| Bubbles, Color Changes, Temperature Changes Are All in the Bag!
by Meredith Leighton |
How can we use chemical reactions with “clean” materials to mitigate the effects of pollution in the air and water? Presented through a lab and extension activities. |
| Engineering Health: Building Your Own Oximeter
by Genesis Bernabel |
The real-world problem addressed in this lesson plan is the need for accurate and non-invasive monitoring of blood oxygen levels, which is critical in medical settings. This will be presented to students through the simplified hands-on project of creating a prototype of a pulse oximeter. By designing, building, and testing their own pulse oximeter prototypes, students will explore the principles of wave behavior and electromagnetic interactions. They will understand how light absorption by blood is used to measure oxygen levels, applying high school physics standards related to wave interactions and technological applications. This project not only meets educational standards but also connects theoretical concepts to practical, real-world problems in healthcare. |
| Finding a Safer Alternative for Nonstick Pans!
by Ally Morin |
Teflon pans are known for being incredibly useful as a nonstick option for cooking; however, recently we have seen the harmful effects of Teflon (and other PFAS) as they have leached into our food and our water sources. First we need to understand why Teflon is such a great nonstick surface before we can start to brainstorm new solutions. You need to be able to defend a new solution for nonstick pans, based upon the properties of Teflon that we now know about. |
| Investigating the Effects of Gene Editing on Genetic Disorders
by Abigail Prisby |
As genetic engineers, you are being asked to present your newly acquired knowledge and skills at an upcoming genetic conference. Use what you know about Transcription, Translation, and Protein Synthesis to explain how you can use gene editing techniques to reduce genetic mutations. |
| PFee PFi PFo PFAS!
by Demetrios Kennedy |
PFAS research began in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that the chemical was used in a variety of products. The chemical gave the products it was used in water/oil resistance, so it was used in many products ranging from non-stick pans to fast food wrappers to even eye makeup. In the 1970s however, it was discovered that PFAS were found in the blood of workers and in the 1990s PFAS were found in the blood of the general public. In recent years, PFAS is in the blood of almost all residents of the United States, but why is this a problem? PFAS are difficult to break down due to the carbon-fluorine bond, which means that within the body, the PFAS will take a very long time to break down. This means whenever you come in contact with PFAS, it will continuously accumulate in your body over long periods of time. This accumulation can cause health effects such as developmental delays in children, high cholesterol, and even some types of cancers. The United States restricted the use of Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in 2009 and in February 2024, all grease-proofing agents that use PFAS are no longer being sold in the US, but other countries are still using them. It is our job to first spread awareness about the dangers of PFAS use, but to also come up with a possible molecule that can replace PFAS so our world can be a little bit safer. |
| Jitter Worms: How does caffeine affect your nervous system?
by Rebecca Cooke |
86% of students drink caffeinated beverages. Caffeine is found in your Dunkin Donuts, sodas, and energy drinks. But how much caffeine is too much? Panera pulled its charged lemonades off the menu after 2 deaths were linked to the over consumption of caffeine in those beverages. Your task is to create a PSA about the risks of caffeine consumption. Your PSA must include a model of how caffeine affects synapses and neurotransmitters in the nervous system. |
| Saving the Turtles!
by Samantha Simmons |
Due to human actions, many types of turtles are endangered species. To help save the turtles, I would like to implement a program that Zoo New England runs where a teacher and their students can raise a turtle in the classroom until it is ready to be released into its natural environment. However, before we can apply, we need to create “turtle tanks” to show Zoo New England that we have a place to raise the turtles and convince them we want to help. |
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Decomposition of Marble (CaCO3): Rate of Reaction Lab!
by Steph Korunow
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Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is an important compound found in limestone, concrete, marble and even the shells of shellfish! When Calcium Carbonate comes in contact with acid it will decompose. With increases in fossil fuels and carbon emissions scientists are seeing an increase in acidification of ocean and rainwater. This acidification can negatively affect important infrastructures and the health of ocean life due to the reaction we see between calcium carbonate and these acids. In addition the production of concrete, a key building material containing calcium carbonate, produces 8% of carbon emissions globally. Adding to the acidification problem we see worldwide. In this activity we will explore the variables that affect the rate of reaction between acids and calcium carbonate and how this relates to the production of concrete and the acidification of rain and ocean water. |
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by James Sheehan |
If you spend time speaking with the leaders of any community, you will find that even thriving communities have issues that they need addressed. While many communities have similarities, their specific issues may vary depending on the makeup of the community (cultural background, economic diversity, etc.) and its geographic location. After reviewing the UNSDGs, students will identify an issue in their community that relates to one of those goals. They will use their knowledge of waves to create a novel solution to this problem.
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