Embedded Files
1. The coil gun
Battey, J, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Sweeny, S, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Hoffman, S, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
We are investigating the accessibility and effectiveness of coil guns. Coil Guns are founded on inductance and the basics are as follows: when a charge runs through a coil, a magnetic field is created that can propel an object. At the end of our process, our goal is to be able to determine whether coil guns are accessible and effective enough to be a viable option for the future of guns. We will make a simple coil, by wrapping copper wire around a pvc pipe, and create a magnetic field by running a short burst of current through our creation. To obtain this burst, we will use a capacitor bank attached to a disposable camera’s flash circuit. We will test multiple coil designs: our smallest coil utilizes 30 AWG copper wire and our largest coil utilizes 20 AWG wire wrapped around an identical pipe. For our last coil we adjusted our design parameters and created a coil with 5 layers separated with electrical tape, using 22 gauge wire and the shell of a pen. After testing each coil, we will assess effectiveness by measuring the distance each coil fires a projectile. Variables such as number of turns in the coil and wire material could also be improved, but after assessing many sources we came to the modifications of our last and final coil. There are an infinite number of coil variations to test, and our project is very much just preliminary research.
Location: SIC 107
2. A comparative study of different materials for microbial fuel cell power output
Davidson, G, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Lavine, C, Human Anatomy & Physiology
Vandervelde, J, Advanced Biology
In a world scrambling to advance clean energy technology, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) present a plausible solution: they only require organic matter, which can be found almost anywhere on earth’s surface. In an attempt to reduce the cost of these devices for more widespread usage, we asked ourselves: can cheaper substitution of various MFC chemicals maintain or even increase total energy outputs? In this study, our team compared the electrical power differences between a Carolina Biological Supply Company MFC and our own using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide instead of the former’s disodium phosphate and potassium hexacyanoferrate (III), keeping all other materials the same. Using Logger Pro on a laptop, we concluded that Carolina’s MFC produced 0.000009179 watts while our substitution MFC produced 0.000597210 watts, 65 times stronger. Paired with the fact that our two substitutions cost 1.6% of Carolina’s supplied chemicals’ cost, MFCs can be more cheaply made to be efficient. For further research, material and fuel cell body substitutions along with MFC size could be studied to make these devices a definite clean energy solution.
Location: SIC 107
3. Ultrasonic sensor
Grooms, T, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Longley, J, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
McGlashan, G, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
For our project, we created a sweeping ultrasonic radar. Modern technological advances in radars ranging from tracking planes and submarines to determining the speed of a MLB fastball were things that peaked our interests. We decided that we would base our project of creating an ultrasonic sensor that moves in a sweeping pattern to provide continuous feedback, just as a radar does. We designed our project with the idea of teaching others about radars. The combination of coding and construction is what makes this project elaborate, forcing us to think critically about how we could create a cohesive device. We used a clear acrylic box to house our components, allowing viewers to see each physical part as they moved. Overall, we only ran into a few minor problems with the code, but other than that no other problems arose. The foundation of our project was to test the capabilities of the radar. We measured its maximum distance, its ability to differentiate items, and its accuracy in sensing small objects. In order to get the sweeping motion and sensor working, we needed to input the code to Arduino and Processing, apps that allow code to be transmitted externally to circuit boards or to a computer. Ultimately, our project helped us better understand the functionality of the sensor and how crucial the role of coding in relation to physical hardware is in today’s world. Without coding, the hardware simply sits there with no idea of what actions to perform. This begs the question: What good is an object if it can’t perform the task that it is design to do?
Location: SIC 107
4. Polyphonic tones
Perez, A, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Crowe, D, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
We were very interested in how we could play classic 8-bit music using our arduino board. After doing some research we found that you can play classic 8-bit music using an Arduino uno board, a quarter watt speaker and a vibrating motor. Our project uses a MusicWithoutDelay library to convert the songs into readable durations for Bhagman's tone library to play. The durations (songs) are converted into milliseconds so that they can be read by the arduino board. The overall build of our project consisted of one arduino uno board, one speaker, two resistors, three push buttons, one RGB LED, multiple jumper wires, and a vibrating motor. The first button is used to pause and play the song. The second is used to skip the song depending on how much the potentiometer is turned, it will resonate with the song. For example, if turned all the way counterclockwise it will go to the beginning of the song. Finally, the third button allows us to play the song in reverse. The vibrating motor helps with the bass of the speaker. Overall, this project does NOT use delay.
Location: SIC 107
5. Leaf blower hovercraft
Sachleben, E, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Post, A, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Pawlak, C, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
With the largest able to carry 60-65 tons, hovercrafts are currently used as military transports and, given their ability to traverse virtually any terrain, they have become valuable commercial assets.1 The purpose of our experiment is to create a functional hovercraft, and then measure the amount of weight that it can hold. In this experiment, we used household materials, including a leaf blower, to create our own hovercraft, before eventually testing how much weight the contraption can carry. The leaf blower forces air into a shower curtain, which inflates it into a bubble. Then, the air escapes out several small holes at the bottom. When the air escapes from the “bubble,” it creates a cushion of air underneath the craft that allows it to hover over the ground. The pressure inside of the bubble is also supposed to be higher than an atmosphere. The outside pressure will be one atmosphere. This pressure imbalance, with the “bubble” having a higher pressure, helps the hovercraft stay aloft and carry some weight. In the future, we would like to use an Arduino chip to program a servo motor that will allow for remote control of a fan, providing a small amount of control over the craft. The hovercraft is not currently operational, but once it is we will measure how much weight it can support by placing weights on it until it touches the ground. The amount of weight required for this to happen will be the board’s maximum lift capacity.
Location: SIC 107
6. Morse Code translator
Weiss, L, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Whetstone, K, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
We conducted this project to turn a concept Morse Code, an abstract concept in the 21st century, into a much more tangible and ordinary language. Morse Code has been around for over 175 years yet has fallen out of favor in recent years. Due to this declining use in our modern society, morse code has become an abstract concept and language, hard for many young people to get a grasp on and its relationship with English. This project has very important real-world implications as it helps people understand the direct relationship between English and Morse Code and how Morse Code is simply English through a series of dots and dashes. Using an Arduino board, a phototransistor, high watt LED and a series of resistors, we built two circuits that first translated English to dots and dashes, and then another which translated dots and dashes into English.
