NATA Young Scientists Award 2008 Finalists

Congratulations to the 2008 NATA Young Scientists Award Winners and Finalists

Click on the thumbnail images below to view full-size versions of the posters.

This year’s winner of $6,000 worth of science equipment for their school—Year 6, Esperance Primary School, Western Australia who investigated dissolved oxygen levels from lakes and oceans with differing salinity levels.

The aim of their project was to see what would happen to the dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in water from lakes and ocean with differing salinity levels when the water temperature increased.

They took samples of water from the ocean, 4 lakes of differing salinity levels and tap water. They measured the salinity level, temperature and dissolved oxygen levels on site and brought them back to the classroom. All samples were placed in the same size beakers and placed in a water bath. Then, samples were heated up from room temperature to 40 degrees Celsius and the students took measurements at 5 degrees Celsius intervals. The temperature was measured and the dissolved oxygen levels were measured using a dissolved oxygen meter

Esperance Primary School students discovered that the lake samples had algae grow as the temperature increased and this also caused the DO levels to be used.

Second prize winner of $4,000 worth of science equipment for their school—Year 5/6, Galilee Regional Catholic School, Victoria, who examined ways of reducing clean water usage in every day life.

The aim of their project was to harness the potential uses of grey water as a replacement for fresh water in various ways around the home and school.

They conducted a number of controlled experiments over six weeks, using water from the tap, bubblers, washing machine and shower. They measured this against the effects of using no water at all.

Highly Commended award—Year 5, Dunalley Primary School, Tasmania, who examined the best conditions for mould to grow.

The aim of their project was to investigate how mould grows and the conditions under which it grows better.

They tested the growth of mould on an apple under different conditions.

Highly Commended award—Year 5, The Friends School, Tasmania, who investigated the absorbency of paper towels currently on the market.

The aim of their project was to find out which paper towel of three soaks up the most water.

They used three different brands of paper towel, measuring cups, three plastic cups, markers, water and a clock with a second hand.

Finalist Award—Year 5, Mallala Primary School, South Australia, who examined ways of making solar panels more effective.

The aim of their project was to see if a solar panel could be made more effective by putting various objects over, near or around a solar panel.

Finalist Award—Year 6, Mossgiel Park Primary School, Victoria

Year 6, Mossgiel Park Primary School, Victoria, who examined the effect of grey water on seedlings.