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School: Castle North Middle School
Grade: 8
Category: CHEM
Abstract: The purpose of this experiment was to determine what ratio of baking soda and vinegar produces the most gas. The procedure for this experiment was to mix different amounts of baking soda and vinegar to produce the different amounts of gas. The results of the experiment was that a 1:1 ratio of baking soda and vinegar produced the most gas.
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School: NE Region Home Schools
Grade: 8
Category: BMED
Abstract: Carbohydrates are a key macronutrient, but their effects on blood glucose can vary depending on their source and composition. This study examined whether different carbohydrate sources, despite having the same net carbohydrate content, produce varying glucose responses. Using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), real-time glucose levels were tracked after consuming different breakfasts, including jasmine rice, reheated jasmine rice, oatmeal, Qia oatmeal, a chocolate chip cookie, and eggs (as a control). Results showed that jasmine rice caused the highest average glucose spike (41 mg/dL), while reheated jasmine rice (20.5 mg/dL) and Qia oatmeal (21.5 mg/dL) resulted in lower responses, likely due to resistant starch and fiber content. However, even these "better" carb sources still caused glucose spikes over 20 mg/dL, whereas eggs resulted in no change at all. Normalized area under the curve (AUC) rankings placed the cookie as the worst (1.00), followed by jasmine rice (0.96), oatmeal (0.78), reheated jasmine rice (0.70), and Qia oatmeal (0.60), with eggs being the best at 0.07. While food composition influences glucose response, the results suggest that the most effective strategy for maintaining stable blood sugar levels is minimizing carbohydrate intake altogether.
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School: NE Region Home Schools
Grade: 8
Category: CHEM
Abstract: This study investigates the factors influencing the speed and foam formation during the pouring of soda, focusing on soda type, container type, and the pouring operator. A full factorial design of experiments was conducted with three variables: soda type (Coca-Cola vs. Diet Coke), container type (12 oz can vs. 12 oz bottle), and operator (two different operators). Each trial was repeated three times, and the median pour time for each run was calculated to reduce the influence of outliers. The average of these medians was then computed for each variable level and student t-tests were performed. The results showed that bottles poured 3.73 seconds faster than cans, and Coca-Cola poured 2.41 seconds faster than Diet Coke. The difference between operators was minimal, with an average difference of only 0.33 seconds. Interaction effects between the variables were small, suggesting that the combined influence of soda type, container type, and operator skill had a limited effect on pour time. Overall, operator skill had less impact than expected, while soda and container type showed more significant differences.
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School: Saint Matthew Cathedral School
Grade: 8
Category: BMED
Abstract: Burn patients need to use special fabrics, a fabric that can promote healing without any setbacks in the process. They use hydrophobic fabrics in order to keep the area dry and as well helping with the pain and blistering. However, the healing process needs the fabric to help begin fluid resuscitation. This helps to restore blood flow in the vessels and to make tissue perfusion and oxygen deliveries on the damaged area. Therefore, I decided to create a project on knowing how everyday fabrics might be beneficial or disadvantageous to burn patients who might not have immediate access to a gauze or other special fabric for their wounds. The research began by looking for different types of everyday fabrics. Then once fabrics had been found, they were tested. Silk came out to be hydrophilic. However, silk has the ability to absorb moisture but not feel damp or wet. Polyester absorbs the liquid however it cannot absorb it into its fibers like other fabrics. It tends to just hold it between its fibers. Cotton was hydrophilic. Rayon and linen together are hydrophobic due to the coating that it contains. Polyester and cotton are hydrophobic due to the polyester’s ability to hold the liquid. Therefore, those that were absorbed immediately, I measured its diameter. In conclusion, I found that polyester, polyester and cotton together, or rayon and linen together, are suitable to use in the meantime before attaining gauze or other fabrics meant to support the healing process for a burn patient.
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School: Honey Creek Middle School
Grade: 8
Category: EAEV
Abstract: δ18O is a ratio of 18O to 16O. As temperature fluctuates, δ18O rises and falls inversely in the ocean and in the ice. As temperature rises, δ18O rises in ice records and falls in the oceans. I wanted to see if a reconstruction using δ18O records from ice cores shows evidence of climate change. Previous similar reconstructions have demonstrated amazing accuracy using δ18O to show long term temperature changes, but there has been less evidence that it shows short term climate change, as has been shown today. I used publicly available ice core records from NOAA's paleoclimatology websight to get my information, then compiled the data. I then standardized and normalized the data, as well as making sure that the cross-dating of the chronologies is reliable. I found that evidence of longer range climatic reign shifts, such as the little ice age and the medieval warm period, but there was less evidence modern climate change. This points to evidence that ice cores are not as adept at showing shorter range climate shifts, or that the reliability of ice core records is being lost from the melting of ice in recent times.
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School: Sycamore School
Grade: 8
Category: ETSD
Abstract: The Purpose of this experiment was to evaluate new designs of toroidal propellers versus tri-blade propellers to determine which design of propeller blade generates the highest voltage during wind tunnel testing to maximize efficient energy production. Hypothesis: Propeller blades with higher calculated Static Thrust will produce greater voltage during wind tunnel testing in the following order: Toroidal Circle > Toroidal Oval > Tri-Blade Winglets > Tri-blade Null Hypothesis: There is no correlation between a propeller’s calculated Static Thrust and its voltage production during wind tunnel testing. Procedure: Calculate Static Thrust for 4 different propellers with the same diameter and pitch. Use these calculations to predict which propeller will generate the most voltage when tested in a homemade wind tunnel with laminar flow. Mount each propeller on a DC motor in a wind tunnel and measure voltage produced with a multimeter in order to identify the most energy efficient design. Results: Propellers with a higher calculated Static Thrust generated more voltage in the following order: Toroidal Circle > Toroidal Oval > Tri-Blade Winglets > Tri-blade Conclusion: The results support the hypothesis and prove that Static Thrust is a good predictor of propeller energy production, and toroidal propellers are more efficient than tri-blade propellers during wind tunnel testing with laminar flow.
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School: Lafayette Tecumseh Jr High School
Grade: 8
Category: TMED
Abstract: Purpose -The purpose of my project is to teach about genetic mutations and the possible cancer-causing ability. Lifestyle choices can cause genetic mutation, resulting in tumorigenesis cells. Many people are either unaware or ignorant of this ability, but I want to bring awareness to it. Cancer is very real and in some-cases, hard to beat. It is estimated that people with lung cancer from smoking have about an 84% chance of surviving for 12 months and 42% after 60 months, and due to the addictiveness of the drug, people who smoke with lung cancer can drop that to 57% in 12 months and 29% in 60 months. Making these choices results in death every year, and many people allow it to happen to themselves and others by with ignorance or misinformation. Procedures : 1.) Gather Materials. 2.) Open Gemini AI software. 3.) Type ‘probability of cancer equation’ into Gemini AI to get a Python code. 4.) Input Python code into Python software.5.) Change ‘U’ value in python code. 6.) Record results into excel spreadsheet. 7.) Repeat steps 4-5 for all mutation rates (U). Conclusion: I have an answer to my problem question; How does genetic mutation effect the probability of the probability of cancer? During my process I had to change the way I solved the equation, changing from calculators to AI and coding software. If I were to do this experiment again, I would research more about what my data and equation mean.
Elevator Pitch Video:
School: Central Catholic Jr-Sr High School
Grade: 8
Category: EAEV
Abstract: Since the early civilizations, people have found ways to purify water to make it drinkable. The purpose of this experiment is to see what is the best way to take salt out of water. I am judging these experiments on Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Density, Conductivity (us/cm), and pH. My hypothesis for the reverse osmosis filter is that it will be effective in getting out the salt and change the pH drastically. My final hypothesis for the distillation method is that it will take all the salt out of the water, but not change the pH. For a small scale, I learned that distillation is the option that will give you drinkable water. Not all of my hypotheses were correct. For example, I did not think that distillation would have a strong effect on pH. It did. I also found that reverse osmosis does not work on salt water unless it is diluted salt water and you have a very powerful system. However, I was correct in thinking that the electric pump camp filter would have little effect on salt water. If I were to do another test like this, I would get a different reverse osmosis filter and run it through multiple times to see if anything changes. I would also use metal piping for the distillation system so that I can get rid of the plastic taste to the water when you drink it.
Elevator Pitch Video:
School: Lafayette Tecumseh Jr High School
Grade: 8
Category: EAEV
Abstract: In my experiment, I determined what the best conservation plan for migratory birds is. I did this by using google earth to examine the migratory path of each bird. The results of my experiment were that I determined that the best way to conserve migratory birds from going extinct is to preserve their main migratory ground. Some problems I ran into while doing my experiment, were all of the birds tracking data crashing my computer. If I were to do this experiment again, I would get more data of different bird species. My experiment will help Endangered Species Biologists because now they will be able to determine migratory grounds that would be most beneficial to conserve to decrease the number of migratory birds going extinct.
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School: Lafayette Tecumseh Jr High School
Grade: 8
Category: EAEV
Abstract: If microplastics (Styrofoam)cause the temperature of the sand to rise, then sea turtle biological sex determination will change as well. More babies will be born female. In conclusion sea turtle population over time would be affected if the trends shown in the graph are the same in the natural environment. The hypothesis states, “If microplastics (Styrofoam)cause the temperature of the sand to rise, then sea turtle biological sex determination will change as well. More babies will be born female.” Based on the on the data, the hypothesis was correct about the general sea turtle population. However, the change in temperature was not drastic meaning the populations might not change quickly.
Elevator Pitch Video:
School: Islamic School of Indianapolis, MTI
Grade: 8
Category: PLNT
Abstract: The purpose of this experiment was to determine how different environments impact plant survival, specifically exploring the effects of various liquids on plant health. This research is particularly useful for home gardeners and large-scale farmers who may struggle with plant care and aim to improve their crop yields. We hypothesized that watering plants with milk would extend their life cycle due to its calcium, nitrogen, and vitamins that could support plant development. To test this, we watered five flowers with different liquids: milk, vinegar, sugar water, plain water, and a control group with no treatment. Over the course of the experiment, we observed the plants’ health, appearance, and lifespan, documenting the results every two days. Contrary to our hypothesis, the flower watered with vinegar thrived the longest, showing vibrant petals and no mold growth, while the milk-treated flower developed mold and a foul odor as the milk spoiled. Our findings suggest that the green carnation, the flower used in this experiment, prefers slightly acidic environments, which may explain why the vinegar mixture was most beneficial. In conclusion, our hypothesis was proven incorrect, and the vinegar solution proved to be the most effective for promoting plant growth and longevity in this particular experiment.
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School: Otter Creek Middle School
Grade: 8
Category: PLNT
Abstract: In my project I conducted a series of experiments on four rows of four Zinnia plants being grown in a row with different liquids for 21 days. The different liquids used to water the plants are purified water, Light Blue Gatorade Zero, 100% Apple Juice, and 100% Lemon Juice. Every plant was watered with a different liquid, and these plants were watered every 3 days. At the end of experiment and research, I collect my data and found that the purified water made the Zinnia plants grow the most. The Light Blue Gatorade Zero made the plants grow but they grew in a darker hue and had stunted growth. And for the 100% Apple Juice and 100% Lemon Juice, they did not make the plants grow at all.
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School: Honey Creek Middle School
Grade: 8
Category: EAEV
Abstract: Flocculation or coagulation is the process for the purification of water. Coagulation is the process of negatively charged microscopic particles in the water clumping up around positively charged flocculant particles. The flocculant is what causes this clumping up. After they have coagulated, they begin to sink and can be filtered out. The purpose of this project was to find the best pH for this process using alum, an aluminum salt, for the flocculation process, combining the effectiveness of the process with the efficiency of the alum. I was also able to interview Dr. Jenny Mueller at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, who works with this subject in an environmental lab at RHIT, which she used to show me one of the experiments she performs with her students. I changed one variable that was measured and replaced it with another. Different amounts of alum were added to 5 1-liter samples of turbid, or unclean, water at 3 different pHs, namely 6.0, 7.5, and 9.0. I measured the turbidity of the water at the beginning using a Hach Portable 2100Q Turbidimeter, something I had access to at Rose-Hulman. After they were stirred at 15 RPM for 15 minutes and allowed to rest for 20 minutes, the turbidity of the water was measured again. I checked the difference and measured that as effectiveness in terms of percentage of particles that coagulated and flocculated. My hypothesis was that the more alkaline and less acidic samples would be less efficient and effective because of what I learned during my interview with Dr. Mueller. She taught me the difference between acidity and alkalinity. Alkalinity refers to the buffering ability of particles, or their fondness to not clump up and sink, but instead remain suspended in the water. Therefore, I believed the alum would be less effective and efficient at higher pHs. My hypothesis was proved partially correct by the experiment, as it was most efficient at the high pH, but was so ineffective that it is still not feasible. This shows that it may be more feasible to use another chemical for the flocculant's base, as I learned from Dr. Mueller that every flocculant has a bell curve for usability. That is the purpose of the experiment in the first place, to decide if aluminum would be the right flocculant base for the pH that you are working with.
Elevator Pitch Video: This student has not yet submitted an elevator pitch video.
School: Saint Mary Elementary School
Grade: 8
Category: PHYS
Abstract: Have you ever been curious about the types of material that can actually absorb sound? The purpose of my project was to find out what types of materials would most effectively absorb sound of varying frequencies. I hypothesized that if I tested steel, carpet, plexiglass, acoustic panels, and foam panels for their ability to absorb sound, then the material offering the most sound absorption would be the acoustic panels. In order to accomplish this, I cut all six materials down to 8 ¼ inch. Then I built the box that the decibel meter would be placed in and then placed the speaker a yard away. Next, I put the material up to the box and played the tones through the speaker. I recorded the test results three times for each material. My results showed that my hypothesis was incorrect. Instead of the acoustic panel being the material offering the most sound absorption, plexiglass was the material offering the most sound absorption. The material offering the worst sound absorption was the foam panel. I learned that the various sound absorptions only reduced the loudness of the sound wave by changing its energy as it interacts with the absorbing material. It did not change the frequency of the sound. If I were to perform this experiment again, I would incorporate more “real life” sounds such as car horns and people yelling. The results of my testing could be beneficial to engineers who design and build structures where sound regulation is a vital element to the layout of the structure.
