2010 Student Winners
Categories:
- First Prize
- Second Prize and winner of Intel ISEF Prize
- Third Prize
- GRDC Prize for Sustainable Agriculture
First prize
Ethan Butson
Year 7 (2009) The Illawarra Grammar School, NSW
Project submitted by Science Teachers Association of NSW
Project Title: Ultraviolet Dosimetry with a New Film Detector
Ethan’s project investigated the use of radiochromic film to detect UV radiation with the aim of creating a dosimeter to measure the protection properties of sunglasses while being worn. He produced a calibration curve which converts the measured net optical density of the change in colour of the Gafchromic film to known ultraviolet exposure and investigated its use in analysing the protection properties of sunglasses.
Second prize
Winner of Intel ISEF prize
Jonathan Sapolinski
Year 10 (2009) Redeemer Baptist School, NSW
Project submitted by Science Teachers Association of NSW
Project Title: An Improved Metric for Visual Differentiation Using Colour-Modified Clinical Eye Charts
Jonathan developed a universal metric for luminance contrast. As part of the process he looked at light reflectance compared with luminance reflectance, checked whether differentiation of objects is easier in colour or black and white, compared the clarity of light on dark and dark on light backgrounds and he also considered the best colour combination for road signs.
Third prize
Giselle Bell
Year 12 (2009) Trinity Anglican School QLD
Project submitted by CREST
Project Title: Privileging the Underprivileged
Giselle looked at ways to help people in developing countries gain access to hot water and refrigeration in areas where there is no electricity. She investigated the thermal properties of various materials and experimented with a vortex tube apparatus using a discarded two-stroke engine and an exercise bike to create a flow of cool air.
GRDC Prize for Sustainable Agriculture
James Francis
Year 10 (2009) Shore School, NSW
Project submitted by Science Teachers Association of New South Wales
Project Title: A Study of Worm Resistance to Drenches
James assessed the efficiency and effectiveness of different sheep drenches by examining faecal egg counts of sheep treated with different worming products. It was found that worms developed resistance to some of the drenches and the degree of resistance was related to history of use on the property. Exposure to drenches allows the worms to develop resistance and newly introduced drenches are more effective and efficient as the worms do not have resistance to these chemicals.