A’S CUMULATIVE RESEARCH

TOPIC IDEA BANK

WARNING: 2011 NO GROWING PLANTS!

RATIONALE FOR ORGANIZATION

These topics are merely “seeds” that can help your research topic to “bloom” and “grow” in your mind. Your original twist on the topic is most important.

Rarely will you undertake the topic you initially chose, however, it is a starting place. It is crucial that you get started, read lots of scientific literature, then brain storm with somehow who can be helpful.

Sometimes the grouping is not perfect so make sure you review other groupings to insure you have a full perspective of what is possible.

STRATEGIES FOR SELECTING A TOPICHow can you quickly select a research topic?

These are some proven ways:1. Go through the data bank of topics or use others to share what they have done.2. Turn to an adult such as your parents, neighbors, place of worship, or personal medical professionals such as your veterinarian or physician.3. Community businesses and/or medical facilities can provide guidance. Overland Park has an inordinate number of medical facilities. By just driving around, you are probably impressed with the shear number of resources for research topics.4. Other: your textbook, online sources, library resources, and special organizations. Refer to the ppt. entitled: Honors Biology 1 Student Science Research Project for the web addresses.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• GETTING STARTED SLIDES 2-4• BOTANY/PLANTS SLIDES 6-8• GENERAL AND BIOCHEMISTRY SLIDES 9-10• HUMAN BODY SLIDES 11-14• MICROBIOLOGY SLIDES 15-17• MISCELLANEOUS SLIDES 18-24• WATER QUALITY SLIDES 25-26• TOPIC CHALLENGES SLIDES 27-29

BOTANY/PLANTS• Leaves – sizes, shapes, colors at different levels. • Is moss growing more often on the north side of trees true?• Comparison of lima bean growth using distilled vs fertilizer solution.• Levels of carbon dioxide on the rate of (Genus, species) growth.• The effects on growth rates of (Genus, species) through pH (choose special values) of mineral water.• Effects on plant height of (Genus, species) by using dissolved, powders eggshells of (which chickens?).• The effect of (name/types) composts on growth rates of (Genus, species). • A comparative study of the effects on (named grass) using rain water, distilled water, mineral water, and tap

water.• Comparative germination rates of (names of seeds).• Correlation of seed size and average growth heights.• Effect of 12 volts on lima bean growth rates.• Effect of (name water type) on height/health of (name plant)• Effect of soil type on plant growth• Effect of (name aquarium plant) on levels of oxygen in aquarium• Effect of season on growth of (name plant)• Effect of high temperatures on soil fertility• Growth effect of cyanobacteria when micronutrient rich Malis pumila is added• Effect of high content mineral water and growth/germination sped of (name plant)• Does light color affect mold growth?• Water and salt water as germination stimulants for garden beans

BOTANY/PLANTS (CONT.)

• Effect of sunlight angles on leaf angles on mixed Gerbera Daisies.• Salinity concentrations and the effects on the growth rates of Kentucky Blue Grass. • Type of soil (name soil types) and the effects on plant (name plants) growth rates.• Saline concentrations and germination rates of beans (name bean type).• Does microwaving soil affect the growth rates of (name plants)?• Effects of artificial light and natural light on the growth rates and maximum heights of Kentucky Blue Grass.• Artificial light intensities and the growth rate of (name plants).• Hydroponically grown tomatoes taste better than those grown in potting soil?• Tobacco’s effect on germinating radish seeds• Electrical shock’s effect on growth of (name plant)• Effect of biome type on (name plant) growth• Effect of magnetism on (name plant) growth• Effects of type of media with the addition of (name rooting hormone) on (name plant) growth in number and

average length of roots• Allelopathy of (name plants) growing in (name area)• Effect of salicylic acid on growth of perennial rye grass• Effect of light color on plant growth• Does moss really grow on the North side of trees?• Resistance and susceptibility determination of field beans from air pollutant ozone• Effect of light intensity on growth rate of Lima beans• Effect of sunlight on mixed gerbera daises stem angle

BOTANY/PLANTS (CONT.)

