2001 Student Winners
Categories:
- Biology and Microbiology
- Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Environmental and Earth Science
- Physics, Engineering and Technology
- School of the Year Award
Biology and Microbiology
Ling San Lau
Rose Bay High School, TAS
'Tadpole Truths'
It is a well known fact that frogs are an indicator of our environment's health and that we need to better understand environmental impacts on both frogs and tadpoles.
San investigated a number of environmental factors such as salinity, population density and growth inhibition on a tadpole's ability to grow and survive. During San's project she monitored approximately 1500 tadpoles that were released at the end of the project.
San's conclusion's were:
- Elevated levels of salinity may threaten the health and viability of frogs.
- A possible inhibition of growth in higher density populations.
- A correlation exists between the length, weight and volume of each tadpole.
The project will add to the body of knowledge being compiled by various universities and conservation groups within Australia in regards to managing our frog habitats.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Johannes van Hensbergen
Springwood High School, NSW
'Combustion'
Johannes investigated the factors that contribute to combustion, particularly the environmental influences on combustion. These included air temperature, altitude, and rate of air flow and their effect on the rate of reaction. He also investigated the properties of particular fuels - volatility, specific density, state and surface area of the fuel - and their effect on combustion.
Johannes aimed to identify a very efficient and convenient fuel from a range of materials, taking into account the possible pollutants produced in the process. His investigation was extremely comprehensive - carefully carried out and analysed - and pointed the way for further study in the area.
Environmental and Earth Science
Andrew McLeod
North Sydney Boys' High School, NSW
'The Effect of Organic Matter on the Toxicity of Salt to Carrots'
Andrew's project addresses dry land salinity, one of Australia's most pressing environmental issues focusing on the potential benefits of organic material in reducing the toxicity of salt to plants. Andrew used a salt sensitive carrot species which he grew in soils with varying organic content. The study was conducted under glasshouse conditions in both summer and winter to determine any seasonal effects.
Through his work Andrew was able to conclude that increasing the organic content of the soil does have a beneficial impact on the toxicity of salt to his test plants. The trend was particularly evident in summer. These findings indicate a possible short-term mitigating measure for lands affected by salinity.
Physics, Engineering and Technology
Gaurav Singh and Paul Wu
MacGregor State High School, QLD
'The Factors Influencing the Performance of the Hilsch Vortex Tube'
Gaurave and Paul's project focused on vortex tubes, devices that divide a compressed air supply into hot and cold components. Vortex tubes are typically used for industrial spot cooling applications.
Gaurav and Paul examined the effect of various air entry conditions and control mechanisms with single and dual entry configurations. To undertake this experiment, the students had to design and construct a Vortex tube, which they undertook in the school's manual arts department. The students used the ingenious technique of injecting glitter into the air stream to help understand the fluid flow within the tube. Quite detailed analysis of the different components of the Vortex tube was undertaken as part of the appraisal method for the tube they constructed.
2001 BHP School of the Year Award
Willetton Senior High School, Willetton WA