Location: SIC 107
7. Where is the light?: Modern prism spectroscopy
Kuhn, J, Astrophysics & Astronomy, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Mahone, K, Astrophysics & Astronomy
For centuries spectroscopy has been one of the simplest and most useful tool in all avenues of science from chemistry to astrophysics. This project is focused on learning how to calibrate and use one of the most precise types of spectrometers, the prism spectrometer. Once calibrated, the spectrometer was used to analyze different types of light, starting with tubes of individual gases and ending with finding the Fraunhofer lines in the solar spectrum. We will use the original technology and understandings of Isaac Newton and his prism experiment. Throughout our experiment we combined our previous knowledge of prism spectroscopy with the research and resources of how other people have used a prism spectrometer to develop an instruction guide of sorts of how to use the prism spectrometer and how to interpret what is seen. During the first few days we worked with the spectrometer to develop a technique for how to use the spectrometer itself. Once we developed a method for using the spectrometer we observed and experimented with the spectral lines of different elements found in the physics room. During the rest of our days we observed several elements and attempted to observe the Fraunhofer Lines of solar light. Though we were able to diffract the light we were unable to get a clear picture of the Fraunhofer Lines. We hypothesised that we were unable to see them because the light and surrounding gas was too hot. We had hoped to shine the light through a cloud of gas from dry ice, however were unable to test this hypothesis. Though we were unable to see the Fraunhofer Lines we did observe spectral lines of different elements and were able to successfully use the prism spectrometer.
Location: SIC 107
8. The effect of listening to music on heart rate and cortisol levels in the brains of adolescent females in a state of anxiety
Alphonso-Gibbs, N, Marin Academy Research Collaborative
Anxiety can negatively affect people's functionality in social society; and high anxiety has been shown to affect adolescent females at much greater rates compared to other groups. Music has been used as a method of therapy for many years to treat both mental and physical illnesses. Music has been linked by many scientists to having a profound effect on the physical and psychological well being of a person. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a significant change in cortisol levels and heart rate based on the audio recording each subject listened to. Each subject involved in the study identified as female between the ages of 13 and 17. All participants signed a consent form along with an assent form signed by their guardians. In order to evaluate each subject's stress, saliva swabs are collected and heart rate was recorded. At the start of each individual trial, a saliva sample and heart rate was collected as a baseline for each subject. After a two minute arithmetic-based stress test was administered, another saliva sample and heart rate was collected. Then Pachelbel’s Canon in D-major, a personal choice song, white noise, or silence was played for 30 minutes. Following the 30 minutes of audio the last saliva sample and heart rate was collected. Immediately after saliva was collected the samples were stored in a freezer. Each trial of this experiment was administered in the Human Development Classroom at Marin Academy between the hours of 1 and 4 pm. It was important to administer each trial in the same time period because the cortisol curve where levels are high in the morning and low in the afternoon. An ELISA test was run on the samples to detect cortisol levels. The data produced from the ELISA can shed insight on the effectiveness of music therapy. Data that indicates music's effect on stress levels could impact the use of Music therapy as a more conventional form of therapy. These data will help determine how music might affect stress responders in adolescence.
Location: SIC Upstairs Hub
9. Concern of Marin County residents toward assets vulnerable to sea level rise
Baum, Z, Marin Academy Research Collaborative
It is essential for policy makers to understand the concerns of individual communities in order to make adaptations that are properly integrated and respectful of the existing culture in a community. Existing research on sea level rise in Marin County, such as the 2017 Shoreline Vulnerability Assessment, have outlined the assets, areas, and potential impacts of sea level rise, but have really yet to engage the public. There have been clear attempts to engage major stakeholder (corporations, government agencies, etc.) in areas vulnerable to sea level rise, but residents and small businesses have not been really included in research yet. In my project I conducted a public survey to investigate public perceptions and concerns regarding sea level rise in Marin County. My survey compares non-subjective demographic information to subjective concerns survey participants have about sea level rise. By doing this, I hope to have identified trends between concerns and demographics, which will help identify specific concerns held by Marin County residents.
Location: SIC Upstairs Hub
10. Using Python to simulate Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth patterns based on three mathematical models
Philippo, E, Marin Academy Research Collaborative
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common gram-negative pathogen than can be particularly dangerous to individuals with cystic fibrosis. Like any bacterium, a serious effort to study Pseudomonas requires expensive, dedicated equipment, extensive knowledge on the subject and procedures at hand, and a large time commitment. Computational work can serve to reduce the fiscal and temporal costs of research by making lab work more efficient. By using a few basic procedures to establish a baseline, it is simple enough to make a rudimentary simulator so supplement hands-on work. We ran a kinetic measurement of the bacteria’s growth and a serial dilution to obtain data on Pseudomonas growth over time, then fit that data to various mathematical representations. Those models were then implemented in a Python-based simulator created with the PyDev IDE. The end result is a program that can generate growth curves based on user input, graph the results, and can import additional models desired by the user. This serves to illustrate how computational biology is effective and accessible, even at the lowest levels.
Location: SIC Upstairs Hub
11. Creating graphene-based supercapacitors with easily scalable manufacturing methods
Ringness, D, Marin Academy Research Collaborative
The purpose of this project was to create a graphene-based supercapacitor by adapting the methods proposed by Maher F. El-Kady et al. (2013) for large scale manufacturing. The fabrication process involves using an industrial laser cutter to etch an electrode pattern on the surface of a graphene oxide coated substrate, in this case PET. Each batch of 15 devices was produced with a different laser strength (8%, 9% and 10%). This process was shown to create a substantial amount of the active material graphene. Once the supercapacitors were created, the highest quality devices were connected in series with a resistor and the voltages across the devices’ electrodes were measured while supplying 9 volts. Similar trials were performed with six devices connected in parallel. Most devices produced satisfactory charging and discharging curves, with the best results coming from the trials of the devices in parallel. The series of devices produced with 10% laser strength had the highest capacitance. The integration of a laser cutter into the manufacturing process allows for the number of devices per batch to be scaled enormously, greatly improving the cost effectiveness and efficiency of creating such devices.
Location: SIC Upstairs Hub
12. Effects of hyperoxygenation and antibiotic treatment on Pseudomonas aeruginosa proliferation and biofilms
Sriram, A, Marin Academy Research Collaborative
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a virulent bacteria found commonly as a chronic infection with patients with cystic fibrosis. This experiment aimed at looking at the effects of antibiotic treatment and hyperoxygenation on P. aeruginosa through a ventilator associated patient model. It was hypothesized that if the oxygen concentration was increased, then there would be an increase in proliferation because the P. aeruginosa has more accessible nutrients for energy to replicate. Using a hyperbaric chamber, the oxygen levels were increased to 100%, and the bacteria, plated in multiple 96 well plates, was treated with various concentrations of the antibiotic gentamicin. The proliferation was read using a 20 fold dilution, and the biofilm was quantified using crystal violet staining methods. The data produced from this study indicated that proliferation was slightly higher at all but one antibiotic concentrations, and biofilm was significantly higher at all antibiotic concentrations. This is of great significance to clinicians, as this model demonstrates that patients with oxygen tanks at high levels need increased antibiotics to lower biofilm, and possibly proliferation, levels.