• Effects of temperature differences on carbon dioxide levels and growth germination rates of alfalfa seeds.• A study of carbon dioxide uptake by Crassula argentea.• A study of the exposure by 5 common household chemical contaminants in water used for (name the plant) growth rates.• The effect of nitrate levels on the grow rate of spirogyra.• Chloroplast fusion of unrelated plant species (name two) through asexual fusion.• Magnetic levels and the growth rate of chives.• The effect of desiccation on cell sizes.• The total biomass of the vegetation of (Johnson County, Kansas, SMESL).• Has the invasive species kutzu established itself in the greater KC area?• Effect of acid rain on root system of (name plant)• Effect of leaf size in compost• Aspirin’s effect on plant growth• Seed size effects of germination and growth rate of (name plant)• Effect of desiccation on cell sizes• Protoplast fusion of (name plants) through asexual fusion• Effect of different types of fertilizer on (name plant) growth• Effect of plant presence on CO₂ levels• Effect of water pH on plant growth• Effect of microsurfacing on the growth of bluegrass and fescue grasses• Effects of repeated tactile stimulation on the petiole response and recovery rate of Mimosa peudica leaves• Study of carbon dioxide uptake by Crassula argentea

CHEMISTRY OR BIOCHEMISTRY

• Carbon dioxide levels human breath vs plant emissions.• Sublimation of dry ice on various surfaces, or using other substances such as oil.• The chemistry of permanent markers comparing permanency rates of chosen colors.• Levels of carbon dioxide variations comparisons between empty. classroom and a full

classroom of students.• The pH levels of soil under 10 Eastern pine trees vs those under 10 white oaks.• Sampling and analysis of pharmaceutical contaminants of local streams.• Copper sulfate levels and the effects on sustainability of 3 algae species.• Effects of different levels of acidity in artificial rain on Daphnia magna in enclosed

environment• Measurements of phosphate and its effect on oxygen• Orange juice acidity levels after natural preservatives are added• Critical temperature of a YBCO superconductor• Effect of various carbonated beverages on a protein source• Sublimation of dry ice in different temperatures of water• Effect of different growth mediums on the CO₂ production of yeast• pH of apple juice in a variation of temperatures

Chemistry/Biochemistry (cont.)

• Effects of combination of dry ice and liquid nitrogen• Does the pH level of a liquid affect how fast it reacts with Alka-Seltzer in Alka-Seltzer rockets?• Effect of soil pH on the solubility of Phosphorus• Will mixing dyes of different lipophilicity with surfactants of different lipophilicity cause the most

lipophilic surfactants to show how the greatest solubilization of the most lipophilic dyes?• Effect of electrode voltage and percentage of hydrogen to nitrogen on sensitivity of a flame

ionization deterctor• Effect of pressure on melting speed of ice• Effect of different substances on the freezing point of water• Effect of amount of placticizer on polyvinyl alcohol film solubility speed• Effect of oxygen exposure to orange juice on absorbic acid level• Effect of water’s salt content on boiling point• Comparison of dissolving speeds of various brands of aspirin in hydrochloric acid and water• Comparison of boiling points of 10w-30 motor oils• Comparison of voltage exertions of different brands of batteries• Effect of monosaccharide and disaccharide on freezing point of water• Effect of concentration of sucrose on boiling temperature of water• Will hot water boil quicker than cold water?• Effect of pH levels on the growth rate of allium