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School: Schmucker Middle School
Grade: 8
Category: EAEV
Abstract: This project evaluated how leaf saturation time impacts dissolved organic matter (DOM), pH, and phosphate levels in water (Phase 1) and if leaf leachate impacts algae growth (Phase 2). Hypotheses: (1) DOM, pH, and phosphorus will increase as saturation time increases and (2) there will be a positive relationship between leaf leachate amounts and algae growth. Phase 1: dried leaves placed in 21 containers (3/day). 295 mL of distilled water added to each sample. Leachate samples extracted for 7 days and tested with a spectrophotometer to measure DOM; pH and phosphorus levels were also tested. Phase 2: varying amounts of generated leachate (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 mL) was added to equal parts of algae culture (5 mL) and nutrient media (15 mL). Distilled water was added to create uniform sample volumes (3/test condition). Algae growth was measured with a spectrophotometer every 12 hours for 4 days, and on days 12 and 25. DOM, pH, and phosphorus measurements were all positively correlated with saturation time. Within the first 4 days, greater leachate amounts did not result in more algae growth. However, by day 25, higher leachate amounts did drive algae growth. Results suggest leachate introduces bacteria that initially competes with algae for nutrients and inhibits growth, but over time these heterotrophic microbes respire nitrogen and phosphorus which promotes algae growth. The longer leaves are piled in the street for collection, the greater the risk to local waterways of excess nutrient/DOM runoff, introduction of heterotrophic microbes, and algae growth.
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School: Saint Pius X School
Grade: 8
Category: ETSD
Abstract: The sole reason for investigating this topic of the project is to figure out why this drill battery is not being improved upon and shed some light on an idea that can be put into the market. Therefore, how does a person improve the current drill battery on the market? I started to investigate and research about the battery. I figured out which materials were necessary and took their measurements from the listings and created drawings and blueprints of where the items were to be placed in the battery. I aligned them and stripped some of the wires such as the ones in the battery. After securing the materials in, I tested the endurance and capability of the battery. After analyzing, I sanded down the outside and painted the battery. After all this, the battery could run approximately 210 seconds before losing torque in the drill but still had a battery to either run the drill slowly or charge a phone. The battery also is larger and weighs more than a 3amp battery, but the weight distribution is great. One major finding was the broken motherboard that was soldered to the terminals did not pose any difficulties for the terminals. This is because if a person soldered wires straight to the terminal, making a current that only runs through the terminals, then the motherboard won't gain power to cause a problem. During my research I learned specific terms to know about a battery like voltage, amperage, watts, joules, and milliamp per hour.
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School: Kankakee Valley Middle School
Grade: 8
Category: CHEM
Abstract: Considering the fact that both of us are athletes, we wanted to find out which sports drinks best replace electrolytes to help maintain a healthy body status. During this experiment, we set out to determine what sports drink would be the best for replacing lost electrolytes after strenuous activity. For a hypothesis, we believed that if a multimeter and homemade circuit was used, then we would be able to measure the electrical conductivity, or electrolytes, in a variety of sports drinks because the multimeter would deliver a certain amount of milliamps to our results. To begin the experiment, research was conducted and recorded from multiple online websites. We learned the do’s and don'ts when conducting this project which helped significantly. Also, prior to the test, we used sources to figure out how to operate a multimeter. We found how to connect a circuit out of various items. The procedure was then ready to begin. This consisted of creating a circuit to measure the amount of milliamps that was contained within each drink. The more milliamps a drink has, the more electrolytes a drink would have. Each drink was tested. The results were then recorded. The drink with the most electrolytes was proven to be coconut water. The purified water ended up having the least amount of electrolytes. So, it is best to drink coconut water after strenuous activity to replace lost electrolytes. Not only were the results surprising, but provided a better view toward replacing electrolytes.
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School: West Central Region Home Schools
Grade: 9
Category: BEHA
Abstract: In contrast to traditional doctors, artificially intelligent (AI) doctors use algorithms to diagnose patients’ health conditions and medical treatment needs. To investigate how AI doctors affect patients and the efficiency and utilization of healthcare, I created a mathematical model to analyse the data. My hypothesis inquires that AI doctors help patients decide whether to go to hospitals more effectively, alleviate healthcare access inequity, and improve healthcare efficiency and patients’ well-being. My analysis suggests that the hypothesis holds only when AI doctors have pinpoint accuracy– otherwise, their impacts on patients and healthcare vary with patient types (the severity of their medical condition and the cost they face to access healthcare). Specifically, AI doctors influence the patients’ decision to go to hospitals when they have moderately severe symptoms. AI doctors alleviate healthcare inequity by giving advice to patients who may not have the means to acquire formal advice from doctors. AI doctors benefit patients with moderate access to hospitals, severe patients with low access, and mild patients with easy access to hospitals; however, AI doctors harm mild patients with low access and severe patients with easy access to hospitals.
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School: Lafayette Jefferson High School
Grade: 9
Category: BEHA
Abstract: This project investigates the impact of different music genres on sleep quality to see which is the most effective for the best sleep quality. The hypothesis states that listening to classical music while sleeping will improve the quality more than the other 3 music genres in this project. This experiment involves wearing an Apple watch to track the amount of sleep, and the different sleep stages. While asleep, the person will be listening to one of the four playlists including classical, jazz, heavy metal, and rock. Each genre was tested 3 times. The data that was recorded was the total amount of sleep, and the amount of each stage of sleep. After this was collected, the average of the trials added together were compared. The results showed that classical music improved sleep quality the most out of the four, followed closely by jazz. These findings support the hypothesis and show that certain types of music can effectively improve sleep quality. This research is important because it can provide a non-pharmacological approach for someone who is having trouble sleeping, or searching for ways to improve their sleeping habits.
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School: Lafayette Jefferson High School
Grade: 9
Category: BMED
Abstract: The experiment examines the relation between VO2 max and 5K running performance among young male athletes in the 15-18 age and at varying fitness levels. The nine participants were placed under novice, intermediate, and advanced fitness groups, and their VO2 max values were determined. Afterward, they performed a 5K run, and data about performance, such as race times were recorded. Results indicated a strong negative correlation between VO2 and times for 5K run, revealing that higher values of VO2 are related to faster race times. My hypothesis that VO2 max values directly correlated with long distance running was supported.
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School: Carroll High School
Grade: 9
Category: EAEV
Abstract: Wastewater runoff from textile industries – especially in regions with high amounts of both textile and agricultural production (typically east-Asian countries) – can seep into groundwater and crop irrigation systems, and/or affect nearby aquatic life. These regions often do not have funding and infrastructure in place to treat their wastewater streams. This study aimed to determine the abiotic stress of chemicals, microplastics, and heavy metals from textiles, on plant growth, to establish their environmental and agricultural impact, and potentially develop a low-cost remediation method for these residues. This was tested by using water with four different types of clothing residues, each with a different material composition, to hydroponically grow radish seeds. It was hypothesized that clothing made from organic cotton would foster the most plant growth, and clothing made from synthetic polyester would foster the least. Data was collected by measuring stem and root lengths, which were made into bar graphs for analysis. It was found that initial preservative chemicals on all the clothes, including that made from organic cotton, ended up either stunting stem and root growth, or mimicking crop fertilizers and initially stimulating it, but later leading to nutrient imbalances/toxicity. One water sample contained lots of clothing dye, carrying lead (toxic heavy metal), with it. Hence, a dye-remediation theory (using Rit aquamarine anionic dye) was tested on the clothing-leached water using a combination of probiotic and Glutathione pills, which formed a sediment, and were able to successfully absorb the dye from water, along with a few other toxins.
Elevator Pitch Video:
School: Signature School Inc
Grade: 9
Category: CBIO
Abstract: Lung cancer is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It is difficult to diagnose accurately, especially at an early stage. No traditional non-invasive detection method achieves both high performance and cost-effectiveness. Recent research has found that cancerous lung cells produce certain abnormal chemical byproducts, which enter the bloodstream and reach the lungs, leading to the presence of specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath. The cost of breath capture and analysis is low. Machine learning classifiers can process complex data and effectively rank the importance of features for the prediction. This study trained, fine-tuned, and evaluated models for each of eight classifiers using exhaled VOC data, compared the ROC-AUC scores of the best model for each classifier, identified the top-performing model (a fine-tuned Random Forest), retrained and retested it, and compared it to traditional non-invasive diagnostic methods using medical performance metrics. The results show that the retained best model achieves accuracy, precision, sensitivity, false positive rate, and false negative rate values that are comparable to or better than those of traditional non-invasive methods. Additionally, the study identifies and ranks the top five most important exhaled VOCs related to lung cancer diagnosis using SHAP values. The findings of this study benefit both hospitals and lung cancer patients, particularly those in the early stages before symptoms appear. Furthermore, it contributes to the discovery of potential targets for new drug development.
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School: McCutcheon High School
Grade: 9
Category: ETSD
Abstract: Dam safety is the main thought when it comes to building and designing a dam, but as the world evolves, a new level of dam safety needs to be brought up. Over the past 120 years, the U.S. has averaged ten plus dam failures and dam related accidents a year, most of which are due to overtopping. Overtopping is caused mainly by weather. This is when a dam’s water supply goes over capacity, and water spills over the top. This may cause a dam break. Bigger dams to prevent this cost money, however different solutions have yet to be tested. Some of these ideas include creating underground reservoirs to stockpile excess water. A not so similar idea is simply reinforcing said dam, to make it stronger, almost to design it to be overtopped. Furthermore on this idea, we can design dams to withstand overtopping, almost expecting it to happen. This new dam type could therefore prevent many lives lost, property damaged, and help benefit the world in a major way.
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School: McCutcheon High School
Grade: 9
Category: ANIM
Abstract: A hamster was placed in three completely dark mazes, three mazes in ultraviolet lighting, and three brightly lit mazes. If a hamster is timed on these mazes, it is predicted that the hamster would traverse through the darkest mazes the quickest. The hamster was timed in each of the nine mazes. Treats were placed at the exit of each maze to encourage the hamster to finish the maze and averages were drawn from the results of each category of maze. The mazes with the fastest average were the bright mazes. Compared to complete darkness and ultraviolet lighting, hamsters see best in bright environments. The rod cells in the eyes pick up light, so an abundance of light serves more use to the ros cells than a lack of light. Though hamsters can see in the dark, a lot of darkness is useless. Hamsters are often used for testing in labs due to a variety of similarities with humans. Information on the eyesight of hamsters ultimately boosts the understanding of human vision.
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School: Heritage Hall Inc
Grade: 9
Category: BCHM
Abstract: The purpose of this project was to help consumers know if the ground beef they are getting is true to its label. The question was: Does ground beef from a butcher have less fat content than store-bought beef, specifically from Aldi and Walmart? The hypothesis was: I believe that butcher ground beef will have less fat than Aldi or Walmart beef because it is more expensive and they care more about quality. A beaker of salt was heated in the microwave to even out the internal temperature. The microwave was then calibrated by heating two beakers with 20g of 85/15 ground beef each to find out how long it would take for them to lose all of their moisture. Once that information was obtained, ten 20g samples of each type of beef were microwaved for the determined amount of time. The samples were then weighed and the results were recorded in the logbook. Using the dried weight of the beef, the chemical lean and fat percentages were calculated. The results of the experiment were rather unexpected. The butcher beef had the most fat at 18.7% fat. The Walmart beef was the only one that was accurate to the label, with 13.5% fat. The Aldi beef had the least amount of fat, with only 8.6% fat. Thus, the hypothesis was denied.
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School: Mount Vernon High School
Grade: 9
Category: ANIM
Abstract: Stress can significantly impact a horse’s physiological and behavioral responses, influencing heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. This study evaluates the effectiveness of four calming supplements—Quietex II, DAC Calming, Formula 707, and Platinum—by analyzing their impact on equine stress indicators during trailering and exercise. Four mares were trailered, and their vital signs were recorded before and after transport and riding. Behavioral metrics, such as tail swishes, were also observed. Preliminary data suggest variations in physiological responses between supplements, with some showing a greater reduction in stress indicators than others. The findings indicate that certain calming supplements may be more effective at reducing physiological and behavioral stress responses, providing valuable insights for horse owners, trainers, and veterinarians. This research contributes to improved equine management practices, promoting better welfare and performance for horses in high-stress environments.
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School: New Tech Institute
Grade: 9
Category: PHYS
Abstract: Electromagnetic accelerators are the machines of the future people see them all the time and don't even realize it. Like on roller coasters, MRI scanners, loudspeakers, transformers, electric motors, and even particle accelerators. This project looks at demonstrating how they work but also other ways they could be used, like how NASA could use these to launch recording devices into the deep vacuum of space to help us better understand the universe. NASA already uses electromagnetic accelerators to help launch rockets so why not other objects? We could also use electromagnetic accelerators while they are already in space like on the moon because the moon has less gravity than earth so we could launch the rocket without having to use rocket fuel which theoretically it would launch a spacecraft farther and faster than any other propulsion system.
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School: Marian High School
Grade: 9
Category: EGSD
Abstract: If glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane's (GFRTPU) strength and strain are comparable to fiberglass epoxy resin, then GFRTPU should be considered a viable alternative material for wind turbine blades. Current wind turbine blades typically use fiberglass epoxy resin, which presents significant recycling challenges. Most blades end up in landfills or are incinerated, creating environmental concerns. This research investigated Elastollan® R3000, a recyclable GFRTPU, as a potential alternative material. Five GFRTPU samples were tested using ASTM Standard D638-22 for tensile properties. Samples were cut to specified dimensions and tested on a 60-kip Satec tensile testing machine. Tensile strength and strain were calculated and compared with published data from epoxy resin adhesives. Elastollan® R3000 demonstrated tensile strengths statistically similar to some epoxy adhesives (BBM2 and BTM2). Notably, the GFRTPU samples exhibited the lowest strain, indicating superior durability under stress. Comparative analysis with wind turbine blade specifications revealed that Elastollan® R3000 could withstand wind speeds up to 78.3 miles per hour with a significant safety factor. The research supports the hypothesis that GFRTPU, specifically Elastollan® R3000, has the potential to be used for the manufacture of wind turbine blades.