Location: SIC Upstairs Hub
13. Baseline lifespan assay of wild-type (N2, Bristol), impaired glyoxalase (glod-4), and overexpressed glyoxalase (glod-4 GFP) Caenorhabditis elegans
Howard, K, Marin Academy Research Collaborative, Advanced Biology
Richman, R, Marin Academy Research Collaborative, Human Anatomy & Physiology
We used Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a species of nematode, as a model organism to investigate the characteristics of aging diseases. Specifically, we investigated the effects of changes to the glod-4 gene, which controls the expression of the glyoxalase pathway, linked to diabetes and nematode lifespan. Our study involved two mutated strains of C. elegans: one in which the glod-4 gene was impaired (glod-4), and one in which the gene was overexpressed (glod-4 GFP), in addition to a wild-type (WT) strain. We performed a lifespan assay, starting with the standard method of bleaching adult worms in order to synchronize the eggs. We attempted two variations of bleaching protocols, but were unable to successfully isolate synchronized eggs, so we began an alternative egg synchronization method. We left gravid female nematodes to lay eggs on fresh NGM plates with Escherichia coli OP-50 over several hours, then removed the adults from the plate, leaving only the synchronized eggs. This method was successful and resulted in many eggs on each plate. Once the eggs reached the L4 stage, we transferred 15 worms of each strain onto new plates, using 3 plates for each strain. Then we began a standard lifespan assay, counting the living and dead worms each day and transferring them to new plates every other day. Data collection has not been completed, but our hypothesis is that the lifespan will be unaffected or extended in the glod-4 GFP strain and reduced in the glod-4 strain in comparison to the wild type strain.
Location: SIC Upstairs Hub
14. The effects of ocean acidification on the growth of the Pacific mole crab (Emerita analoga).
Little, B, Marin Academy Research Collaborative
The health and biology of marine organisms is hugely threatened by rising ocean acidity levels. Due primarily to human produced pollution, ocean acidification is a direct result of increased CO2 emissions in the Earth's atmosphere. Ocean acidification– a term used to describe changes of the oceans' acidity levels and overall chemistry– is a rapidly growing issue in today's world. Within coming years, pH is expected to drastically drop, making water more and more acidic. Many scientists have previously researched the effects of ocean acidification on different marine organisms, but little has been found about the Pacific Mole Crab (Emerita analoga). In order to identify any effects of ocean acidification on the mole crab, crabs will be placed in acidic water during their juvenile stage. When adults, the growth of the crabs will be compared to those living in non-acidic conditions. Typically found buried in the swash zone along the Pacific Coast, the mole crab has many predators, including fish, water birds, shore birds, and even some mammals such as sea otters. Because the mole crab is a vital food source for a number of animals, it is an integral member of its food chain and ecosystem. This means that any possible impacts ocean acidification may have on the mole crab threatens both the crab itself and the greater marine ecosystem as a whole. Identifying these effects will allow scientists to better predict future population changes of the mole crab and its predators.
Location: SIC Upstairs Hub
15. Analyzing the motion of a tetrahedron-shaped coral seeding unit using video analysis
Lord, E, Marin Academy Research Collaborative, Advanced Physics with Calculus
Coral provides shelter and food to some of the most diverse animal populations on the planet and is a key indicator of ocean health in many areas of the world. However, as more coral is bleached, scientists desperately search for restoration techniques. One company, called SeCore, has had much success with sexually spawning coral and attaching the larvae to a tetrahedron-shaped seeding unit. The seeding unit can then be dropped directly from a boat onto the seafloor site for restoration which eliminates the need for divers to meticulously attach pieces of fragmented coral and simultaneously increases biodiversity since the coral that grows on the seeding units is not a clone of parent coral like fragmented coral is. In this exploration, the seeding unit’s fluid dynamics and buoyant forces were analyzed. By placing a grid on one end of the pool at MA, and dropping a seeding unit in front of it, the unit’s motion could be filmed and analyzed using Vernier Video Analysis. Due to the wide angles of a tetrahedron, the seeding unit fell slowly and bobbed a few times on each side, slowing its velocity and acceleration after each turn. This slow falling speed ensures that the coral polyps on the seeding unit do not fall off and are protected with a solid base to grow on on the seafloor, allowing for flourishing future reefs. These data will serve as a baseline for how seeding units should behave in water, and inform future designs.
Location: SIC Upstairs Hub
16. 3D modeling of mutated enzyme PETase when bonded to dimethyl terephthalate
Paff, J, Marin Academy Research Collaborative, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Plastic waste poses major environmental threats to the world. In the ocean, plastic is easily mistaken for food by marine animals, and when on land, it leaches chemicals into our food and water. To determine a possible solution to plastic pollution, this research focused on the enzymatic degradation of plastic. Specifically, the experiment carried out worked with PETase, an enzyme found in the bacterium Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6 that has been demonstrated to decompose polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. The focus was on a mutated form of PETase for which residue 160 was modified from serine to alanine. This specific mutation was determined through protein multiple sequence alignment using ClustalX. Differences in the sequences of several mutations of PETase were noted and studied in a ribbon model of PETase on Visual Molecular Dynamics (VMD) to confirm which mutations were significant to the bonding process. Then, simulations for PETase were run with bound dimethyl terephthalate (DMP), the monomer of PET plastic, and without the bound DMP in order to study the bonding properties of the enzyme. These simulations were run in the software Nanoscale Molecular Dynamics. First, minimization was done to ensure that we were starting with a good form for the initial structure. Then, two equilibration steps were completed to stabilize the system by not allowing the atoms to move too far. Finally, VMD was used again to visualize the differences in the hydrogen bonds of the enzyme after minimization and equilibration both when bound to DMP and not.