HUMAN BODY• Peripheral vision ability of color sensitivity.• Comparative effects of (one genre) music on heart rates, breathing rates, and/or blood pressure levels of 14 year old

females to males.• Effects of meditation on physical performance of freshmen male athletes.• Comparative reflex measurements of freshmen boys vs girls.• Pets and blood pressure rates of adults vs freshmen.• Electromagnetic levels of various cell phones and the effect on systolic and diastolic readings (blood pressure) on

freshmen males vs females.• Comparative study of musculoskeletal flexibility levels of males vs female HB 1 students.• Effects of different liquids (name them) on dental enamel.• Searching for Occult Blood on Non-Medical Surfaces within a “Clean” Operating Room.• Correlation of weight of a freshmen female and the ability to do(name exercise).• Difference in performance of a human subject when wearing a Power Balance bracelet• Effects of BMI on athletic performance• Dissolution of medicines in stomach environs• Effects of bright light on pupil dilation of (name color) eyes• Effect of music and relaxation on learning• Effect of bribery/motivation on musculoskeletal flexibility• Levels of CO₂ exhalation in relation to exercise intensity• Effects of energy drinks on memory/performance• Effect of music’s tempo on heart rate• Effect of a magnetic field on a Circadian Rhythm of the eye

HUMAN BODY (cont.)

• Reaction time and the motivation of the human mind.• Heart rate and calorie burning differences for 14-16 year olds.• Effects of jumping jacks on the blood pressure of 15-18 year old males vs females.• Accuracy of peripheral vision comparing blue and brown-eyed middle school students.• Comparative study of “energy” drink consumption effects on. performance.• Effects of music on running speed with freshmen girls.• Gender differences in balancing periods using the lifting of the left leg.• The effect of chewing gum on the temperature of the masseter muscle (jaw muscle).• Effects of perfect water on human body while stretching versus stretching multiple times• Is it faster to run a mile on track or a mile of cross country• Effects of constant rhythmic exposure on running speed• Effects of light on pupil dilation process due to age• Effect of caffeinated drinks on the ability to run at ages twelve to fourteen• Lung capacity at different ages• Effect of meditation on blood pressure of (name group) before (name event)• Effect of physical exercise on hematological composition of mammalian blood• Effects of color on taste perception• Locating the source of a sound while blindfolded• Personality type indicated by body language

HUMAN BODY (cont.)

• The effect of chlorpromazine upon hemagglutination, hemolysis, and shape of Rh+ erythrocytes.

• The effect of physical exercise on the hematological composition of mammalian blood.• The effect of a magnetic field on a circadian rhythm of the human eye.• The blood volume rate change before and during exercise.• Platelet function (clotting time) influenced by antihistamines.• Comparative study of temperature between the right and left ears of 10 babies, 10

teenagers, and 10 older adults.• The effect of nitric oxide on cell lysis of human epithelial cells.• The use of biofeedback as a preventative to asthma attacks.• Does stress vs relaxed state cause an EKG pattern to change?• Effects of energy drinks on heart rate• Effects of different types of drinks on a human athlete• Effects of exercise on human body temperature• Effects of soft drinks on hypotension and hypertension• Effect of wind musicianship on vital capacity• Effects of heart rate on running performance• Effect of volume on human heart rate• Effect of chewing gum on the temperature of the masseter muscle

Human Body (cont.)

• The effect of being physically fit on heart rate recovery time.• The effect of playing (a musical instrument) and the heart and breathing rates, as well as

blood pressure.• The effect of memory retention and memory retention.• Comparison of mitochondrial DNA Base sequences as evidence of evolutionary relationships.• Comparative study of resting heart rates of 12-15 year olds and adults between 30 and 50

years old.• Is the standard temperature of 98.6 degrees correct for humans?• How resting and physical heart rate differs in (name group of people)• Effect of lead on humans• Effect of sport an athlete plays on flexibility• Effect of aging on human lung capacity• Effects of classification of sweeteners on blood glucose level• Effects of meditation on (name sport) player• Effect of attitude on flexibility• Effect of eye color on peripheral vision accuracy• Ability to distinguish color in peripheral vision• Percussion’s effect on heart rate• Effect of dishonesty on exertion during physical activity

MICROBIOLOGY &BIOTECHNOLOGY

• Comparison of microbial levels of bacterial growth within 5 household environs after using various household cleaners.

