Student Research Poster Competition Winners / Abstracts - Technology

MIDDLE/JUNIOR DIVISON—(Grades: 7—12)

Technology - 1st Place
Compressed Air: The Best Fuel You’ve Never Heard Of!
By Travon Jackson & Christopher Lamson-Marrero, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

What form of alternative fuels for automobiles is the most practical solution to the problem of fuel economy? Current fueling methods are showing harsh effects on our global environment. Emissions standards and constant surges in gas prices have negatively impacted the environment and consumers. From the use of websites like Aircar.com and Epa.org, questions were formed on relevant information for our topic. Fuel costs and efficiency were compared to strengthen data.

Some companies have released prototypes of air cars. Air cars are popular in foreign countries, with some countries ordering thousands of cars. We initially believed that air as fuel would be unheard of, but it flourishes as a practical idea. We learned that air as fuel is efficient and inexpensive. Statistics and facts suggest that air cars are the solution to a problem that has been difficult to answer.

Technology - 2nd Place
Water Purification Systems Using Solar Energy
By Jabari Nichols, Farmingdale State College

Global warming has become a front and center political issue for communities all over the world. The Nobel Peace Prize, which was recently awarded to former United States Vice President Al Gore, is a testament to the dire consequences of climate change. Participation in the Farmingdale College Science & Technology Entry Program (STEP) has curbed my skepticism and sparked my inquiry into finding solutions to global warming. To that end, my science project aims to use solar energy to purify polluted water, or salt water.

With the increase in global population, global warming, and a loss of fresh water, there will soon be no free water in the world. Major corporations that use water as the main resource for their manufactured products are quickly buying up water resources all over the world in order to control and corner the market. Water purification through the use of solar energy may be the solution to our future needs.

My project involves the design of a solar water purification system that can produce fresh water using sea water or polluted water. Using this purification system, the production rate of the water purifier is measured, and mathematical calculations are performed to find the size of a water purifier that is able to produce enough water for one person, an entire family, or a town.

Technology - 3rd Place
Solar Power as an Alternative Fuel Source
By Thomas Carter & Leandra Carter, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Can solar-powered cars replace the less-efficient cars of today? The cost of nonrenewable fuel is a global problem because increased numbers of people are starting to drive and rely on cars as a primary mode of transportation. Some individuals are concerned about the depletion of oil, and some are concerned about the costs to obtain oils.

The steps used to complete this research include analyzing the cost of fuel, the cost of production, maintenance, efficiency of oil, and comparing this information to solar powered cars. A consumer survey was created based on opinions of alternative fuel sources. It was learned that solar energy can be less wasteful, safer to use, more beneficial for the environment, and does not contribute to global warming. Experimental solar powered model cars were used in the observation. In completing the research, we found that converting cars might be costly, but is worth it to create a healthier atmosphere.