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School: Yorktown High School
Grade: 9
Category: EAEV
Abstract: The growing threat of climate change is accelerating, and its impact on freshwater sources has become a global concern. Understanding how climate change affects water quality, while also providing marginalized communities with the tools to study and respond to these changes, is essential. This helps prepare under-resourced communities who are disproportionately impacted by environmental changes to withstand climate risk. With this goal in mind, I have developed time-series forecasting models for water quality with significantly limited computing resources. I have used open-source DNN-based (Deep Neural Network) transformers that lie at the heart of LLMs (Large Language Models) such as ChatGPT. I have gathered publicly available water quality and climate data based in Riverside County, California as a test case. The models were trained and validated on variables indicative of water quality such as temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen level and displayed high precision. These models were further adjusted to predict water quality with temperature as the predictor. Forecasted temperature from CMIP (Coupled Model Intercomparison Projects) was then used to infer water quality as the temperature rises due to the climate change. This study contributes to the growing advancements of water quality forecasting and demonstrates how state of the art AI technologies can be harnessed to empower marginalized communities by helping them plan and prepare for future climate challenges.
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School: Carmel High School
Grade: 9
Category: CBIO
Abstract: Inherited BRCA mutations disrupt gene regulation, leading to tumors. MicroRNAs act as gene regulators, destabilizing cancer-related mRNA. This project develops a bioinformatics pipeline to identify miRNA-targeted amino acid sequences in TCGA BRCA data, revealing mutations in coding regions and potential breast cancer biomarkers. We processed data reported in the paper “Identifying Interaction Clusters for miRNA and mRNA Pairs in TCGA Network” focusing on eight BRCA clusters. Tarbase provided experimentally validated miRNA-gene interactions. We matched TCGA clusters with verified Tarbase genes via our Python script, identifying 7,965 miRNA gene pairs. Next, we used the DIANA-microT database, hosting 86 million miRNA interactions with protein-coding genes based on a target prediction algorithm. We made a second script to automatically retrieve data for all pairs including genomic positions and coding DNA sequences (CDS) for miRNA binding sites, which codes for proteins. This filtered 7,965 pairs to 1,076 with binding sites. After obtaining CDS data, we used UCSC Genome Browser to annotate amino acid sequences with a third developed script. A Biopython-Selenium script validated amino acid sequences. Using AlphaFold, we obtained protein structure predictions showing the impacts of mutations on receptor function and gene regulation. Our case study was on LRP8, a gene involved in tumorigenic signaling pathways. Structural analysis using AlphaFold identified miRNA binding sites and the effects of mutations on receptor function. Computational validation mapped miRNA interactions in breast cancer, aiding diagnosis and treatments for breast cancer and furthering research of other cancers with our pipeline.
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School: New Tech Institute
Grade: 9
Category: EGSD
Abstract: This project focuses on using solar energy to create a USB charger powerful enough to charge an iPhone 15 Pro Max. The original charger design used a 6V solar panel to connect three AA batteries. It worked, but it could only charge low powered devices, like basic android phones and small handheld games. I hypothesized that by using a 6V solar panel with a 3.7V lithium battery and boost converter to increase the voltage, the circuit could provide a stable and consistent 5V output, which is the minimum required to charge the iPhone. For the new charging circuit I connected a 6V solar panel to a diode to prevent reverse current flow. The diode was then connected to a charging module that safely charges a 3.7V rechargeable lithium battery. The charging module also has a built-in boost converter to increase the voltage to 5V. I tested the circuit outdoors in direct sunlight with a multimeter to measure the voltage output. The improved charger provided a steady 5V output, which was enough to begin charging an iPhone 15 Pro Max. Since I cannot use the sun indoors, I used a 120 V halogen lamp to energize the panel inside for example purposes. It doesn't work as well as it does in the sun, but it shows how the circuit works. This project shows how solar energy can be used to power everyday electronics, which makes it useful for emergency situations or areas without access to electricity. For future improvements, I would use a higher capacity battery and solar panel combination so that power could be stored for a longer periods and devices could charge more quickly.
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School: Fishers High School
Grade: 9
Category: SOFT
Abstract: Driving is a task that is heavily reliant on auditory signals for communication and crash avoidance. Around 430 million people around the world suffer from disabling hearing loss, preventing them from being able to identify important auditory signals. Most hearing-impaired drivers must, therefore, rely on visual cues to compensate for their hearing impairment. But under chaotic road conditions, harsh weather, or low light conditions, this approach may not be feasible, inspiring the development of SoundDrive. SoundDrive is a cost-efficient, easily accessible application that accurately and efficiently identifies important auditory signals and their movement relative to the user. To do this, the application utilizes two custom-trained convolutional neural networks. The sound classification CNN was trained on over 4,500 audio files and identifies important auditory signals for driving. The movement identification CNN was trained on over 200 audio files and identifies unique shifts in frequency caused by the doppler effect to identify whether the sound source is approaching or moving away from the user. The output of these models is in real-time displayed using an easy-to-read GUI, allowing the user to quickly identify the classification while staying focused on the road. The sound classification and movement classification models demonstrated an average accuracy of 94% and 84%, respectively, across all types of validation and testing, demonstrating the high accuracy of the application. SoundDrive can be easily uploaded to the app store and become available worldwide, providing thousands of hearing-impaired drivers with a tool that can allow them to drive more safely and independently.
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School: Carroll High School
Grade: 9
Category: BMED
Abstract: CRISPR Cas9 is a gene editing technology with broad applications in medicine, agriculture, and synthetic biology, offering significant potential for curing various diseases. It enables precise deletion, insertion, or modification of DNA sequences. This study explores the precise gene editing efficiency of the CRISPR Cas9 system by introducing a K43T point mutation in Escherichia coli (DH5 alpha) to confer streptomycin resistance, resulting in threonine instead of lysine at position 43. This mutation causes ribosomal subunit defects in E. coli and the study examines the role of homologous template DNA in enhancing the mutation efficiency. To determine whether a homologous DNA template enhances the CRISPR Cas9 mutation efficiency, we compared two conditions: CRISPR Cas9 with guide RNA (gRNA) alone and CRISPR Cas9 with gRNA plus a homologous DNA template. Results showed that the presence of a homologous DNA template significantly increases mutation efficiency, leading to a 50-fold increase in resistant colonies (p<0.05,n=3). A guide RNA (gRNA) with moderate efficiency (55.3%) as predicted by CHOPCHOP bioinformatics analysis, was selected based on Zero self-complementarity, cost-effectiveness, and availability. Experimental results exceeded expectations, suggesting that biological factors such as Cas9 activity, DNA accessibility, and repair pathway choice played a crucial role in CRISPR efficiency. This study demonstrates that using a homologous DNA template significantly enhances CRISPR Cas9 mutation efficiency, providing insights into optimizing bacterial genome modification. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating computational predictions with experimental validation and contribute to advancements in antibiotic resistance research, genomic engineering, cancer therapy, and gene therapy applications.
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School: Carroll High School
Grade: 9
Category: MCRO
Abstract: Heavy metal pollution in water is a serious environmental problem the affects water quality worldwide, and scientists are exploring natural ways to remove these harmful contaminants. This experiment tests whether Bacillus subtilis, a common and safe bacterium, can reduce copper and iron levels in water. To investigate this, solutions of copper sulfate (CuSO₄) and iron(II) sulfate (FeSO₄) were prepared and divided into two groups: one with bacteria and one without, which served as a control. Nutrient broth was added to all test tubes to support bacterial growth. The test tubes were observed over 48 hours, with measurements taken to track any changes in color, pH, or metal concentration. If Bacillus subtilis effectively removes metals, the solutions with bacteria should show a decrease in metal levels compared to the control group. This research is important because heavy metal pollution can be toxic to both humans and animals, and current cleanup methods can be expensive or harmful to the environment. My results show that the concentration of copper II sulfate and Iron II sulfate decreased significantly in the test tube containing, the probiotic, Bacillus subtilis. For iron, the p-value was 0.00, and for copper, it was 0.0016. Both are far below 0.05, meaning the decrease in metal levels was very likely caused by the bacteria, not random chance. The bacteria had no effect on distilled water, which stayed at 0 ppm the whole time. Over 48 hours, there was a substantial decrease of approximately 93% in the concentration of copper and iron. Using bacteria to naturally filter out metals could be a cheaper, more eco-friendly solution. By testing Bacillus subtilis in a controlled setting, this experiment explores whether bacteria could play a role in cleaning up contaminated water sources. The results from this study may help scientists and environmentalists understand if microbial solutions can be used on a larger scale to improve water quality.
Elevator Pitch Video:
School: Angola High School
Grade: 9
Category: BMED
Abstract: In this project, my partner and I researched EMDR and traditional behavioral therapy separately, then we brought our information into an organized research study. We focused on what EMDR therapy is, how it compares and contrasts to Traditional therapy, and how we hope it will progress in the future.
Elevator Pitch Video:
School: Marian High School
Grade: 9
Category: BMED
Abstract: This research project investigated the potential correlations between anemia and blood clotting in individuals with hemophilia, focusing on platelet increases due to anemia. Hemophilia is a dangerous genetically inherited condition in which the affected person is born missing essential clotting factors, leading to expensive treatments. My hypothesis stated that by increasing the number of platelets, represented by the addition of an extra Calcium Chloride solution, it would result in larger blood clot formation when compared to standard clots or those formed in the hemophiliac models. This conclusion is based on the idea that anemia rarely coincides with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). Iron supplements have been found to trigger platelet increases due to an effect called thrombocytosis. The findings of that study suggest that adding more Calcium Chloride to increase platelet levels could aid clotting in hemophiliacs, where typical clotting mechanisms are impaired due to deficient clotting factors. By using Calcium Alginate spheres to simulate clot formation, this project aims to model the impact of varying platelet levels on clot development. My experiment's results correspond to my hypothesis by manner of the increased platelets to aid in the formation and production of clots in both the hemophiliac model and the control. The applications of this and future research could lead to more affordable care and options for people who suffer from hemophilia. This project did an excellent job at highlighting the interactions between anemia, platelet function, and clotting, while potentially offering insights into improving care for individuals with hemophilia like myself.
Elevator Pitch Video:
School: Marian High School
Grade: 9
Category: BEHA
Abstract: A student's cognitive functioning plays an important role in their expectation to arrive at school every day, ready to learn, think, and grow. The standard to which the brain functions regularly affects things like problem-solving, question-answering, memorization, and recall skills. This particular study aimed to determine whether the mental benefits of music extend to positively impact the degree to which the brain can execute the cognitive functions that correlate directly with those required to excel in a classroom environment. All volunteer participants underwent a thorough, online testing process where their response inhibition, attention, visuospatial working memory, and mental rotation were assessed. It was hypothesized that that if teenagers listen to music that is calming or soothing, (like classical or pop) while being tested, then they will score higher than when listening to no music as the baseline control; Listening to more chaotic/intense genres (such as rap or rock) will have negative impact on cognitive testing scores. In evaluating the collected data, my hypothesis was supported. The majority of participants scored highest on either classical music or pop music. These scores were, on average, higher than the scores of the tests involving no music, whilst tests administered while listening to more chaotic genres such as rap and rock fell almost consistently below this mark. In conclusion, my studies strongly support the claim that calming and soothing music genres would be a valuable asset to students who aim to flourish in the classroom. Their effects have been shown to engage the brain and better allow it to carry out its regular functions, which ultimately aids students in approaching their expectations with focus and confidence.
Elevator Pitch Video:
School: Castle High School
Grade: 10
Category: EAEV
Abstract: Sunscreen pollution in marine environments is a growing ecological concern, but its effects on aquatic organisms remain understudied. This experiment examined how different types of sunscreen — chemical-based, mineral-based, and environmentally-based — affect the survival of brine shrimp (Artemia salina). Brine shrimp were exposed to six different sunscreen solutions in saline water over a week-long period, with a control group kept in sunscreen-free water. Mortality rates and observations were recorded and analyzed to determine toxicity levels. Preliminary results indicate that chemical-based sunscreens had the highest mortality rates, while eco-friendly formulas had a lower impact on shrimp survival. These findings suggest that some sunscreens may pose a risk to marine ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of choosing environmentally safe sun protection.
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School: Carmel High School
Grade: 10
Category: CBIO
Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that bind to the coding sequences of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), where they regulate gene expression. Mutations of miRNA binding sites within risk genes disrupt miRNA binding, contributing to diseases such as cancer. Given the immense combination of binding sites, motif sequences, and risk genes, pinpointing critical mutations experimentally is laborious and costly. This study proposes an optimized computational approach that integrates large databases to identify significant mutations in miRNA binding sites. Our previous research identified four candidate miRNAs that regulate two lung cancer risk genes. In this study, we first used Diana-MicroT to locate miRNA binding sites in coding sequences of lung cancer genes and the COSMIC database to detect mutations within these sites. MIENTURNET network-based analysis recognized additional risk gene targets, along with their related diseases, shared by the four candidate miRNAs. We implemented the MEME Suite to detect significant motif regions among these new risk genes and subsequently found mutations within them. Finally, AlphaFold V2 was used to generate 3D protein models, visualizing the identified mutations. This approach efficiently identified four miRNAs and their two lung cancer-associated target genes, as well as 8 binding site mutations out of 24 million somatic mutations acknowledged by the databases. Additionally, we identified 10 additional risk genes among 12,440 candidates, their associated diseases, and mutations in their miRNA binding sites. Our findings provide a foundation for the experimental validation of miRNA-target interactions and binding site mutations, characterizing them as potential therapeutic targets for miRNA-based treatments.