• Fecal coliform levels within (named bodies of water) above and below the Johnson County sewage treatment facility.

• Bacterial present on the surfaces of organic and nonorganic navel oranges (or other vegetables or fruits).

• Assessment of levels of bacteria present versus the distance from a “lid up” toilet.• Presence of bacteria on 5 handles in 10 homes.• DNA Onion Extraction vs from Strawberries.• Comparative bacterial levels of 10 human vs 10 dogs mouths.• Amount of bacteria in ice from 5 samples of 2 fast food restaurants.• Effectiveness of electrical current as a means of sterilization of surgical steel• Comparison of Escherichia coli levels in common locations for water access• Elimination of bacteria using heat from microwave• Comparison of bacterial growth in bathrooms for both genders• Comparison of bacterial growth on commonly touched surfaces• Comparison of bacterial growth in toilet water and fast food restaurants• Comparison of bacterial levels in organic/non-organic milk• Comparison of bacterial counts on different school water fountains

MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY (cont.)

• The effects of hydrostatic pressure on the microbiology of meat products.• Rhizospheres Pseudomonas Bacteria as biocontrol agents for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degradation

and phytopathogenic fungi suppression.• Ampicillin resistance in E. coli• What temperature is optimal for bacterial growth of from common surfaces?• Which of the following “dirty” surfaces: bathroom toilet bowls, computer key boards, cell phone buttons,

and front door stoops consistently have the highest bacterial levels?• Comparative study of the amount of bacteria growth between antibacterial and bacterial products?• Effects of different types of moisturizers on bacterial growth• Effects of mold growth on (name substance) in different size jars• Effect of garlic on bacterial growth• Effects of drastic changes in temperature on yeast repair enzyme effectiveness in response to UVB

exposure• Antibiotic effects of grapefruit seed extract on Streptococcus pyogenes• Is the enzyme-linked, immunoadsorbant assay an accurate indicator of leucocyte binding in the human

blood serum of systemic Lupus erythromatosus patients?• Correlation between bread types and mold growth quantity• Bacterial growth in re-usable grocery bags• Effectiveness of vinegar and bleach as disinfectants• Effect of microwave radiation on bacterial growth in red meat samples• Differentiating bacterial growth within the household environment colony count of various locations

MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY (cont.)

• The antibiotic effects of grapefruit seed extract on Streptococcus pyogenes.• A study of green, black, and white tea on the growth rate of bacteria from common surfaces.• Antimicrobial effectiveness of Cinnamonum verum• Effect of different types of chewing gum on oral bacterial growth• Bacterial growth in organic v. conventional carrots• Bacterial growth on apples after different methods of washing• Rate of bacterial growth on (name substances)• Comparison of bacterial levels in saliva of (name more than one species)• Effects of E. coli bacteria on different sized bodies of water• Effect of water temperature on bacterial growth• Unicellular microorganism growth between a controlled temperature setting at a subzero climate and an

altered controlled temperature setting at subzero temperature• Synthetic v. natural remedies for killing bacteria• Effects of (name substances) as natural antibiotics on (name bacterial strains)• Effect of heat and human saliva on bacterial growth in bottled water• Effect of mouthwash on production of oral bacteria• Micro bacterium growth due to influence of temperature sat fluctuating environments• Solubilization of C60 and its effects on phospholipid membranes• Ampicillin resistance in E. coli• Effects of hydrostatic pressure on the microbiology of meat products• Rhizoshpere pseudomonas bacteria as biocontrol agents for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degradation and

phytophatogenic fungi suppression

MISCELLANEOUS (cont.)

