Annie River Crossings: Effects on Wildlife in and Around the Fort River Grade: 7, Age: 13, Massachusetts

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition?
I love being around water—swimming, hiking, canoeing, you name it. And I love animals—not just my own pets, but wildlife that need to be protected. In selecting a project for this competition, I decided to combine my interests in water and wildlife. After talking to some experts and reflecting on my own observations of local waterways, my topic emerged. It was a great choice because it allowed me to get right into the river, study the animals there, and learn more about a fascinating ecosystem. Hopefully, I can use my findings to help protect the wildlife I care so much about.

What is the most pressing scientific issue today?
Global warming is the most urgent scientific issue we face. Climate change affects almost all living things—in a damaging way. Unharnessed, it could lead to hardship and even extinction for many species (including our own). It is already harming the more susceptible animals. But I believe global warming can be controlled. It will require hard work and cooperation among scientists, governments, and individuals, but it must be done—and now.

What plans do you have for further investigations?
I hope to study the crossings of other rivers and streams in my area. Is the design of newer crossings better for wildlife passage than the ones I saw? Are the old crossings well-maintained or neglected? Will I find different types of crossings than the ones I observed on the Fort River?

I'd also like to revisit the Fort River crossings during a period of higher water flow—maybe during a rainy time in the summer. How do the crossings handle the higher water volume? Are land animals able to utilize a culvert if the water completely fills the space? Can water animals pass safely when the water is flowing faster?

What advice would you give other young people about conducting investigations in the natural world
Follow your interests! I think you'll enjoy your project much more if you pick a subject that's naturally fascinating to you. Maybe that means selecting an animal or plant species you are particularly curious about. Or maybe it means selecting an environment you especially enjoy spending time in/near—say, a pond, a forest, the night sky above your house, or the soil in your backyard.

Also, I recommend using a variety of sources for your background research. Look at books, journals and websites, and talk to people too. When you have the chance, ask questions.

Finally, don't get discouraged if your project doesn't go exactly how you planned or imagined it. It may take longer than you expect, or be more difficult, or require a strategy change, or produce findings that aren't as spectacular and surprising as you'd hoped for. Every step you take will teach you something and add interest to your final report.

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	Jacob Irrigation or Evaporation? Grade: 7, Age: 13, Florida

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition?
I live off a lake on a cul-de-sac. I have lived here for about four years and have been noticing a steady drop in the water level of the lake. I knew that evaporation could be a factor in the drop, but I wanted to know what was really happening to our lake. This was bothering our whole family. A little while later I realized that there were pumps on our lake and that they might also be a factor. I wondered if the water level drop was something that could be stopped.

What is the most pressing scientific issue today?
I would have to say it is global warming. I worry because it could have a dramatic effect on how we live and act. If the arctic ice melted it would flood coastal areas and devastate many people's lives. In particular I worry about deforestation because the forest vegetation holds about 22 years of carbon dioxide build up. When we cut down trees and plants it releases the gas and contributes more to global warming. I love the woods behind our house and around my grandparents' house in North Carolina. Overall, I think global warming is a more pressing problem than many others because it could effect generations to come.

What plans do you have for further investigations?
I wonder now if something more has changed around us, because the lake seems to have been dropping more sharply since we got here. I wonder if the rain has changed, or temperature or even if the aquifers have changed in some way. I think my sister might even do her Young Naturalist Essay on this. I think that from the information I gathered from my neighbors that the spring might be sucking water down into the aquifer, making the lake drop.

What advice would you give other young people about conducting investigations in the natural world?
I think that they should go into it not thinking of it as homework or just a project for school. They should pick an idea that actually means something to them. I think they should take their time and use as many resources as possible like the internet, books, and, especially, people. Most importantly, they should think of it as something they can do to learn about their world.

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	Russell Nesting Preference of the Alfalfa Leaf-cutting Bee Grade: 8, Age: 14, Utah

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition?
I have been a beekeeper since I was ten years old. One day I was looking up bees on the Internet and found out that there was another type of bee called a solitary bee. This surprised me, and I wanted to learn more.

