Vermont State Science & Math Fair 2007
Reports from 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 are here
The 44nd Annual Vermont State Science and Mathematics Fair was held at Norwich University on April 1st 2006. The Green Mountain Local Section judging team were Fiona Case, Martin Case and Nathan Mahany (UVM Graduate Student).
2007 Award Winners:
Winner:
Brian Ribbans
carried out research to determine which electrolytes
were most efficient for generation of hydrogen (motivated by proposals
for future use of hydrogen as a fuel). We were impressed by his use of
the
scientific method, and by the quality of the equipment he had designed
and
constructed for his study.
Runner-up: Brittany Kleefisch was interested by the iron oxide deposits she observed in the appliances in her home (which uses well water). In her research she investigated the effects of pH on the deposition. We were particlarly impressed by the amount of literature research she had done on her subject.
Runner up: Alexis Locke is not the first science fair contestent to attempt to use calorimetry to compare the energy content of different foods, but we were impressed by her scientific approach and the way she refined her methodology based on early results: She introduced a dehydration step at the start of the experiment, and redesigned her compusion chamber to ensure the pepperoni oil did not escape.
Honorable Mention: Hans Huessy wanted to quantify the effects of CO2 on growing plants. He designed a system in which a mixture of vinegar and sodium bicarbonate introduced CO2 into a mini "green house" (an inverted half soda bottle) in which bean and mustard seedlings were grown . He found that the CO2 enhanced environment produced plants that were significantly larger, but much weaker. We liked his careful experimental design.
Runner-up: Brittany Kleefisch was interested by the iron oxide deposits she observed in the appliances in her home (which uses well water). In her research she investigated the effects of pH on the deposition. We were particlarly impressed by the amount of literature research she had done on her subject.
Runner up: Alexis Locke is not the first science fair contestent to attempt to use calorimetry to compare the energy content of different foods, but we were impressed by her scientific approach and the way she refined her methodology based on early results: She introduced a dehydration step at the start of the experiment, and redesigned her compusion chamber to ensure the pepperoni oil did not escape.
Honorable Mention: Hans Huessy wanted to quantify the effects of CO2 on growing plants. He designed a system in which a mixture of vinegar and sodium bicarbonate introduced CO2 into a mini "green house" (an inverted half soda bottle) in which bean and mustard seedlings were grown . He found that the CO2 enhanced environment produced plants that were significantly larger, but much weaker. We liked his careful experimental design.
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