• Rate of dissolution of chicken bones in 5% hydrogen peroxide (store bought) and tap water.• The rate of drag based on boat hull types.• Filtering rates effect comparing fiberglass and pleated types of furnace filters.• How scientifically accurate are the predictions of horoscopes?• Rate of mold growth on cheddar cheese contained in 3, 10, and 12 ounce jars.• Preferred sweet liquids by Harvester ants.• Erosion rates comparisons of loam soil versus clay soil.• Strength comparisons of 5 types of bridge trusses in upholding weights suspended from them.• The most effective acoustical foam.• The affects of the increased consumption of sucrose and high glycemic, refined carbs on the Mus musculus growth

rates and navigating a maze behavior.• Absorbency rates of water and oil in potting soil• Effects of color on ability to learn• Effect of time of day on vehicle speed• Ancestry’s correlation with temperature preference• Comparison of effective filtering rates air filters• Oxygen production of high lipid Scenedesmus dimorphus, green algae, for the use in biofuels and environmental

applications• The Honeycomb ergonomic keyboard to aid physically challenged persons• Effects of various intensities of UV-C light on survival frequency of HA₂ yeast cells• The use of thymosin to enhance the lymphocyte production in mice• Determination of the oxygen-binding properties of heme-incorporated micelles• Correlations between dust mite and altenaria concentrations in dust samples

MISCELLANEOUS (cont.)

• Pesticide levels (state concentration levels) and the killing rates of bait shop crickets (name Genus species).• Absorption rates of motor oil and gasoline as liquid pollutants comparing two types of soils (name soils).• The effectiveness of sand and gravel filters of oily solutions.• The effects on adhesives exposed to thermal and cryogenic temperatures on the rolling and pulling

friction.• Heart rate of 10 adults correlated to caloric intake over 3 weeks.• The difference between amount of pressure sustained at the ends of the chicken eggs vs the “sides.”• The growth rate of guppies (or tadpoles) by pH value effects.• Levels of bacteria present in a pet’s dish water comparing dogs who chew on bones and those who do not.• Accuracy of 3 television meterologists over a 4-week period.• A degree’s difference on the outcome of a free throw shot• Effect of a fruit’s ripeness on the attraction of fruit flies• Number of (name species) observed in (name area)• Effect of temperature and time on the expansion of distilled petroleum• Effects of cryogenic temperatures on the operating efficiency of an induction rotary electro-mechanical

device• How tadpole growth is affected by water type• Does proximity to a building affect wind speed?• Effect of tank size on guppy growth

MISCELLANEOUS (CONT.)

• Verbal reactions of female freshmen to the obvious depression symptoms of a classmate.• Effects of the color of lettering (or paper) in high school sophomores on memory.• The effects of liquid nitrogen on the electrical resistance of 5 different metal wires of #4 gauge.• Comparative water temperatures of water containers and solar panels.• Which fabrics are the best insulators?• The best temperature during which carbon dioxide is released from a carbonated beverage (state

which types). • Effects of phosphate levels on Elodea growth.• Total visible percentage of the Moon’s surface over its 29-day cycle.• Does reduced fat products have fewer calories than standard products?• Effect of in vitro mechanical stress on gene expressions of cycloosygenases and prostaglandin E2

receptors in kidney podocytes• Differences and meanings of barks of prairie dogs• Effect of gender on accuracy of eyewitness testimony• Horizontal angle efficiency of wind turbines• Is audio or visual information better remembered?• Pneumatic boundary layer control improvements on aerofoil behavior• Possible adaptive significance of temperature-dependent sex determination in reptiles• Safe removal of crude oil from primary feathers of Anser domesticus using select skin care products• Can variable stars be used to determine distance to nearby galaxies?• Effect of chlorpromazine upon hemagglutination, hemolysis, and shape of Rh+ erythrocytes

MISCELLANEOUS (CONT.)

