2005 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
Seren Ovington
Year 9 Lyneham High School, ACT
Project: 'An investigation of the biology of the caterpillars which infest white cedars'
When hundreds of hairy caterpillars invaded Seren's home, an investigation revealed they were coming from a white cedar in the garden. She set out to determine whether these ugly pests came across the tree randomly or were specifically attracted to it and and, if so, why. Other aims were to learn about the caterpillars' biology, to assess leaf damage to the tree and to devise a new method of collecting and controlling the caterpillars.
Seren found that the invaders evolved from the white cedar moth (Leptocneria reducta), which lays its eggs on the tree's leaves. The caterpillars hide during the day than seek out the white cedar at night, most likely being attracted by its scent. They even lay down trails to guide them. She also found that the extent and timing of leaf damage, while significant, was variable. To collect and control the caterpillars for the experiment, Seren devised cardboard pockets, a simple, cheap and environmentally friendly method.
The judges commended Seren's thorough research into a problem that affects a large number of householders around Australia. They said the project was based on a good research framework, used a novel approach to data collection and measurement and that Seren's innovative technique for the collection of caterpillars has the potential to be adopted as a control technique.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Xin Fang
Year 12 Keebra Park State High School, Queensland
Project: 'Chitin from crustaceans: a wasted resource?'
A component of crustacean shells is chitin, a natural polymer. When chitin is broken down by bacteria, oligosaccharide (sucrose) is released. In soil, oligosaccharides can help bacteria introduce nitrogen to soil and plants. Xin Fang designed an experiment to see whether prawn shells might be useable as a natural fertiliser to improve the growth of beans.
Xin carried out tests to select the most suitable type of bean. Then she determined the best conditions for prawn shell breakdown by using different levels of pH and moisture. Finally, she grew beans in boxes of soil mixed with decomposed prawn shells and measured the nitrogen levels, the height of the plants and the length of their leaves.
Xin found that in soils with pH levels that are suitable for bean growth, the decomposed prawn shells do not make much difference. However, in soils with pH levels that are not suitable for bean growth, the presence of well decomposed prawn shells can help beans grow higher, healthier and develop larger and more leaves. She concluded that, with further research, it may be found that crustacean shells have potential as a commercial fertiliser.
The judges were impressed with the level of methodical planning that went into the project and the extent and clarity of Xin's final report.
Environmental and Earth Science
Andrew Stewart
Year 12 Karabar District Education Centre, New South Wales
Project: 'Multi-tiered wetlands: a technique for improving the efficiency of artificial wetlands'
With this project, Andrew continued his work in developing a more efficient artificial wetland system for the treatment of eutrophication in waterways. Eutrophication is the presence of high levels of nutrients (caused, for example, by urban sewage and agricultural effluent) that can increase plant growth, which can have serious consequences on aquatic life, and also produce toxic algae, which can harm humans. Artificial wetlands assist in keeping nutrient concentrations below the level required to prevent eutrophication.
Andrew's research is focused on the ability of a species of wetland grass (Carex appressa) to reduce concentrations of nutrients to World Health Organisation standards. His studies show that nutrients can be reduced by C.appressa and he has designed and constructed a pilot-scale experiment as the basis for a two-tiered wetland model. Andrew's work could lead to changes in artificial wetland water treatment practices, which may result in greater efficiencies.
The judges were highly impressed by the design of Andrew's experiment and its well-considered methodology and detailed analysis. They said his latest research contributes to a much-needed body of work relating to the contribution that artificial wetlands can make to reducing nutrient loadings in waterways, thereby minimising the likelihood of eutrophication and any associated environmental impacts.
Physics, Engineering and Technology
Nilrundi Saparamadu and Laura McKemmish
Year 11 Baulkham Hills High School. New South Wales
Project: 'Alternative energy: investigation into factors affecting wind and solar energy production'
Nilrundi and Laura continued their investigation into factors that affect the energy output of wind turbines and solar cells, in order to optimise the efficiency of alternative energy production. With wind turbines, they tested how the number of blades and the ratio between the length and width of the blades influenced the amount of energy generated. With solar cells, they tested whether having cells that track the sun can produce more energy than having cells in a fixed position, and whether cloud cover reduces energy production.
The wind turbine tests provided valuable data about blade performance and established a sound basis for further research. The solar cell experiments showed that a cell that tracks the sun produces more power during a day than a solar cell in a fixed position. They also showed that the presence of clouds reduces the net gain of tracking the sun during the day.
The judges were greatly impressed by the report and noted the social significance and timeliness of the topic. They praised Nilrundi and Laura for undertaking extensive experimentation and studying a number of key variables in a systematic and thorough manner. They said the results were methodically analysed and well displayed and the quality of the final report was of university standard.
School of the Year Award
Willetton Senior High School, WA