What is the most pressing scientific issue today?
I think the most pressing scientific issue today is global climate change.

What plans do you have for further investigations?
I have been studying how honey bees arrange their hives by analyzing where the queen bee places her brood and worker bees put the honey and pollen. I would also like to do another investigation on solitary bees. I want to see if urbanization is affecting their habitat choices.

What advice would you give other young people about conducting investigations in the natural world?
Find something you are interested in, then study it to find out more.

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	Eric Investigating the Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Aquatic Organisms Grade: 8, Age:13, Maryland

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition?
I got the inspiration for my expedition when I heard a report talking about the unknown impact of silver nanoparticles (tiny bits of silver used for their antimicrobial properties) on aquatic ecosystems. The report talked about how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was looking into guidelines for the use and disposal of silver nanoparticles, but that these regulations might be as many as 20 years away. I wanted to find out what impact silver nanoparticles might be having on our waterways now and in the near future.

What is the most pressing scientific issue today?
For the planet, species loss and climate change are two huge problems we face. For humans, the issue of drug-resistant bacteria looms large on the horizon. It's very possible that we could face a future in which bacteria pose as large of a threat to humans as they did hundreds of years ago.

What plans do you have for further investigations?
I've got a lot of different plans for future investigations. I'd like to do some biotechnology work with bacterial plasmids, perhaps for a bio-remediation application. I'd also be interested in continuing my work with silver nanoparticles, except this time testing them on bacteria and other microorganisms.

What advice would you give other young people about conducting investigations in the natural world?
Find a topic that you're passionate about and really explore it. Not only will you have a more memorable experience because it's something you're interested in, but your project will be more interesting to others because your enthusiasm will show through.

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	Alexandra Filtration Capabilities of The Eastern Oyster and Soft-Shell Clam Grade: 9, Age:15, Maryland

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition?
Perhaps my most influential source of inspiration is the natural world itself. Every day I try to notice something that perplexes or astounds me, and I enjoy seeking explanations to my queries. In particular, though, the Chesapeake Bay has always been a source of inspiration. I remember my childhood elation at discovering matching shells washed up on a beach, or seeing the quiet beauty of a heron's silhouette against the sunrise. Even as I learn more and more about the bay, I never cease to be amazed by its natural beauty.

A few years ago, I found a clam in the river near my home and observed it meticulously. Although I was interested in its habits, I never considered how it might interact with its ecosystem. In the midst of researching the filtration capabilities of oysters, I recalled my fascination with clams and considered the experience in a new light. I wondered how the filtration rates of these two native filter feeders compared. If clams proved to be more efficient filter feeders than oysters, what might that knowledge mean for the bay? In an instant, I had developed the focus of my investigation, and my experimental plan began to emerge.

What is the most pressing scientific issue today?
I think that the most pressing scientific issue today is the loss of variety and individuality within ecosystems. I recently saw a segment on 60 Minutes about efforts to conserve rare seeds whose species are gradually becoming extinct as a result of mass food production. Food is an incredibly important but occasionally overlooked resource, and the loss of variety creates a significant vulnerability to disease.

What plans do you have for further investigations?
Many of my ideas for future investigations involve other natural means to improve the health of the bay, including the benefits of natural shorelines. I am also curious about natural influences on the bay, such as the impact of lunar phases on tides. Additionally, I would like to examine the effects of various lifestyle choices on the bay. For example, does the simple decision to use fertilizer or pave a driveway have a significant impact on life in the bay? Although I have many ideas, I believe that transforming these thoughts into a solid investigation will take time and inspiration to perfect.

What advice would you give other young people about conducting investigations in the natural world?
After resolving various challenges during my investigation, I appreciate the importance of patience and perseverance. At times, a problem or dilemma can seem frustrating and insurmountable, and one aspect of an investigation might require more work than expected. When this occurs, it is important to be patient and maintain a positive attitude. During my experiment, I made the mistake of combining several challenges, and I could not distinguish one obstacle from another. One strategy I found to solve this dilemma was to describe the problem clearly on a blank piece of paper and brainstorm ideas. Considering the challenge out of the context of my investigation allowed me to study the essence of the problem and eliminate the distractions posed by other components of my project.

