2004 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
Marcus Cannon and Simeon Cannon
Redeemer Baptist School, NSW
'Using duplex Doppler ultrasound technique to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis during periods of prolonged sitting'
A topic of increasing concern in recent times has been the possible linkage between long-haul air travel and the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the so-called ‘economy-class syndrome’.
Marcus and Simeon set out to analyse the factors that increase the risk of DVT and to devise a reliable method for reducing the risk during long periods of sitting. In a controlled series of experiments, they used non-invasive duplex ultrasound technology to study blood circulation and detect blockages in veins, and then tested the effectiveness of advice and exercises recommended by airlines.
Their project involved thorough research into the available technology and literature, including extensive reading before designing the experiments. The testing environment was well controlled to minimise human error and their report was clearly written, well structured and well presented.
Showing dedication and perseverance, Marcus and Simeon applied good scientific process to address the problem and develop a solution. They devised a special foot pump to maintain blood velocities — an innovative device with the potential to be of significant benefit to airline passengers.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Derrick Roberts
Newington College, NSW
'Supplements: What are you doing? An investigation highlighting the need for greater consumer awareness regarding pharmaceuticals.'
Dietary supplements are commonplace in modern lifestyles, but many consumers take them without being fully aware of their chemical content or effectiveness.
Derrick aimed to demonstrate that a greater level of awareness should be encouraged, to prevent people wasting their money. As a model, he used bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme group that is naturally produced in the pineapple stem and marketed as a gastro-intestinal digestive aid and anti-inflammatory.
Few enzymes function effectively in the low pH environment of the stomach. Derrick’s research shows that bromelain does not function if ingested on an empty stomach but may function if taken with food. An equally effective and cheaper option is to take it in the form of fresh pineapple juice.
Derrick’s study of the pH functioning range of bromelain presents a high calibre of result analysis, sequencing and suggestions for further work. Accuracy, controls and replication are well implemented. The use of appendices and referencing within the report enhances its readability. His excellent work is socially relevant and contributes to the existing body of knowledge on dietary supplements.
Environmental and Earth Science
Andrew Stewart
Karabar District Education Centre, NSW
'Artificial wetlands — Can Carex appressa prevent eutrophication in Australian waterways?'
Eutrophication — the presence of high levels of nutrients that encourage the growth of algae — is becoming an increasingly significant issue in Australian waterways. Due to increasing nutrient levels in water emissions, toxic algal blooms may occur, with devastating consequences for aquatic life.
The use of multi-tiered artificial wetlands to process nutrients is one possible method of preventing algal blooms when treating runoff and waste water.
In his project, Andrew built on his previous work to research the mechanisms by which the wetland species Carex appressa consumes ammonium and nitrate ions. His report is comprehensive and thorough. The approach he took to his investigative work, including the construction of specialised equipment for the purposes of chemical analyses, demonstrates a keen scientific mind and passion.
Andrew’s work supports his theory that using multi-tiered artificial wetlands to process nutrients can increase their efficiency significantly and may therefore be useful in preventing the growth of algae, providing the potential for environmental, health and economic benefits.
Physics, Engineering and Technology
Robert Stewart
Karabar Distance Education Centre, NSW
'Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles as bushfire sensors and sprinkler activators'
Severe bushfires are prevalent in Australia and the potential for loss of life and property is high. The use of automatic sprinkler systems can provide protection.
PET is the plastic compound commonly used in the manufacture of soft drink bottles, which are readily available as waste. Robert has devised an ingenious method of using these bottles to sense the heat of an approaching fire and activate the water valve on a sprinkler system, without the need for an external power source.
In a series of experiments, the PET bottles were heated in a controlled environment under a measured load and the shrinkage measured as a function of temperature. Shrinkage starts at approximately 50º C and is at a maximum at about 100º C. Most rapid shrinkage occurs in 1.25-litre bottles.
Robert’s device consists of a line of PET bottles on a wire attached to a trip-operated valve. As the heat shrinks one or more of the bottles, the wire is pulled, activating the valve. The experimental data and analysis presented by Robert was of high quality and presented in a clear and concise report. With the potential to save lives and property, his simple, low-technology innovation offers significant social benefits.
School of the Year Award
Marshall Road State School, Queensland