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School: Marian High School
Grade: 10
Category: MCRO
Abstract: Sourdough is a naturally fermented bread made with flour, water, and naturally occurring microorganisms such as yeast and lactic acid bacteria. The health benefits include a lower glycemic index, which is attractive for those challenged with controlling their blood sugars. In this project, I tested the impact of adding probiotic supplements to sourdough starters, specifically analyzing changes in protein, glucose, and insoluble fiber levels to determine what effects, if any, they have on nutritional properties. 1 g of three different probiotic supplements (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Saccharomyces boulardii) were added to three identical 200 g sourdough starters. Over the course of a week, I fermented these three starters and a control starter with no probiotic supplements. After fermentation, I added Biuret reagent (for proteins) and Benedict solution (for glucose) to homogenized samples of each starter then measured their absorbance with a spectrophotometer to calculate the specific amounts of protein and glucose. To test for insoluble fibers, I filtered, dried, and weighed the insoluble residues from each starter to calculate their percentage of the original sample. The findings of each test showed that the samples with probiotic supplements had greater levels of proteins and fiber while having lower levels of glucose compared to the control. Both the Lactobacillus strains had similar results, showing the highest protein levels and the lowest amount of glucose, while the starter with Saccharomyces boulardii had the highest fiber content. Although not dramatic, there were notable differences between the probiotic starters and the control.
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School: Castle High School
Grade: 10
Category: BMED
Abstract: Acne is a common issue, especially among teenagers. The purpose of this experiment is to determine the most effective means of treating acne without having to go to a dermatologist. The experiment sought to answer the question how does the type of active ingredient of over the counter acne medication affect the medications ability to kill facial bacteria? The test involved three types of medication: Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and the retinoid adapalene. The hypothesis was that if carbomer based Adapalene gel is used on Escherichia coli (K-12 strain) then it will kill the bacteria better than other over the counter acne treatments because Adapalene is the best at directly binding to the retinoic receptors, and does not take long to start to heal the skin compared to most other over the counter medications. The filter disks were soaked in the medicine and placed on agar plates with Escherichia coli (K-12 strain) for a Zone of Inhibition (Kirby-Bauer) test. The results came out inconclusive because the medicines did not produce a zone of inhibition which is possibly caused by the E. coli strain that was used being gram negative and most forms of facial bacteria are gram positive. Further testing with gram positive bacteria in the future would be necessary for more conclusive results.
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School: New Tech Institute
Grade: 10
Category: MATS
Abstract: Tornados are known to be causes of extreme property damage due to the debris that their intense winds throw around. Walls are easily pierced and cracked by this which can be costly to repair. To solve this problem, exterior wall sidings need to be improved so that they are more durable against impact damage. The prototype experimented with is made out of fiberwood composite and polyurethane rubber. These materials were chosen because of their durability, ability to absorb impact, and ability to be turned into exterior wall siding. To test the impact absorption, a Charpy impact testing pendulum was used on multiple fiberwood-polyurethane (FWP) samples to perform the impact damage test. Corrosion tests were also performed to ensure that the FWP could be realistically used. 4 tests were performed for the corrosion tests: a freezing resistance test, a heat resistance test, a surface degradation test, and a UV radiation resistance test.
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School: West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School
Grade: 10
Category: PHYS
Abstract: Spectrometers are super useful. They can measure the wavelengths of certain objects and materials. The downside of scientific grade spectrometers is that they can be pretty expensive; hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for a device. However, with CAD, diffraction grating, 3D printing, and a smartphone, you can have a makeshift spectrometer at a fraction of the cost. The core element of the spectrometer is an element called transmission diffraction grating. By spreading the incoming light into a spectrum, we can analyze the different color components from the light. We can control this by letting a controlled amount of light into a little hole. With your phone camera propped at the hole, we can capture the light. For calibration, we used violet, green, and red laser pointers. After capturing the image, we analyze the intensity profile through ImageJ software. For testing, we analyzed three different oil samples : olive oil, avocado oil, and sesame oil. Those spectra had different characteristics such as peak locations and peak values.
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School: New Tech Institute
Grade: 10
Category: PLNT
Abstract: The goal of this project was to determine if mycelium bricks are sustainable building material. To decide if the mycelium bricks were sustainable I compared them with standard concrete bricks. In order to compare the bricks, I completed two tests. The first test was a drop test in which I dropped both bricks from 83” and 40” onto concrete, and then from 102” onto grass. The second test was a Water absorption test in which both bricks were left in water for 48 hours. The concrete bricks stood as the Comparable, the standard outcome. The results of the mycelium bricks were compared to the concrete bricks to determine how well they did and to decide if they would be a suitable replacement.
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School: New Tech Institute
Grade: 10
Category: ETSD
Abstract: For the project, we theorized and constructed a power wheels powered bok cart. Our "Calc-Cart" helps assist a teacher or person in need of transporting various items including books or supplies. We were inspired for this idea after talking with our pre-calc teacher about what he would do if he got older and needed assistance transporting different items.
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School: West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School
Grade: 10
Category: SOFT
Abstract: Due to the inherently noisy and error-prone nature of modern quantum hardware, optimizing quantum circuit (QC) layouts remains a fundamental challenge in quantum computing. Modern, industrial optimization tools often overlook quantum processors' dynamic noise characteristics and connectivity constraints, leading to significantly suboptimal solutions and increased error rates during execution. To solve this, this work presents a novel reinforcement learning (RL)-based algorithm that directly accounts for quantum devices' calibration shifts and hardware constraints. The algorithm was trained on an online learning-based environment, which simulates real-time hardware feedback by continuously updating qubit error rates, coherence times, and connectivity constraints, as well as using a noise model that was constructed using calibration data from "ibm_torino" and was dynamically updated at each timestep. Framing the circuit layout optimization problem as a finite-horizon Markov-Decision Process (MDP), the agent adheres to coherence and connectivity constraints, reduces overall circuit depth, and maintains high state fidelity. Using Monte-Carlo validation, the developed algorithm achieved 49.34% depth reduction (p = 0.0004) and 50.30% fidelity increase (p = 0.0021) when optimizing QCs. The adaptive algorithm outperformed Qiskit's Transpiler-Optimizer (level 3) by 77.43% when comparing depth reduction capabilities, a significant margin of improvement over an industry-standard optimizer. This research introduces 1) the first documented adaptive QC optimizer that dynamically responds to hardware noise and 2) a novel, cost-effective, online learning-based environment for future quantum algorithm development. These improvements directly translate to significantly more efficient quantum computations, taking a fundamental step towards more practical and reliable quantum devices.
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School: Indiana Math and Science Academy North
Grade: 10
Category: PHYS
Abstract: Picking the most efficient rotor for my wind turbine generator between the h-type and helical type rotor for my mini wind turbine and then making a cost effective method to build a mini wind turbine to power small household objects. I hypothesize that the H-type rotor will generate more electricity because the h-type wind rotor has a larger surface area opposing the wind which theoretically could provide more electrical output than a rotor with curved blades. I will first build a wind turbine out of cardboard and a D.C generator with a H-type rotor. I will then test the strength of the cardboard and devise methods to increase it's strength and durability to increase its effectiveness.
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School: Culver Academies
Grade: 10
Category: ETSD
Abstract: In construction or any fields that involve blasting, workers often measure rock hardness and assess slope stability on steep, high-altitude surfaces, requiring high-risk suspended tasks. These operations, especially in open-pit mines and quarries, involve measuring rock hardness with tools like the Schmidt hammer, which is critical for drilling and blasting design. However, such tasks expose workers to danger and are physically demanding, reducing efficiency and safety. This project introduces a biomimetic gripper inspired by beetles, designed to improve safety and efficiency in mining. The gripper integrates micro-hook grasping, bio-inspired adhesion, and a rebound hammer for precise rock hardness measurement. The gripper mimics beetle claws, utilizing their hook-like structure. Its six-claw linkage mechanism adapts to rugged rock surfaces, ensuring secure attachment. One claw is replaced with a rebound hammer, enabling real-time hardness measurement. The gripper follows a stepwise process that biomimicries the beetles: surface alignment, adaptive grip, pressure adjustment, and repositioning, ensuring stable climbing. By reducing the need for high-risk suspended operations, the gripper allows long-duration, high-precision measurements, enhancing geotechnical monitoring and mining efficiency. This robot provides a safe, scalable solution for operations in dangerous terrains, improving productivity and safety in industrial applications.
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School: Marian High School
Grade: 10
Category: BCHM
Abstract: In this muscle predisposition in high school girls soccer player experiment I inferred that certain positional groups would have specific muscle types. The objective of this experiment was to determine the muscle types of various girls soccer players from several positions and determine whether or not their is a correlation between muscle genotype and position. I tested this by gathering DNA samples from 21 candidates with multiple candidates in each group. I then ran the samples through centrifuge and vortex processes to concentrate the DNA into pellets. I then added chelex solution, heated the samples, then set up a PCR reaction for the ACTN 3 gene. I then added primer, thermal cycled, and added the restriction enzyme. Finally, after incubation I added gold stain to each sample and pipetted into the gel electrophoresis and read results. All participants were high school girls soccer players with predetermined positions and all samples underwent the same processes. Of the 21 total participants 4 were undetermined, 10 were sprinter (RR), 3 were sprinter_endurance (RX), and 4 were endurance (XX). For goal-keepers 1/2 was sprinter-endurance and 1/2 was undetermined. For defenders 4/6 were endurance and 2/6 were undetermined. For midfielders 4/6 were sprinter, 1/6 was sprinter-endurance, and 1/6 was undetermined. My prediction was supported that forwards would mostly be the sprinter genotype, but I was unsupported in inferring a midfielders would be mostly sprinter-endurance, defenders would be mostly sprinter-endurance, and goalkeepers would be mostly sprinters. A players genotype may be a factor contributing to a players positional success, but more samples and fewer undetermined results would provide more conclusive results. The data supports that there may be some relationship between position and genotype, but does not definitively determine a certain muscle type for each position. This information could provide better training methods and selection processes in soccer players, potentially optimizing player performance in accordance with their muscle predisposition.
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School: Columbus North High School
Grade: 11
Category: PLNT
Abstract: Phaseolus vulgaris, or the common bean, is a widely cultivated crop worldwide. This plant is especially susceptible to drought in all periods of growth. The cured leaves of Camellia sinensis leaves are known to contain polyphenols (specifically large amounts of catechins), which can perform antioxidant activity to some extent in cells. Using 40 P. vulgaris plants grown from seed, I tested the hypothesis that a foliar application of green tea leaf extract would lead to greater lifespan and plant health in drought conditions than in plants given a foliar-spray with only distilled water. Four procedures were used: 1. Maximum duration study, where time was measured to see how long the plants live for in drought conditions; 2. Chlorophyll Extraction, where ethanol extraction is used to do spectrophotometric calculations with absorbance to find chlorophyll concentrations; 3. Electrolyte Leakage, where leaf disks are abaxial-up for a 30 minute period in deionized water, before 8 hour incubation in new deionized water where ion capacity is measured with conductivity meter; 4. Stomatal Aperture, where stomatal opening is measured using measuring software.
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School: Carmel High School
Grade: 11
Category: EBED
Abstract: This project aimed to augment disaster relief operations by providing a low-power, low-cost, low-complexity, long-range, and resilient communication system in the form of an enhanced LoRa Mesh network that not only allows text but also positioning, voice, image, and drone control in areas where other forms of communication are unavailable. This project is based on the open-source Meshtastic LoRa Mesh project, which, while providing mesh networking, has no capability beyond positioning and text messages. The project used an off-the-shelf ESP32-S3 board with a Semtech LoRa transceiver and U-Blox GPS from Lily-Go. A substantially modified Meshtastic webUI and firmware were used to achieve native image and asynchronous voice transmissions, along with drone controls through the industry standard MSP protocol, waypoint transmission with laser-rangefinder sensor fusion, and “pinned” messages that would be retransmitted when a node joined the channel. This project achieved ranges of up to 1 kilometer between mesh nodes in a suburban environment and data rates of up to 3200 bits per second. Integration with LLMs and other machine learning applications, including text-to-speech and speech-to-text, was attempted. Unfortunately, the ESP32's processing power was insufficient for such applications. In conclusion, this project achieved the objectives of providing a resilient, low-power, and low-cost communication method in scenarios where infrastructure is lacking or denied. Further research should be applied to better compression algorithms for voice, such as Meta’s MLOW, along with machine learning integration should more processing power be available or models become more efficient.
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School: University High School of Indiana
Grade: 11
Category: ANIM
Abstract: Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, affects commercial and backyard flocks. The H5N1 and H7N9 strains primarily infect birds but have zoonotic potential to infect cattle and humans, posing serious public health risks. Real-time monitoring of avian influenza outbreaks is crucial to contain the spread of disease. Wastewater surveillance for bird flu viral RNA offers an effective and innovative approach to identifying emerging hot spots and trends in urban and rural settings. In this study, data from USDA, WAHIS and CDC reports and dashboards spanning 2021 to 2024 were utilized to analyze trends in viral outbreaks among commercial poultry flocks. During November and December 2024, a total of 20 million birds, including commercial and backyard flocks, were affected by bird flu. California consistently reported high levels of outbreaks, in contrast to other states where the incidence rates showed more variability. Bird flu outbreak reached their peak from September to December across all U.S. regions. Further analysis revealed that only 2% of the total wastewater monitoring sites participated in bird flu surveillance, with 386 out of 17,000 sites contributing to the surveillance data. In California, 7.3 % of wastewater monitoring sites (80 out of 1100 sites) participated in bird flu surveillance in Nov-Dec 2024. In contrast, only 1 to 7 sites participated in bird flu surveillance in other regions, leading to significant underreporting of outbreaks. This limited participation highlights a gap in monitoring efforts that could affect early detection and response to avian influenza spread.