• The solubilzation of C60 and its effects on phospholipid membranes.• A comparative study of the filtering effect of various glass and water types of ultraviolet light using Baker’s yeast.• Asphyxiation due to carbon dioxide (from dry ice) vapor and liquid nitrogen vapor on crickets in confined spaces.• Comparative study of dust mite and alternaria concentrations in household dust samples.• The makeup of air borne particulate matter.• Chromatography separation rate differences in various colors of sharpie or vis-à-vis pens.• A study of the effects on the properties of slinkies using cryogenic temperatures.• Can a crinoid fossil be used as an accurate index fossil to determine Paleozoic Era life?• Efficiency of wind generators• Quantity of atmospheric particulate matter• Proximity of movement that will cause a cricket to cease stridulations• Effect of food calcium propionate in the inhibition of mold formulation on bread• How ultraviolet rays affect the length and brightness in the glow of phosphorescent• Effects of different cooking oils on popcorn• Adhesive friction in calescent and algid temperature conditions• Effects of temperature, light, and biorhythms relevant to harvester ants behavior• Comparison of the viscosity of various substances• Comparison of the result of caramelization of various types of sugars• Effect of temperature on crystal growth• Comparison of adhesiveness of different brands of duct tape• Effect of number of trials on a rat’s speed in going through a maze• Effect of ink color on reading speed• Effect of font size on reading speed

MISCELLANEOUS (CONT.)

• Can variable stars be used to determine the distance to nearby galaxies?• A correlation of sound intensity and blood pressure, heart rates, and breathing rates.• Safe removal of crude oil from the primary feathers of Anser domesticus using selected skin care products.• An investigation of temperature-dependent sex determination, development, and growth of Anolis carolinensis (reptile).• The critical temperature of a YBCO superconductor.• Polyhydroxybutyrate: a polymer produced and degraded by bacteria.• The use of thymosin to enhance the lymphocyte production in mice.• The effects of various intensities of UV-C light on survival frequency of HA2 yeast cells.• (apples types) starch levels over time• Effect of aroma on eating behavior of Mus musculus domesticus• Do non-toxic chemicals repel ants?• Effect of non-cyclical lighting on the growth of Vanessa cardui• Surface temperature’s effect on the adhesive properties of polymers• Reactions of Eisenia hortensis to sound/vibrations• Amount of toxic material coming from smoke of electric, filtered, or non-filtered cigarette• Correlation of different fabric insulators on cups of water• Durability of types of bridge trusses• Effect of cold on regular, semi-synthetic, and fully synthetic motor oil• Efficiency of drying clothes using microwave and electric clothes dryer• Effects of adhesives exposed to thermal and cryogenic temperatures on rolling and pulling friction• Verbal reactions of female freshmen to the obvious depression symptoms of a classmate• Temperature readings of a solar powered water shower• Extraction of DNA from order biomass• Searching for occult blood on non-medical in a “clean” operating room

MISCELLANEOUS (CONT.)

• Pneumatic boundary layer control improvements on aerofoil behavior.• Do more propeller blades equal more electrical energy output? Or does changing blade angles increase

electrical energy output?• The application of high Tc superconductors and levitation properties or Fabricaton of high temperature

superconductors involving yttrium, barium and copper oxides.• Honeycomb ergonomic keyboard design for physically challenged children.• The effect of cold temperatures on battery longevity.• The effect of soil temperature and biodegradation of biodegradable materials.• Micrometeorology measurement differences compared to general readings found on online.• Fluctuations of solar radiation levels and the amount of electromagnetic radiation reaching the surface of the

earth.• The average albedo levels of various local surfaces.• Wind speed difference at different distances from the school.• Time of day’s effect on dust particles• Study of radioactivity in granite countertops• Influence of canine breeds on memory performance• Different levels of magnetic pull in various metals• Correlation between antenna lengths and the signal strength of short wave radio• Effect of micro gravity environment on the formation of pearls• Effect of predator imitations on a wild Rana Catesbeiana tadpoles• Effect of different exposures of humidity and moisture on Ash Wood• Effect of Gene Dot1L on the over expression of BRCA1 in mammary tissue and the sensitivity to common

Platinum drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer

MISCELLANEOUS (CONT.)