Location: SIC Upstairs Hub
17. Maintaining stable pH levels of seawater in a 4000 mL flask to examine effects of acidity on Lingulodinium polyedrum
Perry, M, Marin Academy Research Collaborative
Now more than ever, the issues of marine health are of utmost importance to the world. As climate change warms ocean water, changes salinity, and lowers pH, it is becoming important to figure out how all marine species are being affected and responding to these changes. Dinoflagellates are at the base of the food chain, however large blooms of some dinoflagellates become toxic (HABs) and cause economic losses, environmental losses, and health hazards. To understand how organisms may be affected by changing oceanographic conditions, I chose to study Lingulodinium polyedrum, an armored (e.g., thecal plates made of cellulose), HAB forming, and ecologically relevant bioluminescent dinoflagellate most prominent in warmer waters off Southern/Central California that moves north when the water becomes warmer. By studying the effects of temperature, salinity, and pH on L. polyedrum, I will see how these factors affect HAB’s and California’s coastal ecosystems. To prepare for this larger study, I set up a bubbler tank for the pH portion of my study. I led both an air pump and carbon dioxide from a tank into a 4000 mL Erlenmeyer flask. This flask was filled with seawater with a salinity of 35 g/kg using Instant Ocean aquarium salt. When CO2 was bubbled and dissolved in the water, it formed H2CO3 which dissociated, forming hydrogen ions and lowering the pH. The CO2 was bubbled at a stable rate of 40 bubbles/minute, and the air pump was on medium in order to lower the pH from 8.56 to 7.85 and mimic future ocean changes around California. I predict an increase in acidity will cause a decrease in population growth and bioluminescence and will affect the L. polyedrum by causing their thecal plates to deteriorate.
Location: SIC Upstairs Hub
18. Adapting an automotive O2 sensor for testing oxygen saturation in a small displacement engine
Pyle, S, Marin Academy Research Collaborative, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Automotive emissions introduce an excessive amount of harmful gases into our atmosphere. Unfortunately, regulations that improve this emission problem have created an era of underpowered cars. My two-year project in the MARC program involves building a solution to this dilemma that converts harmful gases into oxides that are then filtered and stored for intake-air enrichment. This method will decrease the harmful gases in the emissions while also increasing power. To test this method, I must reliably measure the amount of oxygen in a given gas mixture. This led me to my current project, which involves engineering an oxygen sensor to work with a laptop through an Arduino board. Initially, I had to fully understand how the oxygen sensor works and what type of data it outputs in order to write code that interprets the data. I designed a method to run initial tests with the sensor, eventually soldering together a setup that uses a 12-volt battery for power. Once the sensor’s internal heater reaches the necessary temperature, I run the Arduino sketch that interprets the raw voltage data outputted by the sensor and converts it into a graph. Based on the average voltage produced by the sensor at any given time, the amount of oxygen in the air can be deduced. For my MARC project build, I can use this setup to collect data from the intake air of the engine before and after molecular filtration to determine if my build is achieving significant improvements in its emissions and power.
Location: SIC Upstairs Hub
19. Investigation into the demands and process to create a “net zero” campus at Marin Academy
Riedinger, N, Marin Academy Research Collaborative
The state of California is at the forefront of sustainable energy usage: maintaining a target of 33% for renewable energy usage in the future. This particular study pertains to energy sustainability on the Marin Academy campus; specifically, in regards to the current state of renewable versus nonrenewable energy that we, as a campus, consume. In this study, an energy audit of the Marin Academy campus will be conducted to assess its energy usage and needs to suggest improvements to the school, or find the path to a “net zero” campus. To reach such a goal, the microgrid of the MA campus needs to consume the same amount of energy or less than the total amount of renewable energy created on the site. Both determining the current energy usage at a campus microgrid, like MA, and understanding what is needed to attain “net zero” is relevant to understanding electrical sustainability on a residential grid scale. This research will act as a case study to understand similar grid systems, evaluate solar as a renewable energy source, and understand the best process to becoming a more energy-efficient institution.
Location: SIC Upstairs Hub
20. Testing the mutagenicity of sunscreens and moisturizers using the Ames test
Samaniego, C, Marin Academy Research Collaborative, Advanced Biology
An important aspect of cancer research is identifying environmental causes for mutations known as carcinogens. Cosmetics, unlike food additives and pharmaceuticals, do not have strict regulations under the Food and Drug Administration. The goal for this MARC project is to identify common carcinogens used in cosmetics and the first step in this process is to test the mutagenic effects of ingredients found in cosmetics using the Ames test. The Ames test uses mutated Salmonella bacteria that cannot grow unless a something has caused a mutation to allow it to. For this experiment, six unique types of sunscreens and moisturizers were diluted at concentrations of 1000:1, 10:1, 1:10, and 1:1000 water to product. Each concentration was mixed with the bacteria and a rxn mixture and incubated for 7 days at 37°c in a 96 well plate. Afterwards, the number of wells containing bacteria growth were counted and compared to the number of revertants in the control plate. The experiment was then run a second time to test the repeatability of the procedure. Every product was found to be mutagenic at the lowest concentration and many were mutagenic at higher concentrations. From comparing the ingredient lists, there were several similar ingredients between them that could be responsible for the mutations including, dimethicone, petrolatum and retinyl palmitate. In the fall semester, the results from this study will be used to test these ingredients on bacteria and human cell cultures to see if it causes cancer in humans.
Location: SIC Upstairs Hub
21. Antimicrobial properties of fluid thin film coatings against sulfate-reducing bacteria
Warner, J, Marin Academy Research Collaborative, Advanced Biology
Corrosion is an incredibly expensive and widespread problem, estimated at costing the United States greater than 1.1 trillion dollars each year. One of the main types of current corrosion protection is the fluid thin film coating (FTFC). It is mostly composed of a hydrotreated neutral base oil, and it prevents corrosion by blocking corrosive agents from interacting with the metal. However, it does not function as a sealant and can potentially be penetrated by various sources, potentially including bacteria. These bacteria can form a biofilm and alter the electrochemical characteristics of a metal, and can cause microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). There are four main kinds of bacteria generally known to cause MIC, sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), iron-oxidizing bacteria, iron-reducing bacteria, and acid-producing bacteria. For this project, the efficacy of FTFCs as antimicrobial agents against SRBs was tested using the Kirby-Bauer method. Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella enteritidis, Enterobacter cloacae, and Citrobacter freundii were selected as test bacteria due to them being SRBs. Salmonella enteritidis, E. cloacae, and C. freundii all had expected results, producing no zones of inhibition in the negative controls, and zones of various sizes in the positive controls. Proteus vulgaris produced a zone for both the mineral oil and the FTFC, however the FTFC had a much larger zone. This suggests that there is potential for MIC even in the presence of FTFCs, as FTFCs are not wholly effective as antimicrobial agents, and that the addition of an antimicrobial agent to FTFCs could potentially further inhibit corrosion.
