600 CHEMISTRY

By: Lilian G.Year: 2024School: University HighGrade: 11Science Teacher: Tim Smay Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a process where biomolecular condensates form from proteins or nucleic acids, plays a critical role in various cellular functions by housing diverse chemical reactions. However, the dysregulation of LLPS has been linked to severe health conditions, including tumorigenesis and neurodegenerative diseases. This underscores …

By: Madeline P.Year: 2023School: Los Alamitos HighGrade: 11Science Teacher: Lauren Helm In the vast landscape of scientific inquiry, even the smallest components can hold immense potential. In her award-winning OCSEF project, Madeline delves into the realm of nanotechnology, seeking to unravel the mysteries of platinum nanowires and their role in hydrogen sensing. With a carefully laid out plan …

By: Sophia W.Year: 2023School: McPherson MagnetGrade: 8Science Teacher: Danielle Garcia This fascinating science project investigates the effect of storage temperature on the concentration of Vitamin C in oranges. This research aimed to provide insights into the optimal conditions for preserving the nutritional quality of oranges. Using a redox-titration model, Sophia explored a range of temperatures, …

By: Teresa N.Year: 2023School: Westminster HighGrade: 12Science Teacher: Huy Pham In the realm of materials science, Teresa embarked on an intriguing science project aimed at synthesizing hydrophobic carbon quantum dots (HCDs) and investigating their potential as a fluorophore for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) silicone. By making PDMS fluorescent, Teresa aimed to address the challenge of detecting tears and leaks in …

From 2018, 9% of adults have said they occasionally vape, and from 2019 around 27.5% of high school students use vape products, both groups in the U.S. According to the FDA, 1 million youth e-cigarette users use it daily, giving an idea of how common vaping is. Tam’s OCSEF project sought to inquire about the …

By: Sydney B.Year: 2021School: Portola HighGrade: 10Science Teacher: Jeralyn Newton Steganography is the practice of concealing secret information inside of an inconspicuous carrier object. Sydney explored different methods of concealing written messages in the pixels of a digital image. Writing multiple computer programs that each concealed a given message in a picture, Sydney then tested …

By: Rakshana S.Year: 2020School: Lakeside Middle School, 8th gradeDivision: JuniorAdvisor: Mrs. Feng All structures we see outside are usually made of any type of metal, mostly steel. When it is exposed to any liquid and oxygen it creates a process called iron-oxide also known as rusting. Rust can change steel into different material, even material …

By: Geoffrey G.Year: 2016School: Davis Magnet School, 6th gradeAdvisor: Pam Brusic Geoffrey G., a 6th-grader at Davis Magnet School, entered his project in the Junior Division of the OC Science and Engineering Fair of 2015 – 2016. His chemistry project, entitled, “Break the Tension,” tested water surface tension. Geoffrey decided to participate in the science …

By: Ankita A.Year: 2016School: Venado Middle SchoolAdvisior: Bob EvansDevision: Junior Ankita, an 8th-grader at Venado Middle School, competed in the Junior Division of the OC Science and Engineering Fair of 2015 – 2016. She won third place with her chemistry project entitled, “Effect of Temperature on the Solubility of Table Sugar and Table Salt.” Ankita …