Penn State Mont Alto Research Award winners

For the second straight year, Penn State Mont Alto has provided an award for the Franklin Science and Technology Fair: The Penn State Mont Alto Research Award. The award is presented to the individual student in each division who's project best exemplifies creativity using the scientific method. The prize consists of an award certificate (created by Prof. Hawkins) and a $100 U.S. Savings Bond. Here are the winning projects for 1999 (more information on the projects will be provided later):

The Primary Division (grades 1-3)

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Title: Rust or Bust?
Student: Gabrielle Yeager
School: Portico Elementary
Description: Studied the effect of different environments on rust. Steel wool was placed in 5 different environments:
  • dry, but open to air
  • under tap water, open to air
  • under tap water, closed to air
  • on a damp cloth, open to air
  • under salt water, open to air
    • .

    The Intermediate Division (grades 4-6)

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    Title: Incredible Insulators
    Student: Ellen E. Kroepil
    School: Scotland Elementary
    Description: Studied the effect of different insulating materials on the temperature in an enclosed container. Eight different insulating materials were used, from shredded newspaper to fiberglass insulation; the containers were placed outside on different days, and temperature changes were measured.

    The Middle Division (grades 7-8)

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    Title: What Color Absorbs the Most Heat?
    Student: Alison Ervin
    School: Greencastle-Antrim Middle School
    Description: Studied the effect of color on heat absorption. Small "houses" made of popsicle sticks - unpainted and painted black, blue and white - were illuminated by a bright lamp. Temperature change within each "house" was measured.

    The Junior Division (grades 9-10)

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    Title: Do Adults Have a Steadier Hand Than Children?
    Student: Suzanne Hartt
    School: Greencastle Antrim Middle School
    Description: Studied the effect of age on motor control, using a variation of a popular carnival game.

    The Senior Division (grades 11-12)

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    Title: Plant Hormones: The effect of auxin and ethylene on growing pea plants
    Student: Akemi Miller
    School: Chambersburg Area Senior High School
    Description: Studied the effect of different hormones on plant growth.


    Last updated: Fri Apr 02 10:38:08 EDT 1999 by Mike Doncheski

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