Location: SIC Upstairs Hub
22. Experiencing color without color
Bjorklund, A, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Hasson, K, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
In this project, we explored the relationships between visual art and sound, experimenting with the different ways a certain piece can be experienced rather than just seen. This was done though first, translating the main colors in an image into sound using a frequency generator, and then, using these frequencies to test and create visual representations of why their vibrations look like through the use of Chladni plates. The sand placed on the Chladni plates moves around when the frequencies travel through it to create different designs, depending on the pitch of the frequency.
Location: SIC 207
23. Recognizing emotions through skin conductance
Budhraja, N, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
McClinton, J, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
The human body contains a tool that can help bridge the gap of uncertainty regarding emotion: sweat. When exposed to certain stimuli, the electrical conductivity of human skin undergoes subtle changes, which are represented by the increases and decreases in sweat secretion. This experiment attempted to determine which types of emotions evoke the strongest conductivity. To gather our data, we developed a simple circuit, using aluminium lined finger holds as the source of electrical energy, the finger as the switch, and the voltage probes as the wires. Then, we connected our circuit through Vernier and Logger Pro technologies to receive voltage readings in graph form, as we showed a series of emotion-evoking videos to our subjects. We used a previous study conducted by Springer Science and Business to find our videos, in which they rated movie clips by the emotions they evoke. We found that majority of subjects saw a rise of voltage during the stress-evoking activity and that many of the subjects saw a decline in voltage while watching the positive emotion video. We additionally had subjects watch neutral and mixed video emotions, but found those results to be inconclusive. The ability to compare the conductivity of different emotions can contribute to the growing sector of Artificial Intelligence, in which computer systems could potentially become emotionally intelligent. Additionally, when autistic children are experiencing strong emotions, they do not always show it in clear ways, which is why the detection of certain emotion is beneficial to the autistic community.
Location: SIC 207
24. The groove of water: How sound can be visualized through water
Canales, A, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Orozco, H, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Raddue, J, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
This experiment examined the relationship between sound and water by looking at how different sound frequencies changed the flow of a constant stream of water. The length of the tube as well as the size of the water stream were both adjusted to look at how sound and gravity worked to alter the water’s flow. To conduct the experiment, a small plastic tube was attached to a hose and then duct taped to the subwoofer speaker. The subwoofer speaker was connected to a laptop, which held the tone generating software. The hose was turned on, and the tone generating software was used to change the water flow. The process was recorded on an iPhone application capable of capturing 240 fps. For the art aspect of the project, the same setup was used except food dye was put in the water for added visual effect. After conducting the experiment, the change in both the length of the tube and the size of the water stream led to the change of the fundamental frequency for each scenario. One characteristic shared among each test was that as the frequency increased, the amplitude of each wave got smaller, indicating that the two variables had an indirect relationship.
Location: SIC 207
25. Chicks charging change
Dossetter, C, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Bjorklund, M, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Arleo, S, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
In recent years, renewable energy has erupted with popularity and use as environmental impact has become a pressing issue. By converting kinetic energy produced by biking to electrical energy to power Marin Academy, the school could combat the extensive energy usage the campus has monthly. We plan on using the flywheel of a bike and the physics of electricity and energy in order to answer the question: How many people for how long would it take to power MA? To complete this project, a chain is attached to a stationary bike and a motor that is then connected to an inverter which allows the energy to be transferred from kinetic to electrical. A current probe and logger pro are then connected to evaluate the amount of energy being produced. With these numbers, conversions are made to see the relationship to the energy usage on the Marin Academy campus. Once we have both the total power needed for MA and the power the bike makes, we can scale it up to see how many people for one minute would need to bike for MA. The technology used in this project, of harnessing human movement (kinetic energy) and converting it to electrical energy can be used as communities attempt to evolve from using non-reusable energy to renewable clean energy, as this energy can be stored within batteries; it can charge anything from lightbulbs to compounds!
Location: SIC 207
26. Soccer angles
Etcheverry, A, Human Anatomy & Physiology
De Petris, G, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
In our experiment, we wanted to test the magnus effect on a soccer ball struck at different angles, and to see the muscles that were used to kick it. Our motivation for the experiment was that soccer is an important part of both of our lives, and understanding how the ball works, and how to kick it would further increase our skill and knowledge. The materials we used for our experiment was the Adidas Micoach Smart Ball, and an app that connected it to our phone which showed us all of our data. We found that anything under 100 rpm was a knuckleball, and anything above 210 rpm was a whip or curved shot with side spin. We also noticed that velocity (mph) fluctuated with every type of kick and did not have much correlation to how the ball was to be kicked. On the anatomical side of our experiment, we noticed that the leg angle at which the ball was kicked and what muscles contracted were completely different for the three kicks. The main fluctuating muscles were the tarsals and pedal phalanges which contracted on knuckleball shots, but didn’t on curved shots. Overall, we expected much of this data, but also had some interesting discoveries regarding the different types of spin, and how those would react the wind i.e the Magnus Effect.
Location: SIC 207
27. Jello laser
Huneeus, A, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Hauswirth, E, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Thomson, L, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
The Jello-Laser experiment explores the physics of optics and light, and specifically tests refractive properties (Snell’s Law) of light through a substance. As light travels through different mediums, the shift in medium results in the speed of light changing which causes the beam to refract or bend creating an index of refraction. To test this phenomenon, red and green lasers were shot through different colored Jellos (gelatin) that were placed in circular, square, and semicircle petri dishes. Testing the different forms of dishes demonstrates how light reflects at the incidence beam, and using different colored lasers through different colored Jello displays the absorption of light properties. Due to the absorption properties, when the laser is shot through the jello of the same color, the light shines all the way through the Jello whereas when the light and the medium are different colors, the light is unable to shine through. Additionally, as the laser shines through the Jello, the change in medium causes the light to bend, creating an angle of refraction.
Location: SIC 207
28. The speed of fidget spinning
Kinney, L, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Goldstein, I, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Fidget spinners have become a international phenomenon as the seemingly simple ADHD toys can be seen being used by people of all ages and backgrounds. With the emergence of this craze the question remained, “How can a consumer get the fastest fidget spinner?” In order to answer this question different fidget spinners were made, each with a different mass. They were then tested using a photogate to determine how the mass of each affected its velocity. As expected, the fidget spinners with a higher mass ended up having a higher velocity as the fidget spinners were using centripetal force to spin. Because some spinners had a higher mass, this mass was able to be spun faster as more of its momentum was being flung forward while it spun. With this information, new fidget spinners can now be made, giving the consumer the best products around.
