2023 STANSW Young Scientist Awards Presentation Ceremony
Scientific Investigations Chemistry 11-12
Jonathan Allen , Lambton High School , Time dynamics of chemical gardens
A chemical garden is formed as salts precipitate out in a saturated aqueous solution . Jonathan measured the vertical growth rate of copper ( II ) and magnesium ( II ) salts in a sodium silicate environment . His results showed that there was an optimum number of moles for each salt that resulted in maximal growth . He also showed that growth was faster when the anion used was chloride , rather than sulfate or nitrate .
Danika Chan , Abbotsleigh , Benchmarking of Computational Chemistry Models for Radiative Efficiency Calculations of Small Atmospheric Molecules
Each molecule ’ s contribution to the greenhouse effect can be quantified by measuring its radiative efficiency . Danika evaluated 43 computational models in terms of their speed and accuracy in determining the radiative efficiency . The models covered a wide range of possibilities and her results showed that less complex models that take less time may be sufficiently accurate for these calculations .
Jasmine Virk , Ryde Secondary College , Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Acetaminophen Dose-Dependent Interactions Between Oxidative Stress and Cerebral Edema During Neurodegeneration
Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter painkiller used by most people , but it is toxic at large doses . Jasmine conducted a systematic review , ultimately using four relevant papers , to study the effect of dose on oxidative stress and edema in the brain . Her meta-analysis showed that there is a statistically significant difference due to dose with respect to these mechanisms of neurodegeneration .
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