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School: East Noble High School
Grade: 11
Category: MATH
Abstract: There is not a concise formula that allows for the addition of exponential functions. In hypothesis, every exponential function is a linear combination of other exponential functions. The experiment involves the regression capabilities of the online Desmos graphing calculator. Multiple points were evaluated for two distinct functions, those being 2^x+3^x and 5^x+6^x. Then the two functions were integrated and compared to exp(x) to determine if they differed by a single coefficient. From this, 2^x+3^x could be closely predicted with f(x)=1.57657(2.80481)^x and 5^x+6^x could be closely predicted with g(x)=1.85529(5.67242)^x. The first pair has an approximate area of 1.9574 between the two curves on the interval [-5,5] and the second pair 3.8464 between the two curves on the interval [-5,5]. By comparing areas between exp(x) and each function, it appears that an approximation for each function is be given by 1.8011exp(x) and 42.3266exp(x) respectively. The data does not support a clear and concise formula for exponentials being linear combinations of each other, rather exponentials are exponential combinations of each other. In conclusion, the data does not support a concise formula for the addition of exponential functions.
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School: DeKalb High School
Grade: 11
Category: PLNT
Abstract: Abstract A Comparative Analysis of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers in Fruit Production Titus Refner Introduction- Most of my family and I love eating fresh, homegrown produce. In multiple previous experiments, I have learned that inorganic fertilizers and organic fertilizers are productive in fruit production. This time I want to know if inorganic fertilizers are better than organic fertilizers in the long term. This is my 2nd out of 3 years I will fertilize my my garden with organic and inorganic fertilizers. Problem Statement- What will have the highest fruit production, organic fertilizer or inorganic fertilizer after 2 years? Procedures- I began by researching inorganic fertilizers, organic fertilizers. Then, I conducted a soil test on each side of the garden. I added worms to the organic side last year and planted all plants (even for each side). When ripe, I harvest the produce, weighed and recorded them. At the end of the growing season, I calculated totals and took averages. I started my experiment May 18, 2024, and finished picking on Aug 26, 2024. Results- At the end of the growing season, Organic (O) Zucchini had 42.438 kg, Inorganic (I) Zucchini had 44.980 kg, O Beans had 8.128 kg, I Beans had 9.844 kg, O Jalapeno had 1.012 kg, I Jalapeno had 3.912 kg, O Carrot had 17.860 kg, I Carrot had 16.048 kg, O Cherry Tomato had 31.752 kg, I Cherry Tomato had 32.585 kg, O Tomato had 37.892 kg, I Tomato had 27.235 kg, O Onion had 4.870 kg, I Onion had 4.558 kg Conclusion- My hypothesis was correct! Based on the plants I grew, the Organic fertilizer (the North side) had the most amount of produce at 142.941 kg with the most amount of Tomatoes, Onions, and Carrots. While Inorganic (the South side) had the most Zucchini, Beans, Jalapenos, and Cherry Tomatoes.
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School: Culver Academies
Grade: 11
Category: BMED
Abstract: Pancreatic ducal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer and has the worst prognosis among all solid tumors. This research aims to investigate the differences in pancreatic cancer-related transcription factors and differentially expressed genes in different cell types, providing insights into therapies targeting PDAC. In this research, scRNA-seq is used to cluster and label cell types using marker genes, which are also used to annotate the clusters from single-cell assay for transposase chromatin sequencing (scATAC-seq). The scATAC-seq technology helps to identify differentially accessible regions (DARs) in individual cells and perform motif analysis and peak calling. It can be concluded from scRNA-seq clustering that T-cells, fibroblasts, Beta cells, and NK cells are the cell types that overlap the most with cancer cells. KIF2C, TOP2A, and HJURP are the three main hub genes in the sample. From scRNA-seq Gene Ontology (GO), many differential genes are related to ribosomes and the immune system in fibroblast cells and T-cells, respectively. Two (SP9 and SP2) of the top six motifs from motif enrichment analysis and one (FOS) of the top six motifs from motif deviation analysis are unreported to be related to PDAC. Endothelial cells have the largest absolute number and proportion of overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and DARs. A learning agent that is capable of determining whether the relationship between a transcription factor and a type of cancer has been reported previously is also developed. This project provides various insights for future research and PDAC treatments.
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School: Signature School Inc
Grade: 11
Category: CHEM
Abstract: The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, causing over 2 million infections annually in the US, necessitates the development of novel antimicrobials. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are a promising potent antimicrobial, but conventional methods are time-consuming and expensive. This study compares the synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties of ZnONPs synthesized via green and chemical methods. ZnONPs (Green-ZnONPs) were synthesized using Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris) leaf extracts, while chemically synthesized NPs (Chem-ZnONP) used polyethylene glycol and organic acids. ZnONPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis (SEM/EDS). UV-Vis analysis confirmed ZnONP formation with absorption peaks at ~366-370 nm. SEM revealed Chem-ZnONPs as distinct uniform shapes, whereas green-synthesized NPs exhibited significant polydispersity and aggregation due to excess organic substances. DLS analysis supported this, showing the greater intensity of Green-ZnONPs at 5 µm compared to Chem-ZnONP, and inversely, the greatest intensity of Chem-ZnONPs at 250 nm, followed by Spinach-ZnONPs and lastly Swiss Chard-ZnONPs. Disk diffusion antimicrobial testing found similar antimicrobial potency between samples. Raman and FTIR analysis showed no significant differences between all three samples. These findings suggest that while green synthesis presents advantages such as sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and reduced toxicity, chemical synthesis still offers better size control, monodispersity, and purity. This study provides insight into the benefits and challenges of green chemistry, illustrating the need for further investigation into optimized surfactants for NP synthesis for antimicrobial and other applications.
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School: Signature School Inc
Grade: 11
Category: BCHM
Abstract: Probiotics are vital to human health, helping reduce inflammation and support neurological health. However, their inherent sensitivity to environmental conditions often results in significant losses during storage and digestion, necessitating protective strategies such as microencapsulation. Emulsification-based techniques, known for their low cost, efficiency, and scalability, are widely used industrially. While many studies have focused on individual microencapsulation techniques, comprehensive comparison under consistent conditions remains limited. This study examined the efficacy of five emulsification-based microencapsulation techniques using 3% soy protein isolate: water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsion (MD), emulsion-based external gelation (ME), water-in-oil emulsion with pectin (MS), W/O/W emulsion with pectin (MDP), and a novel SPI-based W/O/W emulsion with external gelation (MDE). Microparticle size distribution, encapsulation efficiency, storage stability, and ability to enhance Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LRGG) survivability during storage and simulated gastrointestinal digestion (2 hours of gastric, 4 hours of intestinal) were evaluated. Results indicated that MD, ME, MDP, and MDE samples significantly improved LRGG viability during storage compared to free LRGG. Furthermore, externally gelled particles demonstrated enhanced LRGG survival after gastrointestinal digestion. In contrast, MS and the addition of pectin to the double W/O/W emulsion did not enhance probiotic survival. These findings underscore the needs for a liquid-based alternative to MD, MS, and MDP samples with similar gastrointestinal protection as externally gelled particles and a more effective substitute for pectin in SPI-based microcapsules. The demonstrated efficacy of MDE samples highlights its potential as a robust probiotic delivery system, informing future, effective microencapsulation choices.
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School: Central Catholic Jr-Sr High School
Grade: 11
Category: ROBO
Abstract: The goal is the novel use of Large Language Vision Models (LLVMs) to detect anomalies (such as animals, road obstructions, tanks, airplanes, IEDs) while driving. The LLVM processes an image and responds with whether it is either safe or dangerous for the driver. A Python program processes (200 Danger + 200 Safe) images by running them through LLVM models (running locally on a PC) with different prompts that ask whether the images are safe or dangerous. Two LLVM models are tested: minicpm-v and llama3.2-vision. Sensitivity, which is the fraction of correct dangerous classifications to the total number of dangerous images, and specificity which is the fraction of correct safe classifications to the total number of safe images, are computed. Zero Shot (zero examples) and Few Shot (one or more examples) Prompting are used to improve performance. It is found that minicpm-v and User Prompt 1 is the best combination to use (for Zero Shot Prompting this gives sensitivity, specificity and total accuracy, all > 80%). Next, Few Shot Prompting (D2: 2 Dangerous examples, D4: 4 Dangerous examples, etc.) and combinations of Safe and Dangerous examples (S2+D2, S4+D2, etc.) are run and sensitivity and specificity values are averaged over 5 runs. A combined Zero Shot and D2 (2-Shot using 2 Dangerous examples) model is found to give the best performance of (sensitivity > 90%, specificity ~ 80%, total accuracy > 85%). This shows that the application of LLVMs in Autonomous Driving is a promising and novel method to improve vehicle safety.
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School: William Henry Harrison High School
Grade: 11
Category: BCHM
Abstract: The therapeutic effect of two natural supplements, ginkgo biloba and Mucuna pruriens, on dopaminergic neurons was examined in a Caenorhabditis Elegans model of Parkinson's disease. Both supplements improve the abnormal basal slowing response of transgenic C. elegans, but contrary to expectations, ginkgo biloba has a stronger effect than Mucuna pruriens under the same testing conditions. However, the difference is statistically significant only for a treatment time of one week. The neuroprotective action of the tested supplements on dopamine pathways has the potential to ameliorate symptoms of Parkinson's disease and other dopamine-mediated neurological conditions.
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School: NE Region Home Schools
Grade: 11
Category: ROBO
Abstract: This project explores the development of an AI-based system to automate bird identification and counting at feeders using a custom-trained YOLO model. The model was trained on 14 bird species and successfully identified 12 with an accuracy exceeding 85%. Additionally, a bird counting code was implemented to process video data, with the goal of achieving real-time bird counting on average computer hardware. The system was able to inference and count birds in 9 minutes and 41 seconds of video in under 113 seconds, demonstrating its potential for time-efficient processing. Challenges remain, including accurately counting smaller bird species and minimizing false positives. Future work could involve refining the YOLO model and introducing an additional ResNet model to improve detection and reduce errors. This project highlights the potential of AI in ecological monitoring, offering a scalable and efficient approach to tracking bird populations and migration patterns.
Elevator Pitch Video:
School: New Tech Institute
Grade: 11
Category: ROBO
Abstract: When anyone need supplies, there is no guarantee that a driver will be available. The HaulerBot is able to automatically follow a set path to deliver critical supplies anywhere it needs to. Additionally, if you need to move a large volume of objects, and don’t have a trailer hitch, The HaulerBot can follow an IR beacon at a specific frequency as long as it has direct line of sight, and become a trailer. This system can also be used to redirect a truck to a nearby location where it is needed. The self-driving mode of The HaulerBot works by detecting colors to find when it should turn and stop, and has an IR receiver to detect obstacles and pedestrians. All of this was accomplished by using block-based programming and trial-and-error troubleshooting. Overall, these functions could be very easily implemented into self-driving programs that are used today.
Elevator Pitch Video:
School: New Tech Institute
Grade: 11
Category: PLNT
Abstract: In this paper you will be reading how a hydroponic garden works. A hydroponic garden is a way to grow your herds at home with no soil and all year round. It is an easy and interesting way to get your plants fresh and cheap. While upfront it is a little expensive, eventually it will save you money. The fish will provide your plants with their nutrients. Some plants will grow faster than others but all together they grow faster than in a soil bed. This is a great way to have your own plants and a couple of family pets!
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School: West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School
Grade: 11
Category: ROBO
Abstract: This project explores the integration of soft robotics, aerial systems, and robotic perception by developing a drone equipped with four TPU-based soft actuators controlled by servos and an object detection system. The primary objective is to enable adaptive and precise object retrieval, particularly for applications such as delivering med-kits or transporting irregularly shaped items. The soft actuators ensure a secure yet gentle grip on objects. The object detection system autonomously identifies and locates target items, streamlining the retrieval process. The drone’s design optimizes weight distribution and actuation efficiency to maintain stable flight while carrying payloads. Experimental trials assess both the gripper’s ability to grasp and transport various objects under different conditions and the reliability of the detection system in environments. This research advances the field of soft robotic manipulation in aerial robotics, demonstrating its potential for search-and-rescue, medical supply delivery, and automated material handling.
Elevator Pitch Video:
School: Canterbury School -East Central Region
Grade: 11
Category: CBIO
Abstract: PIM kinases regulate cellular proliferation, metabolism and signaling pathways. They are often upregulated by the JAK/STAT and tyrosine kinase pathways. Inhibiting PIM kinases leads to a nonfatal modification of cellular function. This is thought to be useful to minimize side effects when used in combination with multidrug chemotherapy agents, particularly when treating hematopoietic cancers. The ATP binding site located on various isoforms of PIM kinases lends itself well to being targeted by small inhibitors. This study explores potential ligands that are competitive inhibitors of ATP binding on the PIM2 kinase isoform. Using AutoDockTools, various ATP analogues were screened against the PIM2 kinase crystal via molecular docking simulations to identify optimal binding interactions. The docking results were analyzed to identify which ligands have a greater binding affinity compared to ATP, thereby suggesting their potential role as kinase inhibitors. These findings help us in the ongoing quest for effective PIM2 kinase inhibitors that could not only enhance efficacy but also improve safety and tolerability of chemotherapeutic regimens for hematopoietic malignancies.
Elevator Pitch Video:
School: West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School
Grade: 11
Category: SOFT
Abstract: While data security becomes more and more important in a digitalized society, computer science education for K12 students is limited. Novice students can use ChatGPT as a tool to better understand and experiment with encryption. This project tested to what extent ChatGPT could generate encryption programs and how efficient they were compared to human-made programs. Two human-developed Python programs (A1, A2) were created. Both programs used simplified pixel position permutation with a numerical key. Three programs were generated by ChatGPT (B1, B2, B3). The outputs of A1 and B2 were identical given the same input. The outputs of A2 and B3 were similar to A1 and B2 but varied in pixel placement. The two-sample t-test results for the difference of mean runtimes showed there was convincing evidence that human-made encryption and decryption programs were faster compared to the programs made by ChatGPT. Results showed that ChatGPT could carry out general commands for encryption but struggled when prompts included stricter details. ChatGPT's ability to fix errors and experiment may assist students. These findings can benefit students seeking to learn about how encryption is implemented through code in an active learning environment.