Also, it is extremely important to be flexible when solving problems and while planning your investigation. If you are willing to think creatively and work around setbacks, you might discover alternate solutions to problems. During my experiment, this flexibility allowed me to make several quick decisions effortlessly because I had anticipated certain situations.

The last piece of advice I have is to appreciate the beauty of nature and allow yourself to become inspired by the natural world. Something that appears simple at first may turn out to be quite complex. Allow yourself to ask questions and take the time to learn about the world you are exploringÑthere might be more to it than you think.

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	Megan Colors Within: A Study of the Pigmentations in Deciduous and Broadleaf Evergreens Grade: 9, Age: 14, Texas

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition?
I do a lot of research in horticulture, so I wanted to investigate something in that area. After observing the change of color in leaves throughout the seasons, I was inspired to understand why and how that change happens.

What is the most pressing scientific issue today?
Clean air and water are very important issues in this age. We need to find ways to be good stewards of our natural resources.

What plans do you have for further investigations?
I want to experiment with pigmentation using a machine that is designed specifically to reflect the color waves from the spectrum, resulting in an accurate representation of the pigments in a leaf. I would also like to conduct my experiment all year long; then I'd be able to observe the pigment change throughout the seasons.

What advice would you give other young people about conducting investigations in the natural world?
Choose an area that you are interested in and pursue it. Often when we conduct investigations in nature, we come across the many problems our environment faces. This teaches us not only to discover the problem but also to find a solution to protect our environment.

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	Michelle Grasshoppers in the Rockies: Surmounting Alpine Challenges Grade: 10, Age: 17, New York

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition?
Living in Canada as a young girl (and moving to New York at the age of 9), I have always been conscious of cold weather. I worried about keeping warm, and I wondered how insects—and other kinds of animals without the ability to stay inside—managed to cope with cold. When I had the chance to travel to the Canadian Rockies, I was finally able to investigate the question by examining insects living in a very cold climate.

What is the most pressing scientific issue today?
I believe that global warming is the most pressing issue in science today, because the actions we take in response to scientific conclusions will affect many generations to come. It is also an issue that has the potential to build strong international alliances, because countries must work together to prevent the destruction of alpine and polar habitats.

What plans do you have for further investigations?
I plan to combine my data with those of other scientists who have investigated grasshoppers on nearby mountains. My goal is to gain a larger picture of the species that inhabit the alpine zone and the biodiversity of the grasshoppers in the area. I have also been working with a bar-coding project that has examined my specimens, and I would like to further consider the usefulness of bar-coding for grasshopper research.

What advice would you give other young people about conducting investigations in the natural world?
I would advise other young researchers to keep asking questions and to remain curious about the many wonders and unresolved issues in our world, even though the answers may seem hard to find. It is also important to keep your eye on the goal; the feeling of satisfaction that comes with drawing conclusions about an interesting phenomenon is well worth the hard work.

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	Sarah Birds of a Feather Feed Together Grade: 10, Age: 15, Virginia

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition?
Every morning I would sit at my kitchen table, eat a quick breakfast, and occasionally look out the window to find a couple of birds sitting on the porch railing, eating from the two bird feeders my family has on our deck. I live in a development with 175 houses, and I was always astonished to see birds at our house, eating from our feeders. My entire family is made up of avid bird watchers, so I have known and appreciated birds all my life. I realized that the birds visiting my house each day have lived in the area for a long time, and they continue to live here even though many of their food sources were destroyed when the neighborhood was constructed. The birds rely somewhat on the bird feeders families have placed around their homes, and I wondered if certain species of birds have a preference for certain types of seeds.

What is the most pressing scientific issue today?
Global warming is clearly the most important scientific issue of the present because we all are affected by it, and we all share the responsibility of taking care of the world.

