2003 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
Kaitlyn Preece
Lyneham High School, ACT
'The prevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii Oocysts in primary school sandpits'
Kaitlyn sampled primary school sandpits to test them for the presence of Toxoplasma Gondii Oocysts, a persistent and common health risk in young children.
Demonstrating excellent sampling techniques, Kaitlyn investigated a range of possible factors that could influence the presence of oocysts, including the distances from houses, presence of fences and the use of sandpit covers.
From her research, Kaitlyn has been able to recommend ways to limit the infestation of sandpits, resulting in significant community health benefits.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Aimee Williams
Woolooware High School, NSW
Analysis of ethanol in petrol by gas chromatography
The dilution of petrol with ethanol has become a matter of community concern as the social, economic and environmental implications are debated.
Aimee made sound use of scientific method and logic to establish robust sampling and analysis protocols to test petrol samples from her local area.
She found that concentrations of ethanol were very low in all samples collected, suggesting there is little cause for concern of unwarranted effects of ethanol additive on performance or engine life.
Environmental and Earth Science
Andrew Stewart
Karabar District Education Centre, NSW
'Nutrient Runoff – How can swamp plants improve our water?'
Andrew investigated the ability of wetland plants to remove nutrients such as nitrates from contaminated water.
Using a common wetland species, Andrew discovered that it was possible to optimise the amount of nitrate removed by manipulating the way in which the waste water was delivered to the wetland.
The result of his investigations have provided a useful insight into the design and application of artificial wetlands to clean waterways contaminated from agricultural or urban environments.
Physics, Engineering and Technology
Kaitlin McGinnis
St Mary's Anglican Girls School, WA
'Orthokeratology'
Kaitlin studied Orthokeratology, a comparatively new and little known method for correcting vision defects.
During the project, patients wore corrective contact lenses while asleep, providing them with a temporary eye correction. The correction deteriorated during the day as the eye returned to its normal shape.
Kaitlin's studies show the improvements in vision from the treatment as well as the rates of deterioration. The project is considered to be a genuine piece of original research with significant social value.
2002 BHP School of the Year Award
Lyneham High School, ACT