Location: SIC 207
29. The science of skateboarding
Levy, S, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
McLeod, O, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Parsons, M, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
For our group, interest in the physics of skateboarding led to an experiment in which we wanted to determine the best shapes and properties of a functional skateboard. Using both ½” and ¾” plywood, as well as tools to cut and sand the wood and the necessary skateboard parts, we cut out three different shapes to test for both drag and strength. After sanding them down, standard trucks and wheels were fixed to the boards and we measured both the drag and how much weight each board could hold. For our data, we expect the shape with the pointed, sharp nose to be the most aerodynamic, and the ¾” plywood to hold more weight than the other two. This information can be used as a starting point to determine the best shape for the nose of a skateboard, as well as whether or not to make skateboards thicker depending on how much weight they need to carry.
Location: SIC 207
30. The effect of different rod materials on hearing through bone conduction: a comparative study
Rodriguez, M, Human Anatomy & Physiology
Bromberg, B, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Wuthrich, C, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Our experiment, “The effect of different rod materials on hearing through bone conduction: a comparative study!” seeks to understand bone conduction, which is the concept that one can interpret noise through their teeth. To carry out this experiment, a rod was attached to a speaker that had music playing through it, which thereby sent the sound vibrations through the rod. A test subject would then bite down on the rod to hear the music playing in the speaker. The purpose of this study was to determine which rod material would serve as the best transmitter of sound. Three different mediums were chosen: wood, plastic (acrylic), and metal (steel). Test subjects of various ages and gender were gathered. Each subject first listened to 15 seconds of a song played off a phone, and then were asked to put on noise-cancelling headphones. Then, each subject bit down on the first rod (chosen with a randomized process) and listened to the same first 15 seconds of the song. This process was repeated until the subject had tried each of the three rods. Subjects were then asked to rank the three materials on which produced the clearest sound quality and was easiest to hear. The sound quality was ranked best to worst with #1 being the best and clearest, then #2, and finally, #3. The results of the testing contained some general trends but was overall inconclusive. 50% of test subjects reported the plastic rod to produce the clearest sound transmission. 40% of test subjects reported the wood rod to produce the clearest sound. Only 10% of test subjects reported steel to produce the clearest sound. Though steel was predicted to yield the best sound quality due to the fast speed at which sound travels through metal, however, the plastic and the wood ended up producing the clearest sound. This discrepancy in sound quality between the different rod materials in part has to do with the major differences between the rod’s weight. For example, the wood and plastic rods were much lighter than the heavy steel rod, which meant that they were more affected by the nuances of the sound vibrations. An interpretation of this study’s results is that acrylic and wood are superior rod materials to metal when it comes to bone conduction. Though metal was expected to be the best conductor of sound, it ended up being too dense for the subjects to hear anything at all.
Location: SIC 207
31. Arduino powered automated planter
Schneider, S, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Schweig, K, Advanced Biology
Varriale, V, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
To promote a more sustainable lifestyle, the California population must cut unnecessary uses of water wherever possible. To this end, we constructed an automated planter that tracks moisture in the soil to provide the exact amount of water to the plant. Set watering intervals allow scientists to determine the ratio for growth expediting chemicals like Gibberellic Acid that require an exact water to chemical ratio. Even for household plants, watering consistency is key to have the healthiest plants that produce the most flowers, fruits, or vegetables. We began by laser cutting a wooden planter box, then programing and installing an arduino circuit to a soil moisture sensor that sends information to a DC water pump. The planter’s sensor works by sending a current through the soil to test its relative conductivity. If the soil is too dry, the pump automatically switches ON and goes OFF when the soil moisture reaches the desired level. All electrical components are controlled by a computer code inputted into an Arduino circuit. An Arduino consists of both a physical programmable circuit board (a microcontroller) and an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) that runs from a computer. With a changing climate and growing population, significant changes must be made to how we use our natural resources and technology should be at the forefront of this innovation. By cutting excess water and allowing for more people to grow air purifying plants and food, this model has a place everywhere from single family homes to California’s Central Valley crops.
Location: SIC 207
32. Sound visualization
Soofer, E, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Ulrich, L, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
In this experiment, we are examining the relationship between music and vibration through the use of a sound visualizer. Our hope is to gain an understanding of how varying distance and wavelength affects the light projected from the sound visualizer. For this experiment, we built a sound visualizer by expanding a balloon around a plastic cup, then gluing a small piece of mirror to the balloon, and stationing a laser pointer to reflect light off the mirror. We then tested how different distances and laser strengths would affect the size of the light projections created by the tones we selected. We chose five ascending tones to test how higher frequencies affect sound visualization. Our initial results have shown that the more powerful laser, with greater displacement from speaker, results in a larger light projection. Our findings will potentially lead to a better understanding of the relationship between the music that we hear and the vibrations that create it.
Location: SIC 207
33. Tonal and output differences between Humbucker and single coil pickups
Strawbridge, F, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Barnett, S, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
A guitar pickup consists of magnets wrapped in a copper coil which creates a magnetic field that is pierced by the string. The displacement of the magnetic field induces a current which translates into sound. The pickup, which is placed underneath the strings, amplifies the sound of an electric guitar. Our team wants to complete this experiment in order to determine what pickups will objectively sound best. The materials used for the wood base (to hold the string) are as follows: a single coil pickup, a humbucking pickup, a voltmeter, and logger pro to record and analyze the data. The pickups will be plugged directly into logger pro and the string will be played, allowing the software to record empirical data. After testing, the expected output for the single coil pickup will be approximately 1 volt, containing less high frequency overtones resulting in a more even tonal distribution. The humbucker is expected to have a 2.5 volt output and more high frequency overtones. Our findings can ultimately be used to determine what type of pickup would work best for a guitar player depending on their tonal and stylistic needs.
Location: SIC 207
34. Effects of songs on heart rate
Tan, G, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Jamasbi, K, Human Anatomy & Physiology
Our experiment explored the effects of different songs on heart rate. Our research question was: What is the correlation between frequency and heart rate? We found the central note of the following songs: Hakuna Matata- Hardwell Radio Edit, Weightless by Marconi Union, and Push it by Salt N Pepa. We then identified the frequency for each. The experiment began by measuring the subjects base heart rate for 30 seconds. We then played specific parts of each song for 1 minute. We measured the change in heart rate during the songs in order to find correlation between frequency and heart rate. Our first song, Hakuna Matata-Hardwell Radio Edit has a frequency of 928.57 HZ. This song resulted in an average change in heart rate BPM of +4.4. Weightless has a frequency of 146.83 HZ and had an average change of BPM of -2. The last song, Push It, has a frequency of 454.545 HZ and an average change of heart rate of +1.7. Shown by the data, we have conclusive evidence that there is a correlation between frequency and heart rate. The songs with lower frequencies created less of an effect on the heart rate while songs with higher frequencies had a more intense effect on the change in heart rate. Future research would be to explore the different aspects of songs on the heart rate such as BPM of the song or certain instruments/sounds within the songs.
