2008 Student Winners
Categories:
First Prize
Winner of ISEF Prize
Storm Holwill
Year 9 (2007) Marist Regional College, Tas
Project submitted by Science Teachers Association of Tasmania
Project Title: Just a Drop in the Ocean?
Storm investigated the use of algae for the production of bio-diesel and sequestration of CO2 from the atmosphere. She recommends that using marine algae minimises land space, eliminates the need for fresh water and thus contributes positively to reducing global warming. Storm concludes “From these findings I think it is clear that bio-reactors for the controlled growth of algae could be established in Australia as a means of sequestering atmospheric CO2 and converting it into usable plant bio-mass.”
Storm and Shaun have each won the ISEF prize, which includes a trip to the USA in May this year to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Atlanta, Georgia.
Second Prize
Winner of ISEF Prize
GRDC Award
Shaun Williams
Year 12 (2007) Keebra Park State High School, QLD
Project submitted by CREST
Project Title: Chlorella protothecoides as a carbon sink and biodiesel source
Shaun studied the effects of carbon dioxide enriched atmospheres on the
growth rate of Chlorella protothecoides, to find a biomass yield for the
alga and to test the energy content of the oil derived to that of oils
currently being used for biodiesel production. He concluded that it could
make a sustainable fuel source and should be investigated further especially
in combination with holding ponds in sewerage treatment.
The GDRC award is presented by the Grains Research Development
Corporation for the project which best demonstrates agricultural sustainability.
Third Prize
Sally Barrett
Year 12 (2007) Keebra Park State High School, QLD
Project submitted by CREST
Project Title: The effect of anthropogenic carbon dioxide on the shell development of ostracods
Sally’s experiment investigated how increases in atmospheric concentrations of CO2 would affect the shells of small marine creatures called ostracods,. The findings showed that shells became thinner and weaker with the conclusion that increased CO2 is harmful to life on earth.