Elevator Pitch Video:
School: West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School
Grade: 11
Category: BEHA
Abstract: Among humans’ Essential Needs, clothing (apparel) constitutes a $1.7 trillion industry. Sustainable apparel supports local and national economies, promotes resilient supply chains, and provides environmental and social benefits. In my research, I created ESSENTIA (ESSEntial Needs Targets Intelligence & Analysis), a novel survey modeling system that integrates Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with interpretable AI (e.g., ANN-SHAP). To model the effects of psychology and digital exposure on Gen Z’s attitudes toward sustainable apparel consumption, I conducted a survey with >300 college students. Using ESSENTIA, I successfully (1) mapped the interrelations among Personality Traits, Digital Influence, and Sustainable Product Evaluation in driving positive emotions, clear purchasing intentions, and impactful messaging and (2) interpreted the impacts of individual factors on motivation and attitude toward sustainable consumption. The new knowledge base formed on sustainable apparel consumption includes several key findings. First, Sustainable Product Evaluation has the most decisive influence, with digital exposures and platforms playing important roles in guiding Gen Z’s decisions. Second, Pinterest and Facebook are linked to positive outcomes, whereas YouTube and other platforms show negative or less favorable associations with sustainable consumption. Third, the personality trait Extraversion positively correlates with social and digital prompts, while Openness encourages deeper product evaluation; however, the effects of both traits are modest. Overall, ESSENTIA has offered important guidance to the apparel industry, policymakers, and the public. By integrating psychological and behavioral sciences, social media mapping, and machine learning-powered analysis, ESSENTIA provides actionable insights that will strengthen local and national socioeconomics.
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School: Muncie Central High School
Grade: 11
Category: MCRO
Abstract: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared antibiotic resistance in pathogens “...one of the top global public health and development threats.” Such resistance has formed as a result of over-prescription and incorrect use of antibiotic drugs. This study aims to consider the potential for bacteria isolates from dairy farms to produce novel antibiotics that can be harnessed to fight pan-resistant disease. More specifically, several isolates were screened to see their antimicrobial effects against ESKAPE pathogens, including Acinetobacter Baumannii, B. Cereus, and klebsiella pneumoniae. While some isolates showed promising results, both further trials of the isolates in question and new isolates have proven more than imperative. It is clear that this process is an effective method of finding novel types of antibiotics.
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School: Northwestern Sr High School
Grade: 11
Category: ANIM
Abstract: Strongylocentrotus purpuratus is a species of sea urchin native to the California coasts. After a heatwave as well as an outbreak of seastar wasting disease, their population was able to expand unchecked. Today, over 95% of kelp forests along the coast have been destroyed by the urchins. Kelp is a keystone species, meaning that its disappearance has ravaged local ecosystems. The goal of the project was to find a way to make the removal of the sea urchins profitable by valorizing their byproducts and efficiently processing them. I hypothesized that profit could be achieved through a combination of collagen extractions and the production of calcium acetate from the tests of the sea urchins. The urchins were washed with sterilized distilled water and separated into uni, tests, and remaining biological pieces. Uni was weighed for cost analysis. Tests were dissolved in acetic acid to produce high-purity calcium acetate. The calcium acetate was filtered before adding boiling water and recrystallizing to increase purity further. The collagen in the remaining biological pieces was extracted via a Pepsin soluble collagen reaction. The collagen was enhanced with an ammonium sulfate reaction or by dialysis. Collagen concentrations were determined via HPLC and calcium acetate concentration was determined through titrations.
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School: Evansville Day School
Grade: 11
Category: BEHA
Abstract: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects over 280 million people worldwide, yet current treatments remain ineffective for nearly one-third of patients. Emerging research suggests that gut microbiota may influence neurochemical pathways linked to depression. This study investigates whether synbiotic supplementation, which combines prebiotics and probiotics, can modulate gut microbiome composition and alleviate MDD symptoms. A controlled, quantitative experiment was conducted on a sample size of 97 participants. Participants were assessed before and after a two-week period of consistently using synbiotics. They were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depressive symptoms before and after the synbiotic intervention. In addition, to evaluate which somatic issues the experimental group faced, the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 was utilized to evaluate the somatic problems in relation to the gut-brain axis function. Results indicated a 30.3% reduction in depressive behaviors according to the PHQ-9 with a p-value of <0.0002. These findings support the gut-brain axis as a therapeutic target and suggest that synbiotics could be a novel adjunctive treatment for MDD. Future research will explore applications for specific severities of depression and microbiome-specific treatment customization.
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School: Marian High School
Grade: 11
Category: CELL
Abstract: Different MGMT Genotypes That Reveal the Outcome Frequencies in Glioma Treatment (TMZ) Andrew Shrock Marian High School, Mishawaka, Indiana, USA My research is to find and record the different genotypes of the MGMT gene which reveal the outcome frequencies of Glioma treatment. For background, Glioma is a tumor that grows on the brain, which can severely impair functions of the brain (sight, balance, language impairment, etc). When Glioma forms, the MGMT gene is a great biomarker of whether the Glioma cells will be resistant to treatment. The MGMT genotypes can reveal Temozolomide treatment Glioma outcome frequencies for patients. My research question is, “Which MGMT Genotype Will Amplify and Reveal Outcome Frequencies for Different DNA Samples?” The hypothesis is “There will be 65% A alleles and 35% G alleles in the primers for the participants." The procedure was to collect DNA samples of the 21 participants, extract DNA using Chelex 100, and then run the samples in a centrifuge to amplify the DNA. I used a centrifuge and vortex machine to process the samples. The samples were then split into two separate tubes, with either A or G primer. These samples were then put through a PCR reaction. I added agarose gel to these samples, and put the samples through electrophoresis. I then recorded the genotypes of each participant’s sample. I found that 54.8% were A alleles, and 45.2% were G alleles. I also found that the AG genotype was the most common, followed by AA, then GG. This is significant because people with the G allele are more likely to develop leukemia if they already have Glioma.
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School: East Noble High School
Grade: 11
Category: EAEV
Abstract: Analyzing the Effects of Microplastics on Terrestrial and Aquatic Organisms Nathanial Schlotter East Noble High School, Kendallville, IN The purpose of this lab was to determine whether different microplastics at varying concentrations would alter the behavior of an organism. The hypothesis stated that Microplastics at increasing concentrations would have a negative effect on the organisms. To test this, three types of microplastics were utilized: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polycarbonate (PC), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). After, mixtures were made of plastic and water utilizing ratios 1:1000, 1:200, 1:100, 1:20 by mass. Then, a germination test of Glycine max was conducted, placing the seeds inside paper towels dampened with 10mL of microplastic mixtures underneath the paper towel and contacting the seeds. Artificial sunlight using a 12hr day/night cycle was utilized. Measurements of the germination rate, germination percent, shoot length, dry biomass for all seeds were then taken. Finally, populations of Planaria, Lumbriculus variegatus, and Daphnia were added to petri dishes with 20mL of solution per dish. The viability, movement patterns, and sensitivity to touch of all organisms were then tested over a 72-hour period. Two trials of each experiment were run, then the data was separated by trial and combined. Through a series of Chi-Squared tests for most of the data, and a T-Test for shoot length, the data seemed to indicate that HDPE and PVC at higher concentrations significantly affect aquatic organisms and lower concentration significantly affect terrestrial organisms excluding Planaria more than PC. While the PC at higher concentrations seemed to affect Planaria more than the other plastics in every test completed.
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School: Indianapolis Home Schools
Grade: 11
Category: ROBO
Abstract: Traffic Congestion has significantly increased over the years with increasing population, urbanization and vehicles. Peak traffic time is 4.6 times worse compared to just 20 years ago. It contributes to worsening emissions and air quality. Economic costs amount to 100 billion dollars annually in the US alone. Public shared transportation is not accessible to most. Adaptive traffic signal control (SCATS, SOTL) uses counting or motion sensors, and based on length of queues, chooses preset traffic signal timing solutions. These do not adapt to varying traffic conditions. AI models (not available in US or Europe) such as City Brain by Alibaba (CNN autoencoder model) have allowed some Asian cities such as Hangzhou China to drop from the 5th to the 57th most congested city. However this needs extensive camera and sensor infrastructure, as well as labelled data. Similarly, for any current simulation research to be transferable to real life traffic scenarios, it would need extensive loop detectors/ road sensors or camera infrastructure. The former are cost-prohibitive and the latter, though omnipresent, would add extremely high computational loads for processing images/video. An inexpensive readily available solution can be chosen in the form of crowdsourced data from google maps/ HERE APIs. However these include only average speed for the entire road segment, without distinction of lanes or number of vehicles. If this sparse data could be sufficient to train a reinforcement learning model to successfully improve congestion, it would enable the deployment of AI traffic control immediately, saving on infrastructure costs, especially in the developing world where the burden is most felt. A custom MAEPPPOF (Multi Agent, Experience-replay, Pressure-priority, Proximal Policy Optimization model with Flow-efficiency rewards) model was able to outperform other state of the art research models on a real life Manhattan dataset obtained from taxi trip data, using crowdsourced average flow data. In addition, GLOS (Global-local speed differential), a mathematical model was calculated from genetic programming to serve the needs of low compute areas, that outperforms the current best mathematical model, max pressure, for city wide environments. Additional methods involving optimal infrastructure changes such as roundabout conversion and highway pathway trajectory planning are explored. This study, involving several parts addressing traffic flow and infrastructure improvements, explores optimization of traffic congestion and can be generalized to other network optimization problems such as fiberoptic connections, energy grid, or network latencies.
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School: Culver Academies
Grade: 11
Category: EBED
Abstract: Heart rate monitoring plays a critical role in health assessment, sleep studies, and elder care. While wearable devices are widely used for these purposes, they often pose challenges such as discomfort, inconvenience, and privacy concerns due to their reliance on physical contact and data storage in online databases. Motivated by my desire to help my grandmother, who has heart disease, this project introduces a non-invasive and non-contact sleep protection system based on nano radar technology, offering a more convenient and private approach to health monitoring and protection. At the core of the system is an FMCW radar, which enables continuous heart rate and breathing monitoring within a range of 1 meter. This capability marks the first innovative aspect of the project, allowing for contact-free and uninterrupted monitoring—even during sleep. The second innovation lies in the integration of Wi-Fi connectivity, which supports local area network-based data analysis and warnings and ensures user privacy by eliminating the need for external online databases. Additionally, the compact design of the device allows it to be integrated into common bedroom furniture, enhancing its usability and aesthetic appeal. Overall, this project delivers an innovative solution for heart rate and breathing monitoring while balancing convenience, privacy, and practicality. For scenarios where privacy is less of a concern, future iterations could also incorporate long-distance internet connectivity to send alerts to caregivers or family members when abnormal readings are detected, broadening its application in elder care and beyond.
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School: Culver Academies
Grade: 11
Category: EBED
Abstract: Soft pneumatic grippers, structures created from silicone rubber and powered by air pressure, can grasp and transfer items with remarkable stability and precision. Their light weight, flexibility, and deformability allowed them many applications—in automated labs such as Carnegie Mellon University’s Cloud Lab, medical assistance, underwater missions, etc. However, traditional soft grippers face serious difficulties with gripping objects of different volumes and weights. This study aims to improve soft grippers’ weight capacity and ability to grab large objects by achieving tunable stiffness and dual-mode grasping. To produce two gripping modes, a unique sandwich structure comprising two pneumatic fingers and a variable stiffness unit between was employed. To tune the stiffness, this study introduced a novel layer-jamming technique executed by pumping negative pressure into the variable stiffness unit, increasing friction between the jamming substances and stiffening the finger. A Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) sensor was installed to measure whether the stiffness was altered. Then, the process of gripping was automated through the introduction of a camera and recognition algorithms capable of computing the size and depth of the detected object. Based on the object’s size and depth, the gripper’s controlling program can determine what mode of gripping will be used, completing a fully automated gripping process. The prototype built in this study reflected a significant advancement from traditional soft grippers. The variable stiffness unit can boost the soft gripper’s weight capacity by 45%, and the addition of two automatic gripping modes allowed soft grippers to grip large objects efficiently.
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School: Angola High School
Grade: 11
Category: SOFT
Abstract: We tested ChatGPT, Meta AI, and DeepSeek on their ability to consistently and accurately analyze court transcripts in order to predict a verdict. The purpose of this study is to research the possible involvement of AI chatbots in the courtroom to solve problems. To do this, we obtained 4 different transcripts of which 3 have already yielded real-life verdicts and one is still in progress. We tested each case three times on the three different chatbots. ChatGPT scored 4/4 on consistency and 9/9 on accuracy. DeepSeek scored 3/4 consistency with 11/12 accuracy. Meta AI scored 2/4 consistency with 10/12 accuracy. This preliminary study indicates that ChatGPT and DeepSeek are both consistent and accurate with their verdicts. Future work should focus on testing ChatGPT and DeepSeek on low profile, civil and family cases.
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School: Terre Haute North Vigo High School
Grade: 11
Category: ROBO
Abstract: In FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), precise robot pose estimation is critical for completing tasks, particularly when combatting sensor noise and error propagation over time. This study investigates the effect of varying Kalman filter weights on robot pose estimation accuracy and smoothness by simulating different levels of trust in internal odometry and vision measurements. Using sensor fusion, the robot's internal state (gyroscope, accelerometer, and motor encoders) and camera measurements were combined to estimate the robot's position on the field. Simulation results demonstrated that increased trust in vision measurements led to higher position error and jitter, contrary to the initial hypothesis that higher weight toward vision would always improve position accuracy. The best performance occurred when kinematics measurements were trusted more than vision, with the optimal Kalman filter parameter around 0.2 for kinematics standard deviation. This finding suggests that limited reliance on vision can improve balance between accuracy and smoothness in pose estimation. The results highlight the importance of fine-tuning Kalman filter parameters for effective pose estimation in real-world applications like self-driving cars and Mars rovers.