Location: SIC 207
35. Creating a cell phone charger using copper zinc voltaic cells
Sherry, O, Advanced Chemistry
Ashe, N, Advanced Chemistry
In our experiment, we sought to find whether it was possible to charge a cellphone only using lab made multiple low-voltage non-lithium voltaic cells. Modern cell phones use USB (Universal Service Bus) and require a steady 4.8-5.2V power supply. Because our battery would likely fail to produce a steady voltage, we planned to use an IC 7805 voltage regulator inputting 7-35Vs and outputting a steady 5V. As the standard reduction potential of a voltaic cell made of our metals, Zinc and Copper, falls far short of that mark, we wondered if it was possible to combine multiple cells. Using 36 cells all made of copper and zinc metal placed into one molar nitrate solutions, we created a battery capable of producing 7V. We found that while the voltage produced was initially directly proportional to the number of cells, at around six cells, each additional cell increased the overall amount of voltage by a smaller amount. We kept most factors constant as we increased cells: each of our wires lost only about .0004V, we used the same solutions, and each cell had nearly the same surface area of each metal. However, given the differences in our procedure once our battery grew almost unmanageably large, we hypothesize that our inability to optimize the reaction in each anode or cathode (by sanding copper and zinc oxides from the surface of the metals) caused this discrepancy between our expectations and our results.
Location: SIC 206
36. The blueprinting process
Winnick, K, Astrophysics & Astronomy
Dixon, P, Astrophysics & Astronomy
Walker, A, Advanced Chemistry
Our experiment is employing the blueprinting process in order to examine which wavelength of ultraviolet light is most effective in its reaction with the chemical solution we mixed of ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide. More specifically, we are testing whether ultraviolet A, ultraviolet B, or ultraviolet C is more effective. We used three different lights, one labeled the Mineralight UVS-54, one from a fluorescence kit, and the other is a simple blacklight bulb that was made to be used recreationally. The blacklight had the highest apparent “brightness,” followed by the smaller fluorescence kit light, and lastly the Mineralight UVS-54 - the “dimmest” of the three. To test our light sources, we first soaked pieces of paper in our ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide solution, then exposed one piece of paper to one of our three different light sources for 15 minutes. We did this three different times to make sure there were no mishaps in the exposures. Right after the papers were exposed to the lights for 15 minutes, we lightly ran them under cool water to remove the excess solution from the surface, and then put them in a light-sealed box. From these paper tests, we concluded that the blacklight was most effective because the paper that was exposed to the black light had the darkest final result after being rinsed lightly.
Location: SIC 206
37. Assessing the biodiversity of the Sun Valley Ridge and San Rafael Creek
Fillippetto, D, Environmental Science
Pedersen, H, Environmental Science
Varagnolo, F, Environmental Science
Marin Country is known for its abundance of open space. These swaths of largely untouched land are open to the public, and their proximity to residential spaces makes them both convenient and popular for recreational activity. Although the utilization of Marin open space is beneficial to the lives of the recreators, it may pose a threat to the health of the ecosystem and organisms that reside in these spaces. This study aims to determine if the biodiversity of the Sun Valley hill is depleted by foot traffic and human interaction by using the methods of a line transect and “bioblitz”. The plant types, abundance, and geographic situation will be used to assess the biodiversity and overall health of the Sun Valley Hill. In conjunction with this study, PTI macroinvertebrate cataloging of the San Rafael Creek will help to illustrate how densely populated suburbs can impact the cleanliness of a water source and the health of the plant and animal life. Our results have the potential to impact public awareness and appreciation of these shared spaces. Through preliminary testing we found that an area with greater human impact left a less diverse area, while an area with minimal impact had an abundance of native species and greater biodiversity. In the creek, we found that the limited number of macroinvertebrates pointed to a medium to low tolerance for pollution, but that there was a significant amount of trash and pollution in the area as well.
Location: SIC 206
38. Indoor air composition around the Marin Academy campus
Gannon, S, Advanced Chemistry
Esquivel, J, Environmental Science
Whitescarver, J, Environmental Science, Human Anatomy & Physiology
At Marin Academy, there is an interesting combination of new buildings, such as the Science and Innovation Center, and old buildings, such as the Old Gym. The goal of this study is to determine what the air at Marin Academy is composed of, and whether or not building age actually affects the air quality. As a guide for our research, we developed an essential question which details what we hope to answer by the end of this study: What is the air, from different Marin Academy buildings, composed of, and how does the quality change based on the whether the building is new or old? In order to test indoor air quality, a combination of three different tests were used. First, air dust particulate stickers were left in the open for three days while particulate matter collected on them. Next, plates featuring fungal agar were exposed to air for an hour each, then incubated for three days, exposing any fungal matter in the air of the specific rooms. Finally, using both a digital tester and a manual method, O2 levels were measured in each room. The air particulate test was inconclusive, with varying results between new and old buildings, showing no significant difference in either direction. This inconclusive variance was also present in the O2 testing. The fungal test showed that new buildings do have better air quality than old buildings, with the Science and Innovation Center (SIC) and New Gym both having lower levels of fungal growth than any of the other old buildings.
Location: SIC 206
39. Examining the relationship between rainfall and contents of total fecal coliforms, E coli, and Enterococcus in Corte Madera Creek and McNears Beach
LeFurgy, J, Environmental Science
Julia, Fish, Environmental Science
The Environmental Science Honors class gathered water sampling data from McNears Beach and Corte Madera Creek since 2003. The class has recorded levels of different types of bacteria and nutrients including but not limited to Enterococcus, E Coli, and total coliforms. The data used for this particular study focused on data provided in 2017 and 2018. Many people recreate around and in these water areas and the bacteria that is present may have an effect on public health. For this reason we think our data can educate people on the risks of coming into contact with the water. This study explores the significance of this data and its connection to rainfall because of the effect rain has on runoff and washing bacteria, pollution, and animal feces into water sources. Therefore, we explored if there is significant evidence that the presence of rain 72 hours prior to testing affects the levels of enterococcus, E Coli, and total coliforms found in Corte Madera Creek and McNears Beach. For our research we gathered data using the Horbia water testing machine and tested sample water in a lab. We ran all data through a statistics simulation to get concrete analysis if rain has an effect on these bacteria levels. We found no significant evidence that rainfall influences levels of Enterococcus, E Coli, and total coliforms in McNears beach however there was significant evidence that rainfall did influence these bacteria levels in Corte Madera Creek.