What plans do you have for further investigations?
I am continuing to feed the birds in my neighborhood with the two bird feeders on my deck. I now take into consideration which seeds I put in the feeders because of the types of birds that commonly come to my house. Besides studying birds, I continue to study my environment and make observations about the habitat around me, which helps me to understand and appreciate where I live.

What advice would you give other young people about conducting investigations in the natural world?
They need to find something in their natural environment that interests them and makes them want to learn more about the area they live in. The topic of their investigation should be something they are passionate about and truly want to understand. Making observations before actually conducting an investigation is helpful in discovering what you want to know about your environment. However, the most important aspect to keep in mind when conducting an investigation is that you are only a visitor in the environment and should treat all things carefully and not harm whatever you are trying to understand.

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	Jennifer Gestural Communication by a Group of Western Lowland Gorillas Grade: 11, Age: 16, New York

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition?
I have been interested in primates for as long as I can remember, and once I started my research, great apes became my passion. I have always been interested in their behavior, and they are magnificent animals. I knew that primates were highly intelligent, but I have always wondered how intelligent they actually are. I became very interested in studying primate cognition and behavior, but I wasn't sure what aspect of it I wanted to study. Once I saw my mentor's website about the gestural communication of primates, I was immediately intrigued. I never knew that gorillas and other apes had such a system of communication, and I wanted to learn more about it. I did a lot of research and decided that I wanted to study the gestures used by one group of gorillas at the Bronx Zoo, as there were no records of what gestures this group actually uses.

What is the most pressing scientific issue today?
I would have to say that the most pressing scientific issue today is global warming. As the temperature increases, all living things are negatively affected. We are already beginning to see these effects, as glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, and warmer weather is causing many different species of animals to struggle to survive. If the issue of global warming is not dealt with, it will impact every aspect of our lives, and many of its effects are irreversible.

What plans do you have for further investigation?
This summer I will be studying the facial expressions of western lowland gorillas and whether or not they change with the onset of a gesture. I am also interested to see if differing facial expressions have an effect on the result of a gesture. No research of this type has been completed to date, and I am excited to see the results. In the future, I hope to continue to study primate behavior, as well as cognition, through captive studies and fieldwork in either Africa or Indonesia.

What advice would you give other young people about conducting investigations in the natural world?
Pick a topic that you are truly interested in, and you will enjoy every minute of your research! Curiosity is key—always ask questions. Questions are the basis of research. Talk to a lot of scientists—the more people you contact, the more knowledge you gain. Most importantly, follow your dreams, and never let anyone bring you down. Nothing is impossible, and if you are passionate about something, go for it!

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	Lauren Juvenile Blue Crab Cannibalism Grade: 11, Age: 17, Maryland

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition?
I was inspired for my research project from several areas. I have always enjoyed the bay and marine life, and since I have spent so much time enjoying its beauty, I felt I had the responsibility to give back to it in some way, which I found I could do through researching blue crabs, a vital species to the Chesapeake Bay. I also got inspiration from volunteering last summer at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, where I got to work with people who devote every day to helping the fragile marine world and experienced such a huge wealth of knowledge. I saw that many visitors were interested in marine life, and thought that it was our duty to save this precious ecosystem for the next generation.

What is the most pressing scientific issue today?
I think the most pressing scientific issues today center around the irreversible toll of humans on the natural world. Many people get caught up in the controversy over global warming, though the issue of human impact extends far beyond the scope of global warming. From our own communities to the national and global level, human impact needs to be addressed with scientific evidence so we can all work together to make this a better world for future generations, as these problems will only worsen with time.

What plans do you have for further investigations?
I definitely hope to continue researching species vital to the Chesapeake Bay. I am taking another science research class next year, and am looking forward to doing an even bigger and better project, since I could learn from mistakes I made during my first research project. I may continue to work with blue crabs, but I would really like to do a project with horseshoe crabs, because they are a really unique species.

What advice would you give other young people about conducting investigations in the natural world?
The most important advice I would give to young people about conducting investigations in the natural world is to be flexible. If the project you originally have in mind doesn't work out due to funding, materials or other constraints, don't give up. You could look at the project in a different scope, or talk to someone with more knowledge about research than you. Often if there are obstacles in the way, then another project may be the better route for a young researcher. My original project fell through, so I am definitely glad I chose the project I did.