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School: Carmel High School
Grade: 12
Category: BCHM
Abstract: Biofuels play a crucial role in combating climate change by offering a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Efficiently converting waste materials and residues into fuel promotes a circular economy and sustainably addresses environmental and energy challenges. This research project investigates the potential of using enzymes derived from non-microbial waste, such as plant leaves and fruit skins, to catalyze the breakdown of simulated agricultural, household, and coffee waste for biofuel production. Enzymes like lipases and cellulases were extracted, enriched through foam fractionation, and studied for Michaelis-Menten kinetics. These enzymes were then immobilized on food-based matrices and characterized using Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models. After optimizing conditions using statistical factorial design, oil extraction was examined under both aerobic and anaerobic biocatalysis processes in a controlled bioreactor environment. The sludge from the waste was clarified using electrocoagulation and electrooxidation, and the clarified oil underwent chemical and enzymatic transesterification. Under aerobic conditions, simulated household waste showed the highest efficiency in oil extraction, with significant weight gain and oil percentage. Conversely, under anaerobic conditions, coffee waste exhibited the highest weight gain and oil percentage. High-yield enzymatic transesterification was studied using a separating funnel, with conditions optimized through Response Surface Methodology (RSM) coupled with Central Composite Design (CCD). Oil extraction from waste yielded 14-32% oil, with an 86% conversion to FAAE, a key component of biodiesel. FAAE formation was analyzed using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), which examines oil samples in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum
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School: DeKalb High School
Grade: 12
Category: EAEV
Abstract: According to the USEPA, polluted runoff is one of the greatest threats to clean water in the U.S. The purpose of this research is to observe different land types and how well they infiltrate water before it turns into runoff. This experiment was conducted by using a double-ring infiltrometer to test for the initial rate of infiltration of forest, alfalfa/hay, pasture, grass/yard, CRP/shrub, and corn/soybean land usage types. To do the test, the researcher marked the infiltrometer in 1 cm segments, pushed the infiltrometer into the ground, made sure it was level, filled the inner and outer ring with water, and then timed how long it took for the ground to infiltrate 1 cm of water. With the data, the researcher found the standard deviation and the infiltration rate in cm/min. The results showed clear differences in infiltration rates depending on land types. In decreasing order of infiltration rates, forest land infiltrated at a rate of 1.049 cm/min, grass/yard land at a rate of 0.568 cm/min, alfalfa/hay at 0.453 cm/min, pasture at 0.224 cm/min, CRP/shrub at 0.111 cm/min, and corn/soybean at 0.0846 cm/min. This research can drive landowners and scientists to further find ways to improve infiltration rates in low-performing land types, like corn/soybean fields and pastures. Moving forward, I plan to study the causes of the low and inconsistent infiltration rates of corn/soybean fields.
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School: North Posey Sr High School
Grade: 12
Category: BMED
Abstract: Sore throats are a common symptom caused by bacterial infections, allergies, or varying environmental factors. While over the counter medications are available, many people turn to home remedies for relief. These remedies I have used including honey, saltwater, tea, apple cider vinegar, and cough drops have been passed down through generations. Their effectiveness is often based on qualitative data since there is not scientific proof that they work. In this project I explored the impact of various home remedies on sore throat symptoms, evaluating their ability to inhibit bacterial growth. In the future I aspire to become a Speech Language Pathologist and understanding the effectiveness of these remedies is particularly relevant to the field of speech therapy. Speech Language pathologists work with individuals experiencing, chronic throat irritation,voice disorders, or vocal strain so identifying natural ways to alleviate discomfort could be beneficial. If some remedies work well they might be useful for people who use their voices a lot and help them make informed choices about managing sore throats in a safe and accessible way.
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School: North Posey Sr High School
Grade: 12
Category: MATS
Abstract: Plastic pollution is a major problem for the environment, especially for marine-life. Plastic pollution is such a big problem because it takes hundreds of years to break down. Even after regular plastics break down, they break down into micro-plastics that continue to harm the environment. Biodegradable plastic is an alternative to plastic that only takes about three to six months to decompose. This experiment looks at a specific way of making biodegradable plastic and seeing how different ratios of ingredients affects its strength. The main ingredients of this biodegradable plastic are gelatin and glycerol. I chose this way of making biodegradable plastic because I tried different ways of making it and gelatin based plastic ended up working the best.
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School: North Posey Sr High School
Grade: 12
Category: ANIM
Abstract: In this experiment, I investigated the effects of red and blue ultraviolet light on tissue regeneration in Planaria, a type of flatworm. Ultraviolet light therapy has gained attention in physical therapy for its potential to enhance tissue growth and accelerate rehabilitation. This is important because I want to educate people about the possible benefits of ultraviolet light therapy, while also learning about the best ways I can rehab. My null hypothesis states that blue and red ultraviolet light will not affect the tissue regeneration of Planaria, whereas my alternative hypothesis states that red ultraviolet light therapy will make tissue regeneration in planaria faster. For this experiment, I will need Planaria, an ultraviolet light with red and blue, six petri dishes, a pipette, a Sharpie, and a measuring tool. Planaria were dissected horizontally and placed in six petri dishes, exposed to red or blue UV light for 10 minutes daily over 7-10 days. Planaria growth was measured daily. My hypothesis was incorrect. Red UV light did not show a significant amount of growth compared to the control. Although, according to my results blue UV light did slow down the growth compared to the control and red samples. Although my results were not significant, this could be tested again at different time increments to see if more exposure would affect the regeneration or not. To summarize, the Planaria tested under the red ultraviolet light did not grow significantly faster than the control, disproving my hypothesis and leaving the question of whether UV light therapy is beneficial or not for athletes and tissue regeneration unanswered.
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School: Carmel High School
Grade: 12
Category: MATH
Abstract: Clinical trials often utilize composite endpoints to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a treatment’s effects by combining multiple related outcomes into a single measure. While traditional methods, such as time-to-first-event analysis, are widely used, they face limitations, including equal weighting of components, disproportionate influence of non-fatal events, and neglect of recurrent outcomes. The win ratio has emerged as an alternative, prioritizing outcomes by clinical importance and offering greater flexibility. However, it provides limited insight into the contributions of individual components to the overall treatment effect. To address this gap, we develop the SEWRA (Shapley-Enhanced Win Ratio Analysis) algorithm, which integrates the Shapley value, a concept from cooperative game theory, into win ratio analysis. SEWRA fairly allocates the total treatment effect across the components of a composite endpoint, reflecting their relative contributions within the context of the overall win ratio. This approach enhances the interpretability of the win ratio and provides a deeper understanding of the treatment’s impact on individual outcomes. Through simulations and case studies, we demonstrate how SEWRA offers a nuanced framework for analyzing composite endpoints, complementing existing methodologies and addressing their limitations. Our work aims to advance the analytical tools available for clinical trial data, promoting more informed decision-making and improved patient outcomes.
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School: Bloomington High School South-WCIR
Grade: 12
Category: MATH
Abstract: I present a novel use of quantum annealing to solve the Set Splitting Problem using (QUBO) problem formulation. The contribution of the work is in formulating penalty functions that ensure the ground state of the QUBO Hamiltonian corresponds to valid solutions that split the input subsets. This approach scales linearly in terms of the number of logical qubits relative to problem size. Empirical tests of the proposed solution show convergence to globally optimal solutions, with high accuracy rates over repeated trials.
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School: Terre Haute North Vigo High School
Grade: 12
Category: EBED
Abstract: Hearing loss affects over one and a half billion people worldwide, often requiring costly and inconvenient solutions. This project aims to develop a cost-effective and convenient device that displays environmental sounds in real time. Various prototypes were made, beginning with an Arduino Uno and transitioning towards a Seeed Studio Xiao ESP32S3. A neural network was created using a VGG 19 image recognition model retrained to identify whether or not the sound detected was a person screaming. Using the microcontroller-based design with auto-calculating background noise and threshold code integrated with the bluetooth neural network, the system was tested at various background noise levels to determine its effectiveness. Results showed successful noise detection for the microphones, 95% in the range of one to five meters at all background noise levels. Performance slightly diminished as ambient noise increased, eventually dropping below a 50% success rate when the sound was fifteen meters away. The neural network showed a peak success rate of 46% which can easily be improved with access to better training equipment. The prototype demonstrated that it could be used as a solution for individuals with any severity of hearing loss. Future improvements, such as improved neural networks, better integration with microcontrollers, and a more comfortable design could increase reliability and appeal. Overall, this project provides a strong foundation for an accessible option for individuals with hearing loss that is cost-effective and beneficial.
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School: Heritage Hills High School
Grade: 12
Category: EAEV
Abstract: This project investigated the displacement effects on three soil types; Clay Sandy And Loamy during an earthquake. The hypothesis was that the more compacted clay-type soil would have less displacement during an earthquake than the uncompacted sandy loamy soils. To eliminate another variable, I will use a message gun to maintain the intensity for five minutes. The three soil types used in the experiment were extracted from the local area in Spencer County. Each soil type was equally measured to 2,050 ml and placed in the container; that was then placed on the Shake table for five minutes. Small flag markers were used in unison with the data prologger and the slow-motion camera to measure the displacement present in each sample. Results showed that the clay soil had less displacement compared to the sandy loamy.
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School: West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School
Grade: 12
Category: BEHA
Abstract: Ranked as the fourth most common neurological disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by symptoms including excessive or repetitive behaviors, otherwise known as compulsions. It is theorized that these compulsions are induced when the striatum, a brain region in the basal ganglia responsible for guiding decision-making and movement, is hyperactive. Knocking out the SAPAP3 gene, which encodes a postsynaptic scaffolding protein, causes the development of OCD-like symptoms in mice, including compulsive self-grooming. Recent reports demonstrated that the striatal dysfunction in the SAPAP3 knockout mice is associated with elevated striatal acetylcholine (ACh) release. In this project, mice that received experimental reductions of striatal ACh release via shRNA knockdown of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (vAChT), a transporter that packages ACh into synaptic vesicles in SAPAP3 knockout mice, were analyzed. SAPAP3 knockout mice that received the vAChT knockdown treatment had reduced compulsive grooming compared to control mice that received a scrambled control treatment. These findings demonstrate that the striatal cholinergic system is a potential therapeutic target for modulating acetylcholine and treating OCD symptoms.
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School: Indiana Math and Science Academy North
Grade: 12
Category: BCHM
Abstract: The purpose of this science project is to investigate the effectiveness of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in amplifying specific DNA sequences, which is essential in forensic science for analyzing genetic material. By simulating real-world forensic scenarios, this project aims to demonstrate how PCR can enhance the detection and analysis of DNA samples, ultimately supporting the identification of individuals in criminal investigations. Through this process, I will gain more experience with PCR technology, better understanding of its use in forensics and reinforcing my aspiration to become a forensic scientist.
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School: Culver Academies
Grade: 12
Category: MATS
Abstract: The combustion of fossil fuels has significantly increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, contributing to climate change. Warmer temperatures have led to the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, leading to greater use of antibiotics. The population of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has increased as a result, calling for new methods of bactericidal action. This paper explores the synthesis and bactericidal efficacy of silver (AgNPs), gold (AuNPs), and zinc oxide (ZnONPs) nanoparticles produced using spirulina extract. Spectrophotometry confirmed the synthesis of nanoparticles, showing no significant variations in size but significant differences in concentration. AgNPs were found to have potent antibacterial properties, reducing 99.98% of Staphylococcus epidermidis colony-forming units (CFUs). AuNPs demonstrated similar antibacterial properties, killing 99.88-99.99% of bacteria. It was not determined whether the AuNPs had any effect on the AgNPs when combined. ZnONPs had significantly lower antibacterial efficacy than AgNPs and AuNPs. Observations of bacterial resistance to nanoparticles illustrate the need for further investigation.
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School: Culver Academies
Grade: 12
Category: PHYS
Abstract: This research investigated the potential of a suction-based laminar flow control (SBLFC) system to delay and mitigate the effects of cavitation on hydrofoils. Hydrofoils offer significant advantages in terms of fuel efficiency and speed for marine vessels. However, cavitation, a phenomenon caused by low-pressure regions on the hydrofoil surface, limits their performance by causing drag, noise, and erosion. The VorCav GEN-2, a modified NACA2412 foil profile, incorporated an SBLFC system to delay the onset of cavitation and improve overall performance. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to analyze the flow patterns and pressure distribution around the hydrofoil. Additionally, experimental testing was performed to visualize the flow behavior and to aid in assessing the effectiveness of the SBLFC system. The results indicated that the SBLFC system could potentially and effectively reduce the formation of cavitation bubbles by maintaining a laminar boundary layer on the hydrofoil’s top surface. This, in turn, leads to improved hydrodynamic performance and reduced drag. While further research and optimization must be completed, the preliminary findings suggested that the VorCav GEN-2 holds promise for advancing hydrofoil technology and enabling the development of more efficient and sustainable marine vessels.