Location: SIC 206
40. Measuring greywater: The search for the future’s purest water
McGinn, J., Environmental Science
Hobbs, D., Environmental Science
For our experiment, we chose to focus on a topic that is impacting millions of people worldwide: finding accessible, affordable drinking water. With contamination and pollution posing long-term threats to our potential drinking water, we felt that this was a timely and important issue that we could reflect on in our experiment. The actual experiment itself consisted of collecting 3 types of water (Marin Academy tap water, water from MA’s greywater system in the garden, and water from the nearby San Rafael creek) and seeing how pure the water was after testing it against 4 separate chemicals (iodine, calcium hypochlorite, water-purifying tablets, and chlorine bleach), in order to answer the question: “What is the best method of purifying unclean water?” After collecting the water, we filled 12 store-bought cups with exactly 1 cup of each respective type of water, and then paired with one of the 4 water purifying chemicals, where they were left to sit for exactly 4 hours. We then measured the amount of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in ppm (parts per million) and were shocked to find that out of all the water we had tested, Marin Academy’s greywater got the best score, PRIOR to being treated with any chemicals, with only 15 ppm. This led us to a conclusion that we hadn’t even thought possible when we began the experiment: that greywater on its own is an effective system for collecting drinkable water, so long as the water originates from clean, natural sources, such as rain.
Location: SIC 206
41. Testing the mutagenic ability of hormone supplements on bacteria
Lesh, R, Human Anatomy & Physiology
Owen, S, Advanced Biology
Korol, H, Human Anatomy & Physiology
Previous studies have shown that oral contraceptives and female hormone therapy may increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. By further investigating the mutagenic abilities of hormone supplements, the link between hormones and cancer can be strengthened. This study was performed in an effort to provide a visual comparison between the effects of the three most popular forms of hormone supplements: oral contraceptives, hormone balancing cream, and progestelle oil. Do these supplements have mutagenic abilities and, if so, what similarities can we find between them? Following the Ames Test guidelines, each supplement was diluted into four solutions, mixed with bacteria, and pipetted into separate plates with each quadrant containing a different dilution of the same solution. The raw solutions were dyed purple. If the bacteria in a well mutated, then the purple color would change to yellow. The plates were incubated for six days. All plates showed mutated results, with oral contraceptive containing the highest percent positive wells and Progestelle oil containing the lowest. Although this experiment exhibited clear results of the connection between hormone supplements and mutagenic risk, further medical studies are needed in order to draw a definite link between the two.
Location: SIC 206
42. The effects of meditation before a quiz on blood pressure and performance
Milliken, C, Human Anatomy & Physiology
Faber, S, Human Anatomy & Physiology
Larned, I, Human Anatomy & Physiology
Previous studies have shown that short meditations that last only five or ten minutes can decrease one’s systolic blood pressure by a significant amount. Additional experiments have shown that groups who meditated before testing found that they had lower anxiety and better learning levels, than the group who had not meditated. This study was performed in an effort to understand the effects of meditation on blood pressure and quiz results in order to determine the most effective way to prepare for an assessment. The procedure consisted of having four Freshman Biology classes take their blood pressure before and after taking a quiz, but two of the classes meditated for five minutes before testing. Although we observed that the classes who meditated before taking the quiz were much quieter and seemed more focused, the data said otherwise. The results of the different classes blood pressure showed no statistical significance, and each class’s average systolic blood pressures went down only slightly after the quiz. Additionally, meditation had no definitive effect on test scores. These results indicate that a brief meditation has no significant impact on blood pressure or test results. Therefore, meditation would not be necessary for test preparation to lower anxiety and increase performance. To build off of this recent experiment, it would be interesting to test the impact of different meditations on student’s test-taking experience, because maybe meditation will not lower their blood pressure or increase their test scores, but it could make for a better testing environment.
Location: SIC 206
43. How do optical illusions affect our brains?
Ferguson, C, Neuroscience, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry,
Hanley, P, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
Berven, B, Physics with Algebra & Trigonometry
During this experiment, a ‘neverending bloom’ was 3D printed. It was based off of the fibonacci sequence found in nature. When spun and put under a strobe light, the bloom becomes animated and appears to melt into the surface it is on. The materials needed for the experiment were a 3D printer, a turntable, a strobe light, and a backyard brains EEG recorder. It was hypothesized that when the optical illusion was created and subjects looked at it while having their brain waves measured, then a P300 signal would be visible because the P300 is linked to reactions to a stimulus. However, during the experiment, we discovered that the EEG was not sensitive enough to detect the P300 frequency with this stimulus. Therefore, further tests must be done in order to determine whether a P300 would be seen.
Location: SIC 206
44. The effects of nicotine and alcohol on a cricket’s action potential firing rate and amplitude
Jackett, E, Neuroscience, Advanced Biology
Lamarre, E, Neuroscience
Cigarettes and alcohol are two widely used substances today, making them important to research and understand. This experiment studied the effects of nicotine and ethanol, the active ingredient in alcohol, on the firing rate of action potentials in a cricket, Gryllus pennsylvanicus. After electrodes were placed in the cereal ganglion of the ventral nerve cord and the abdomen of the cricket, the subjects were injected with saline (control) as well as diluted nicotine and ethanol. The SpikerBox software was used to measure the firing rates of the action potentials/0.1 s with and without blowing on the crickets. The study yielded an average firing rate of 47.5 action potentials/0.1 s for nicotine and an average of 0.6428 action potentials/0.1 s for ethanol. The nicotine had a higher firing rate than ethanol, a result that is consistent with the known effects of nicotine and ethanol on the nervous system. Additionally, nicotine yielded a higher firing rate than the control, revealing that nicotine does have excitatory effects. The nicotine trials resulted in action potential graphs with high amplitudes, likely due to the excitatory effects of nicotine as an agonist for acetylcholine. The ethanol trials resulted in lower amplitudes and few action potential fires, showing the inhibitory effects of ethanol. These results show that nicotine and ethanol have extreme effects on firing rates. With a better understanding of nicotine and alcohol’s effects on neural pathways, scientists can begin to comprehend and research mechanisms and treatments of substance addiction.
Location: SIC 206
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