• Carbon monoxide levels before and during the departure traffic after dismissal at South High.• Coating detector for low emissivity glass. • Comparative study of electromagnetic emission levels within the home, school computer lab, and in an

electronic section of a store.• Sound proofing quality of selected wall materials: drywall, wood, and glass.• Correlation of high pressure vs low pressure system and human behavior.• The decomposition rates of CD-1 knockout mice in diverse substance.• Do mind-control exercises along with meditation and goal setting help students resist cravings and

impulsive behavior.• The effects of temperature on the voltage efficiency of solar cells.• Effect of temperature on ozone levels• Effect of fecal coliform on algae• Relationships between face masks penetrations against stated pollutants• Effect of temperature on bounce of a golf ball• Effectiveness of filtration methods for tap water• Effect of temperature on battery life• Best combination of Elodea and freshwater snails to balance a limited ecosystem for the longest amount

of time• Effects of wire gage and windings on the electromagnet• Steganography of executable code in printable characters and pseudo-English text and the statistical

analysis thereof for exploitation preventions• The change that room acoustics cause to sound intensity levels

WATER QUALITY

• Comparing nitrate, phosphate, and pH levels in drinking water from (various sites).

• Levels of nitrates and phosphates levels in runoff water from residential lawns vs commercial lawns.

• Nitrate levels of (water source) and the relationship of Caddisfly (bioindicator) numbers.

• Effects of air temperature on oxygen, nitrate, pH, and phosphate levels of 3 sites in Indian Creek.

• Comparison of phosphate, nitrate and fecal levels from 3 samples of Johnson County vs Jackson County streams.

• The correlation of turbidity and air temperature on water temperature at 10 centimeters below the surface of Indian Creek water.

• Conductivity levels of various streams (name streams) before and after heavy rains.

• Use of benthic microinvertebrates as bioindicators of water quality in the Indian Creek

WATER QUALITY (cont.)

• Water quality of runoff water over concrete, turf grass, and native vegetation.• Aluminum 27 and Iron 57 contamination in Indian Creek and two different location

compared to tap water.• The effects of effluent water from the Johnson County waste water treatment

plant on the fecal coliform levels of Indian Creek.• Estimation of point source and nonpoint source phosphorus loading of SMESL

pond.• Amount of lead in Kansas City area tributaries• Effect of stream flow on phosphate levels in rivers• Using bioindicators for the determination of the pollution in Indian Creek• Varying pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen of water based on location• Algae growth and phosphate and nitrate reduction in waste water• Differences in pH levels of tap water in different bathrooms in the same building• Aluminum and iron contamination at 2 different locations in Indian Creek

compared to regular tap water

CHALLENGES and ATTRIBUTES PER TOPIC/GROUP

PLANTS – if they do not grow, you will have to start over. Plants often take more time especially if you are trying to attain great heights. A strategymight be to measure the germination or an early phase. But have little paperwork/forms to fill out and can be done at home!

CHEMISTRY/BIOCHEMISTRY-will usually take equipment and chemicals and safety precautions are a must. There are more forms to fill out if the chemicals are considered to be hazardous. Students really feel like scientists working with chemicals.

CHALLENGES and ATTRIBUTES PER TOPIC/GROUP (cont.)

HUMAN BODY - This is usually the most popular topic area, however, due to insuring safety, this topic area has the most forms to fill out.You will have to involve no fewer than 15 people.

MICROBIOLOGY OR BIOTECHNOLOGY – Researching microbes is an area that requires following strict procedures, filling out special forms, and devising measuring techniques. This area is also a favorite to research.

CHALLENGES and ATTRIBUTES PER TOPIC/GROUP (cont.)

MISCELLANEOUS – because of the great range of topics which fall under this grouping, each one will have special considerations especially forms to be filled out. This group offers the widest variety of topics.

WATER QUALITY – will involve the outdoors which can be a challenge especially if you are counting on rainfall. This area will probably involvechemicals and equipment which you will have to check out, be responsible for, and need to return in a timely manner.