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School: Culver Academies
Grade: 12
Category: MCRO
Abstract: Traditional wastewater treatment has significant energetical demands accounting for 2% of anthropogenic GHG emissions, contributing to climate change. Bioremediation is an emerging avenue toward decreasing wastewater treatment GHG emissions as it decreases energy cost and O_2 requirement in anaerobic conditions. Bioremediation can also remove heavy metals from wastewater, the presence of which has adverse effects on human and environmental health. Shewanella oneidensis can reduce heavy metals in anaerobic conditions, its cytochrome CymA playing an important role in this process. Overexpressing the cymA gene should increase the metal reduction capacity of S. oneidensis. The gene was amplified from S. oneidensis’ genomic DNA. A plasmid vector pBBR1MCS-2 was purified for use in transformation. pBBR1MCS-2 and cymA was ligated unsuccessfully. S. oneidensis was successfully electroporated with the pBBR1MCS-2 plasmid using a piezoelectric electroporator. S. oneidensis electroporated with pBBR1MCS-2 cymA did not show growth. S. oneidensis pBBR1MCS-2 was placed in an LB + wastewater solution to test metal reduction capacities. Metal concentrations of cobalt, nickel, iron, and copper in the solution were too high, killing S. oneidensis pBBR1MCS-2. The metal reduction capacity was unquantifiable as S. oneidensis was not viable. Hydroxide precipitation quantified metal levels in the samples, with precipitate having greater mass than calculated with mean mass of 0.02775g (SD: 2.5 x 10-4g) in the MR-1 sample and 0.02867g (SD: 7.41 x 10-4g) in the pBBR1MCS-2 sample, as the LB contained metals without additional supplementation, with a mean precipitate mass of 0.00640g (SD: 8.64 x 10-4g) in the pBBR1MCS-2 ddH2O sample.
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School: West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School
Grade: 12
Category: CELL
Abstract: Understanding the cellular uptake of chemical compounds, such as chemotherapeutic drugs by cancer cells, is essential for providing better treatment options for cancer patients. In this study, it was hypothesized that administering higher concentrations of Protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) to cells would result in a greater proportion of cells uptaking PPIX. To test this hypothesis, the cellular uptake of PPIX, a hydrophobic model drug, by 4T1 cell lines (derived from mammary gland carcinoma in the BALB/c mouse strain) was measured using flow cytometry. PPIX can also serve as a fluorescent dye in diagnosis and monitoring when combined with a spectrophotometer, confocal microscopy, or flow cytometry. As a preliminary study, the effect of the solvent system (DMF and a DMF/water mixture) on the fluorescence properties of PPIX was examined using a spectrophotometer. Subsequently, the percentage of living cells that uptake PPIX molecules was investigated via flow cytometry at varying PPIX concentrations (0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 mg/mL). It was found that higher PPIX concentrations resulted in a larger population of cells uptaking the model drug (0- 0.01 mg/mL). However, cells treated with the highest concentration (0.1 mg/mL) experienced cytotoxicity due to PPIX, leading to cell death. Notably, this result suggest importance of finding optimal drug concentration that yields highest cellular uptake of PPIX while maintaining some level of living cells.
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School: Marian High School
Grade: 12
Category: BMED
Abstract: The Impact of APC Status on AKT Inhibitors in Breast Cancer; Emily Archambeault; Marian High School, Mishawaka, IN Around the world, both men and women suffer from several types of breast cancer, among them being triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC, testing negative for progesterone receptors, estrogen receptors, and HER2 receptors, lacks targeted therapy and is treated with traditional chemotherapy. Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) is a tumor suppressor gene lost in 30-70% of patients through mutation or methylation. Previous studies show that the loss of APC results in resistance to treatment. Western blotting shows that, AKT, a collective set of proteins facilitating cancer cell proliferation, is abundant in APCKO cells, or cell lines that lack APC. This study's goal was to observe the impact of APC status on an AKT inhibitor drug, named LY294002. It is a continuation of last year’s study on the impact of paclitaxel and doxorubicin on APCKO cells, where the knockout cell lines showed a positive response to chemotherapy and an increase of AKT and pAKT expression. For this project, CRISPR was used to knock out APC in T231. Migration assays for five replicates at 0hr and 24hr were used to evaluate the rate of wound healing with the use of LY294002 or water, the control. Data shows that LY294002 worked most effectively on the NTC cell line (containing APC) and 4L15 (APCKO) which is clear at the 24 hour mark of drug treatment. This research is crucial to breast cancer research given TNBC lacks targeted therapy. Researchers can use this data for future studies in hopes of FDA-approving more effective treatments for TNBC.
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School: Marian High School
Grade: 12
Category: ENBM
Abstract: In 2022, there were nearly 20 million new cases of cancer patients, and 9.7 million people died due to cancer. One of the largest barriers to cancer drug development is the lack of physiologically relevant but high-throughput and low cost screening methods. The use of vascularized 3D cell culture embedded in biomaterials modeling the extracellular matrix have the potential to serve as more accurate in vitro cancer models, especially by incorporating the pro-angiogenic environment of the tumor microenvironment. In this project, I specifically focused on the incorporation of the lymphatic vasculature in addition to the blood vasculature that have been extensively studied by existing literature. The lymphatic system is responsible for immune cell trafficking and fluid homeostasis, and plays a crucial role in lymph node metastasis. In this study, I explored the use of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived lymph vascularized tumor models for potential uses in personalized drug screening and disease modeling, with the goal of spontaneous lymphatic vasculature formation surrounding a spheroid.
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School: Marian High School
Grade: 12
Category: CELL
Abstract: How does APC influence CAF and Tumor Cell Interaction Brianna Marable Marian High School, Mishawaka, Indiana Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), named after all three negative receptors, is a dangerous subtype of breast cancer (Grasset, Eloïse). My experiment focuses on TNBC cells that have the tumor suppressor, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). It also focuses on cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) due to their abilities to increase tumor cell interactions. In my studies, I will use them to make a CAF-conditioned media to place over the cells. Ultimately, I will determine if the tumor cell interactions (proliferation and migration) will be influenced when CAF-conditioned media is placed onto the APC–KO cell lines. If you add CAFs to APC-KO cell lines then you will have an increase in tumor cell interaction because when CAFs are introduced to cancer cells, the tumor cell interactions will increase. To answer my question, I performed a proliferation assay, migration assay, and western blot. The proliferation determined how quickly the cells reproduce, the migration determined how quickly the cells reconnected when split apart, and the western blot determined expression for both Cyclin D1 and STAT3 proteins. My graphs overall had no significance. This means no samples had a noticeable change. Specifically, there was no change in the tumor cell interaction of the APC-KO cell lines when CAF-conditioned media was added which proved my hypothesis incorrect. With this knowledge, I would like to expand on my research by discovering why there was no significance and treat my cells to a chemotherapy drug before the experiment to determine if there is a significant change after.
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School: Marian High School
Grade: 12
Category: BMED
Abstract: Exploring Caspase 3, BAX, and BCL2 Expression in Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity: Advancements for Chemotherapy Toxicity Charlotte Kemble Marian High School, Mishawaka IN, USA Cisplatin, while a cornerstone in the fight against various cancers, presents a formidable challenge due to its devastating nephrotoxic effects, which can result in acute kidney injury and, in severe cases, renal failure. This research delves into the molecular mechanisms behind cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, through an intricate interrogation of apoptotic mediators—Caspase 3, BAX, and BCL2—alongside the DNA repair regulators ERCC1 and XAB2. By analyzing the gene expression of these molecules, I aim to unravel the complex signaling pathways that drive kidney cell death in response to cisplatin. My research uncovers a nuanced molecular response to cisplatin that could redefine cancer treatment strategies. I observed a 12% upregulation of BAX, suggesting early apoptotic signaling, while BCL2’s significant 49% increase reinforces survival mechanisms. The 32% upregulation of ERCC1 indicates a robust DNA repair response, but a 63% downregulation of XAB2 disrupts transcription-coupled repair, pointing to a critical vulnerability in the DNA damage response. Despite these conflicting signals, Caspase 3 expression remained unchanged, reflecting an incomplete activation of the apoptotic cascade. By identifying a previously undetected vulnerability in renal stress responses, this study paves the way for an entirely new class of nephroprotective therapeutics—capable of shielding renal integrity without compromising cisplatin’s oncologic lethality. Given the life-threatening nature of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, this research holds immense promise for revolutionizing cancer treatment by enabling more effective and safer therapeutic strategies. WORD COUNT: 223
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School: Lafayette Jefferson High School
Grade: 12
Category: MCRO
Abstract: Salmonella enterica has three Mg+2 transports: MgtA, MgtB, and CorA. MgtA and MgtB are active transports, while CorA is a passive transport. mgtA and mgtB expression is regulated by Mg+2 availability. Transcription of mgtB and mgtA is greatly increased by starvation of Mg+2. The strains tested were mgtB+, mgtB-, mgtA+, mgtA-, corA+, and corA-, as well as combinations of said strains. The combinations not used were corA- mgtA-, and all transports inactivated. The strains were grown in two different Mg+2 concentrations: 0.05 mM and 0.5 mM. These concentrations were chosen to reduce variability and workload, as well as an attempt to circumvent the overtaking of the CorA transporter at high Mg+2 concentrations. The data showed that a lower concentration of Mg+2 increased the transcription of each transport. Results suggest that the individual proteins are not needed for that accumulation of Mg2+ and the remaining transporters are sufficient for this task at the Mg2+ concentrations tested. Each strain shows a slightly different result as to whether the cells begin to starve.
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School: Penn High School
Grade: 12
Category: CELL
Abstract: Breast cancer is a significant leading cause of death worldwide, with a vast spread among women. Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking ER, PgR, and HER2, leading to a worse prognosis. Addressing the mechanisms behind doxorubicin (DOX) resistance in TNBC, particularly the role of Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) mutations, is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. The goal of this experiment was to determine the level of DNA damage induced by DOX in APCKO versus control (NTC) TNBC cells and investigate APC's influence on chemoresistance mechanisms. Western blots were used to analyze protein expression, while immunofluorescence visualized and quantified yH2AX expression, a marker of DNA damage that undergoes phosphorylation. Results in the western blot showed a significant increase in yH2AX expression in DOX-treated NTC cells compared to H2O-treated cells (**** p < 0.001). DOX-treated APCKO cells exhibited lower yH2AX expression, suggesting greater resistance to DOX-induced DNA damage. Visualization for Immunofluorescence using GFP and DAPI confirmed these findings, with DOX-treated NTC cells showing increased yH2AX compared to H2O-treated NTC and APCKO cells. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA demonstrated significant differences, reinforcing the conclusion that DOX causes more DNA damage in NTC cells than in APCKO cells. These findings highlight the role of APC in regulating TNBC cell response to chemotherapy and suggest potential targets for overcoming chemoresistance. Future research should focus on evaluating targeted therapies to address APC-related chemoresistance in TNBC and performing in vivo studies to better understand the effectiveness and behavior of these therapies.
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School: Valparaiso High School
Grade: 12
Category: EAEV
Abstract: Testing the dangers that substances pose to humans is often difficult to accomplish yet of vital importance, especially when they pose large-scale health issues to wider populations. With my experiment, I tried to address both of these issues and determine whether two fairly common industrial pollutants had potential impacts on caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), which I used as a model organism for human neuron cells. To look into potential conditions, I first cultured multiple samples of C. Elegans to develop a population. Then, I exposed samples from the population to samples of pollutants with either a control substance, various dilutions of hydrochloric acid, and various dilutions of iron sulfate. After exposing the c. elegans populations to each sample for a short period of time, I measured both the amount of thrashes a sample worm did under a microscope over three intervals and the specific ways in which said worm moved in a qualitative sense. My results showed a small but noticeable decrease in the amount of thrashes performed by the organisms as the concentration of the solutions increased. Additionally, hydrochloric acid caused significantly more drastic results in the tests it was used in. For qualitative results, the movements of the worms became increasingly erratic, and it seemed as if the worms had progressively more difficulty with coordination. At high-concentration tests, the worms often seemed to die before the final time interval was complete. For future research, I would likely experiment with a wider variety of concentrations and substances.
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School: Valparaiso High School
Grade: 12
Category: MCRO
Abstract: Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), is a nematode widely used in neurobiology and aging studies. They provide a valuable insight into the effects of external compounds on motor behavior and overall health. This study investigates the impact of antioxidants on the thrashing rates of C. elegans to explore their potential influence on neuromuscular function. Thrashing rate is defined as the number of times the body bends per minute in a liquid medium. This serves as a measure of the worms’ motor activity and vitality. Experimental groups were exposed to the antioxidants (ascorbic acid, turmeric, and ginger), while the control groups were maintained in conditions without treatment. By comparing thrashing rates across the groups, this experiment aimed to assess whether antioxidants improve or hinder neuromuscular performance in C. elegans. This project offers implications for understanding antioxidant effects on cellular processes which may be relevant to aging and neurodegenerative disease research in higher organisms.
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School: Leo Junior/Senior High School
Grade: 12
Category: MCRO
Abstract: This study aimed to determine whether isatin, a naturally antifungal indole derivative, is viable to treat chytrid disease considering its effects on amphibian skin microbes. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a fungus that causes chytridiomycosis, a disease which has resulted in worldwide amphibian species extinction. E. coli and B. subtilis interact with Bd within amphibian skin, as Bd infects the skin’s keratin layer. In these experiments, cultures of Bd 4-7 days old were inoculated in wells at 21°C and 30°C. Isatin, diluted to concentrations of 1mM and 100µM, was added to experimental plates. Bd’s optical density (OD) was measured at 492nm at timepoints of 0hr, 24hr, 48hr and 72hr. At 21°, only 1mM concentrations of isatin had an adverse effect on Bd growth, while at 30°, both concentrations decreased Bd growth. In parallel, an experiment observing Bd and E. coli interactions as well as Bd and B. subtilis interactions at 21°C, 30°C and 37°C was performed. Bacteria were diluted to an OD of 0.02-0.03 and control/experimental wells were inoculated. Interactions <24hr were postulated as benefiting bacteria, with interactions >48hr postulated as benefiting Bd. Another experiment testing growth inhibition of E. coli and B. subtilis by isatin was performed. 100 µL of 1mM and 100µM isatin were added to inoculated plates. Inhibition was not apparent. Because of the lack of effect on important amphibian-hosted bacteria and adverse effect on Bd growth at high temperatures, it can be suggested that isatin could treat chytridiomycosis in captive frogs alongside heat therapy.
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School: Warsaw Community HS
Grade: 12
Category: CBIO
Abstract: This student has not yet submitted an abstract.
Elevator Pitch Video: This student has not yet submitted an elevator pitch video.