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	David Providing Habitat for Threatened Drymarchon corais couperi Utilizing Gopherus polyphemus Burrows Grade: 12, Age 17, Florida

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition?
I received my inspiration for my expedition from my surroundings. I observed the elements of nature around me and decided to take action. I remember seeing a specific species of snake, the Eastern indigo snake, in a local nature sanctuary during my childhood. As I grew older, the chance of seeing one of these snakes declined greatly. Therefore, I decided to design and construct a habitat that the snakes could utilize as a suitable alternative. Without observing my surroundings, I would never have thought of doing this project. From my experience, I would recommend that when you start a long-term project, choose something that interests you and run with that idea.

What is the most pressing scientific issue today?
The most pressing issue today in the scientific field is the decline in the number of potential scientists. With the decline of research scientists, many ideas are going untested. In general, the U.S. does not produce enough mathematicians and scientists to fuel the fire that is research, with the result that our nation has to look elsewhere for scientists. I hope that within the near future, more younger Americans, like me, will take an in-depth look at the changing world and feel the need to become involved in changing it for the better via scientific careers.

What plans do you have for further investigations?
I have always been interested in scientific research. I plan in the next few years to get involved in research in a university setting. I will attend a top-ranked research university next year in hopes of becoming involved in research that will sharpen my scientific inquiry skills. The skills that you learn in any type of research are skills that will help you in many ways. The time you spend researching today will open a vast number of opportunities for the rest of your life.

What advice would you give other young people about conducting investigations in the natural world?
Conducting investigations in the natural world will benefit society and help you for the rest of your life.

Something that is extremely important is to find a mentor. In my own case, Mr. Rhea McKinney has been my mentor for the last four years. I have learned so much from him and can attribute my success to him, along with many others.

Another idea I would stress is never to give up. If you try one more time, you might find what you are looking for. I spent four years researching but found no success until midway into my second year of research. If I had quit after the first 16 to 18 months, many of the opportunities that I have today would be only a distant dream. Therefore, always try one more time, because you might find success. To have a goal and commitment cannot be underestimated; however, with persistence, the fuel for future success is generated.

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	Zaki Resilience of a Red Sea Fringing Coral Reef Under Extreme Environmental Conditions: A Four Year Study Grade: 12, Age: 17, Florida

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition?
I have loved to swim and snorkel since I was around 5 years old. I initially fell in love with the ocean and the unique beauty it offered. My parents taught me to respect and appreciate the beach, the ocean, and its inhabitants. In fifth grade, I did a report on Jacques Cousteau, and he became my hero.

Then, five years ago, I made an amazing discovery that would soon become a large part of my life. I stumbled upon a pristine fringing coral reef in the northern Red Sea, just blocks away from the beach that I been coming to every summer. Uncertain about exactly what I would do with this discovery, I resolved that I would document the reef as man encroached upon the region. The implications of this discovery were vast, beyond what I initially imagined. As with most scientific endeavors, my discovery provided new and fascinating information about one of the key global issues of our time.

Since that moment, I have satisfied my passion for the ocean, as well as for science, by completing four years of dedicated and detailed research studying this reef. As time went by, I realized that my long-term reef assessment is the first of its kind in the Red Sea's Gulf of Suez, and that very little was known about this region. Even the types of coral and fish that inhabit this region are largely undocumented. Also, the reefs here are located at the highest-known latitudes for tropical and semi-tropical reefs, and are exposed to extreme environmental conditions. This determination, and being the first to gather data in the region, makes my data invaluable information in man's struggle to preserve these fragile and dying wonders. The sudden worldwide die-off of coral reefs due to bleaching events, disease, and man's influences is taking the spotlight among global concerns and requires quick action if anything is to be done to halt what appears to be within our control.

