2002-2003 Regional & National Awards

  First Place Winner at the February 2003 WV Regional JSHS:  

Kellen Calinger, Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy, Wheeling

Congratulations to Kellen Calinger, who is also the winner of second place and a $6,000 scholarship at the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium!  Kellen is shown here with WV-JSHS co-directors Dr. Ben Whitlock and Dr. Jeanne Sullivan.

ABSTRACT

CARBON EXCHANGE DYNAMICS:  CARBON FLUX THROUGH BIOGEOCHEMICAL COMPONENTS OF A TEMPERATE DECIDUOUS FOREST.

This research studied carbon dynamics in a temperate deciduous forest and designed an in-lab procedure that would model the soil and biomass components.  Sugar maple saplings were grown in elevated and ambient [CO₂]. Soil [carbonate] at two  depths and sapling height and circumference growth were measured. Surface water carbonates were measured to assess changes in the hydrologic component. The atmospheric [CO₂] was measured at rural and industrialized sites and an industrial site chosen based on wind patterns.  All measurements were recorded over three seasons to determine seasonal variations.

     Soils of plants grown in CO₂-enrichment display higher [carbonate]. Soil and water carbonates reflected seasonal changes that correlated with vegetative changes.  The rural site had lower [CO₂] than either industrialized site and the site eastward of the power plant had higher concentrations than the power plant site.  Biogeochemical components of a temperate forest can sequester more carbon under elevated [CO₂]. This carbon fluxes through the ecosystem; levels vary with changes in photosynthesis.

     Future research will measure soil-PCO₂ and assess the effects of elevated CO₂ on leaf nitrates.

Sarah Gutman, Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy, Wheeling

ABSTRACT

THE EFFECTS OF SPRAY COATED FIBER REINFORCEMENT ON THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE: A 3RD YEAR STUDY

     The experiment studied the effects of spray coated fiber reinforcement on the compressive strength of concrete.  After hypothesizing coated fiber reinforcement increase concrete strength, the nine coatings – hair spray, Elmer’s, Weldbond, flour paste, Acryl 60, starch, lacquer, rosin, and spray adhesive – were tested.

    For each test, the gravel, sand, and cement were weighed individually. The fiber was coated in a spray chamber and allowed to dry for one hour. After the dry components were placed in the mixer, water with air entraining was added.  The finished concrete was put into molds, and cured to state standards. Each sample was tested in a hydraulic press at a state certified lab. In Phase II, the procedure was repeated on the top five coatings using half the amount.

The remaining students who were eligible for expenses paid trips to attend the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium are:

Tawfiq Khoury (Prolongation of shelf life of produce by alternate application of ozone and CO₂, Wheeling Park High School, Wheeling), 

Mike Anderson ( Maintaining an Unstable Equilibrium Through the Use of a Fuzzy Logic Controller; University High School, Morgantown), and 

Paul Braswell (The Photoelectric Effect- A 2^nd Year Study, Hedgesville High School, Hedgesville)  

All of the students who participated are commended for the quality of the work they presented.

Questions or Comments:   wvjshs@wvwc.edu