ExploraVison National Science Competition Winners

Twenty-four billion tons of carbon dioxide are released into Earth’s atmosphere annually by fossil fuel burning industry and transportation activities worldwide. Increasing anthropogenic CO2 is driving global temperature increases that are harming the planet. Now, envision a future where beautiful, bright green Algatiles cover the rooftops of homes. Algatiles consist of a polycarbonate sheet that algae grow under and a sheet of steel that algae grow on. Algatiles offer an effective roofing alternative that counters anthropogenic carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The Algatile system supports the algae’s basic needs: fresh water, sunlight, and CO2 to photosynthesize. Five holes, seven millimeters in diameter in the polycarbonate sheet limit yet allow water intake. The holes also allow the algae access to the atmospheric carbon dioxide. Careful calculations determine that a single one-liter Algatile will absorb thirty-two pounds of CO2 per year. Algatiles will lead the way to a greener future!

Project website: https://www.algatiles.com/

Check out one of the Algatiles team members’ advice and anecdotes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n9XNnk8BfQ

Noise pollution affects people putting them at risk for health problems. Exposure to continual noise causes stress, poor concentration, hearing loss, and heart conditions. Recent research states that noise effects children’s learning. Autistic children that have sensory issues get overwhelmed with sounds causing them fear and anxiety. Wildlife and plants experience harmful consequences of noise pollution. Our RMF: Leaves Changing Shapes (Relinquit Mutatio Figura) uses liquid-elastomers (LCE’s) and 4-D printing, creating a leaf shape-shifting system that absorbs sound waves. Leaf pores are sound traps that capture the waves by using vibration energy harvesting flexible electrodes. RMF has a honeycomb nanosponge-like cylinder located inside the tree that will store carbon dioxide. Then the CO2 will be transported and used to make other products. RMF returns natural environmental sounds into communities so that we all can enjoy nature sounds while increasing the quality of life for all living things.

Project website: https://nstawebdirector.wixsite.com/leaveschangingshapes