Bayer/NSF Award Finalists at National Championship Week
Stayed tuned for winners
Region 1
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Students: |
Rez Protectors
Recognizing housing shortages as a major problem on their Crow Reservation, these students realized the solution might lie in the piles of straw left over from farming wheat. They observed that some of the straw houses built in the early 1900s were still standing and discovered through tests that these durable, well-insulated, moisture-resistant houses could be an economical and efficient way to solve their housing problems.
Region 2
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Students |
Improving Communication Within Our Community
These students identified the lack of adequate communication as a major issue in their widespread rural community. Their solution is an internet community bulletin board developed and maintained through an elective web site course at Julian Junior High School, connecting different sites ranging from the Chamber of Commerce to homework assignment postings.
Region 3
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Students |
Nitrates -- Students Care
This team decided that public education was the best solution when they learned that nitrates were a major pollutant in the Upper Iowa River. They researched the causes and impact of the overabundance of nitrates in the watershed and came up with a plan to show people in their community what they can do to be part of the solution. They are distributing the information via pamphlets, town meetings and door-to-door campaigns.
Region 4
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Students |
Racism -- We Help Each Other
Concerned about racism in their community school, this team conducted a survey of their fellow students and decided that increased awareness and interaction between Native Americans and Caucasians would go a long way in creating better relations. The girls devised a program that provides opportunities for expanded interaction, such as a pen-pal program between all area sixth graders, an all-area game day for middle school students and an inter-school play.
Region 5
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Students |
Hot Rot
After noticing the amount of heat rising from a large compost pile, this team researched and developed a prototype system for heating water using "compost energy." With national concern about the continuing loss of fossil fuels and related increases in energy costs, they found that water-heating compost piles could supply an inexpensive and readily available source of energy for people who otherwise could not afford it.
Region 6
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Students |
Fishy Business
With the fish population and the revenues it provides on the decline in local Bull Shoals Lake, this team wanted to do something to remind their community to maintain their environment and its habitat. They proposed a visitor center that would be a "mini Bass Pro Shop," designed to educate and inform residents and visitors about the area they need to preserve and its natural resources.
Region 7
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Students |
LosTot
Concerned about the number of families affected each year by lost or kidnapped children, this team invented LosTot, a device designed to keep kids safe. The creative invention includes a receiver worn by the child with a matching transmitter for the parent. If the child walks away, the parent can transmit a loud beep, alerting them to the child's whereabouts and deterring kidnappers in the process.
Region 8
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Students Clean Smilers Tired of the maintenance necessary to keep their braces clean, these students took on the responsibility of creating the "Clean Smiler," a perfect toothbrush for themselves and other kids with braces. The clever invention is a fusion of several styles and designs of toothbrushes specially intended to clean between the nooks and crannies of braces. |
Region 9
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Students IllumaCoach After learning about the new electronic devices that assist deaf participants in hockey and swimming, these students invented the "IllumaCoach," a communications system for deaf students on local soccer teams. The clever invention sends varying light signals from the coach's transmitter to a receiver worn by the player, allowing a better way for all children to enjoy the popular sport. |
Region 10
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Students |
Bedtime Buddies 2001
Being afraid of the dark is a very complex issue for kids. This team invented two types of "Bedtime Buddies" as a way to make bedtime a little easier. The creative inventions are a teddy bear with "flashlight" eyes and a buzzer to summon a parent, and a pillow outfitted with soothing aromatherapy oils. Both are designed to bring comfort, reduce anxiety, and build confidence.
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