What is the most pressing scientific issue today?
I personally believe that the most pressing scientific issue we are faced with today is global warming. In just the past few decades, our planet has undergone environmental shifts at rates greater than ever seen before. If the global community is unwilling to put forth a real effort to combat the main contributors to global warming, its effects may become irreversible. We are already witnessing unprecedented sea level rise, species extinctions, polar ice-melt, and ocean warming. Warming will have drastic consequences for man as well as for the creatures with which we share this earth. With fast and decisive action from today's scientists and legislators, there is still hope; through education, awareness, and activism, we can all do our part to combat this global threat.

What plans do you have for further investigation?
Given such a unique and important opportunity, I plan to continue monitoring the health of this reef well into my college years. In doing so, I will be able to more closely follow its fate by documenting the long-term effects of the oil spill I witnessed in 2005 on the coral reef community. I would also like to take a closer look at some of the individual coral diseases that I recognized on my reef, and continue to document changes in reef health. Since this is the very first study of its kind for the Gulf of Suez, one of my priorities is to make the information available to other scientists around the world in order to better aid them in their own research efforts.

I have already begun presenting my results at various meetings and conferences and having my work published, so that researchers who are interested in similar studies in this region will have something to refer to, as well as to compare with their own results. However, my ultimate goal is to use my research to better educate the public, specifically those communities whose lifestyles most directly influence these fragile ecosystems. By alerting them to what the problems are and how to prevent them, we can begin to truly make a positive difference in the world in which we live.

What advice would you give other young people about conducting investigations in the natural world?
Select a project you are passionate about studying because if you are truly interested in a topic, it will be reflected in your work. You need to find something that sparks your curiosity and is important to advancing science. If you are researching something important to you, you will be more motivated and inspired. Scientific research provides a wonderful opportunity for intellectual and personal growth.

Planning your research is key. Make use of the library and the Internet to find a niche where you can create something original. When you pick a topic, find as much background information as possible so that you have a good basis to begin. Don't be afraid to ask grown-ups, scientists, and experts in the field for help. It's amazing how willing they are to help a serious student!

The natural world has so many mysteries and delights that your work can become an adventure. Keep your curiosity with you at all times, and have flexible expectations. Be forewarned: When you want rain; expect it not to rain, so always have a backup plan. Pick up where others have left off, and do not be afraid to question and investigate the curious things you see in your daily life. Also, explore different ways to collect and interpret data, because you may find that one method works better than another. My work has shown that even a kid can make a difference in our understanding of the world. Always remember to be respectful of the natural environment you are exploring and set an example for others!

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	Anastasia Anthropogenic Radionuclides in the Estuarine Environment Near a Boiling Water Nuclear Reactor Grade: 12, Age: 18, Pennsylvania

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition?
This is the fifth year that I have conducted research in the Barnegat Bay, and the third year that I have studied the Oyster Creek nuclear reactor, the oldest operating nuclear reactor in the United States. Since I began my study in 2005, I have been concerned about how the reactor appears to have changed the waterways surrounding it. I have learned a lot about the impact the reactor has had on the benthic, plankton, and microbial communities and the water quality. I wanted to see if the radionuclides that are produced in the reactorÕs operation would show up in the waterways. My essay describes my study of radionuclides in the waters in the vicinity of the nuclear reactor.

What is the most pressing scientific issue today?
I think global warming is the most pressing question, because it has potentially devastating impacts on future generations. A new issue, which could surpass global warming, is food shortage, although the two are closely linked.

What plans do you have for further investigation?
Yes. Even though "science competitions" are over, at least as they are know in high school, I hope to do a lot of research in college, and I am looking forward to the resources I know will be available in the laboratories. This summer I am going to continue my research in the Barnegat Bay estuary, just for the enjoyment of the research.

What advice would you give other young people about conducting investigations in the natural world?
Every time someone asks me this, my answer is the same. The most important thing is to find something that really interests you, so you will be able to spend the hours and do the hard work that is involved in a good project. Also, it is important to remember that a simple project, well done, is much better than a complex project that is superficially done. Try to anticipate the supplies and equipment you will need and have them before you begin.

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