Chronicle
Cedar Hill Preparatory School
152 Cedar Grove Lane Somerset, NJ 08873
732-356-5400
www.cedarhillprep.com
Chief Education Officer / Founder
Nandini Menon, Ed.D.
School Principal
Donald Seeley
Magazine Staff
Editor-In-Chief
Srinidhi Rajagopal
Art Director / Designer
Ellen F. Kane
Creative Content Advisors
Lisa Simon
Yasmeen Villafranca
Contributors
Nirvan Soni, 5th Grade
Aalya Popli, 7th Grade
Grace Liu, 7th Grade
Ava Parekh-Patel, 7th Grade
Demitria Rott, 7th Grade
Pragnya Banigallapati, 6th Grade
Lily Trotta, 6th Grade
Tanish Patel, 6th Grade
Sanam Sahdev, 3rd Grade
Sahasra Genupur, 6th Grade
Arsh Dandona, 7th Grade
Nehemiah Kim, 5th Grade
Aryan Cherukuri , Class of 2024
Aakash Nath, Class of 2024
Sophia Lai, Class of 2024
Miraya Shukla, 5th Grade
Isha Gupta, 5th Grade
Samarth Dakhera, 5th Grade
Daanyal Ghafoor, 5th Grade
Aiden Nguyen, 5th Grade
On the Cover
Peeping Squirrel
Photography by Arsh Dandona, 7th Grade
Letter from the editor-in-Chief
Welcome to the inaugural edition of our school magazine! It is with great pleasure and excitement that we introduce this first edition, a testament to the creativity, talent, and dedication of our school community. This magazine serves as a platform to showcase the diverse array of voices, stories, and achievements that make Cedar Hill Prep unique.
Within these pages, you will find a tapestry of articles, artwork, poetry, and more, each piece representing a part of our collective journey. From insightful reflections on current events to heartfelt expressions of creativity, the content within reflects the vibrant spirit of our school.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all contributors, whose passion and enthusiasm have brought this magazine to life. Your voices enrich our community and inspire us all.
As we embark on this new endeavor, we invite you to immerse yourself in the stories, experiences, and perspectives shared within these pages. May this magazine serve as a celebration of our past, a reflection of our present, and an inspiration for our future.
Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Warm regards, Srinidhi Rajagopal, Editor-In-Chief
Preface
Creating this magazine has been a labor of love, made possible by the dedication and hard work of our editorial team, contributors, and the unwavering support of our faculty and administration. Each piece featured here represents not just an individual effort, but a collective expression of our shared experiences and aspirations. Thank you for joining us on this journey. We hope you find inspiration, enjoyment, and a deeper connection to the CHP spirit within these pages.
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
— Malcolm X
3 You Among the Rest Nirvan Soni, 5th Grade
As I Gaze in the Mirror
Aalya Popli, 7th Grade 4 Beyond The Screen
Grace Liu, Ava Parekh-Patel, and Demitria Rott, 7th Graders
6 The Wrath of the Volcano (Conflict) and (Resolution) Pragnya Banigallapati and Lily Trotta, 6th Graders
7 The Aftermath
Tanish Patel, 6th Grade
Demitria Rott, 7th Grade 11 New Nature’s Canvas Sahasra Genupur, 6th Grade
12 Peeping Squirrel (Cover Image)
Photography by Arsh Dandona, 7th Grade 13 Capturing Nature’s Essence
Photography by Arsh Dandona, 7th Grade
15 A Hero to a Villain Nehemiah Kim, 5th Grade 16 Under the Apple Blossom Tree Lily Trotta, 6th Grade 18 Stroke of Brilliance
Aryan Cherukuri, Class of 2024
19 An Awakening
Aakash Nath, Class of 2024
Canoe Mishap
Sophia Lai, Class of 2024
21 Does the Temperature of Water Affect Plant Growth?
Isha Gupta, Samarth Dakhera, Daanyal Ghafoor, Aiden Nguyen, and Miraya Shukla, 5th Graders
ofWhispers Wonder
Poems by Middle School Students
A heartfelt collection showcasing the poetic talents of our young writers. This anthology captures the vibrant emotions, keen observations, and imaginative flights of our middle school students.
Each poem is a testament to their unique perspectives and creative expression, offering a glimpse into the hearts and minds of our future poets. Dive into this treasure trove of verses and let yourself be carried away by the profound simplicity and boundless creativity of our budding poets. Enjoy the journey through their words and celebrate the power of youthful imagination.
Poems by Middle School Students
You Among the Rest
By Nirvan Soni, 5th Grade
I see you. Among the best. And I say to myself. What about the rest?
You make the goals, swish the shots, and make the money.
But, however, You’re selfish a lot.
Now that you're the best, you hate all the rest.
We used to be friends. And that friendship was bent. It snapped. It broke.
And then the rest.
You ignored me. Stopped me. Broke me.
And now that it's broken, it cannot be rebuilt.
Nothing can fix it.
All the pieces on the floor
Each a memory that I adore
And now it's gone. ALL GONE…
As I Gaze in the Mirror
By Aalya Popli, 7th Grade
As I gaze in the mirror
For more than one hour, I wonder what I did wrong; For this mask of imperfection to cover my face
A canvas of flaws that I can’t erase.
In every line and every scar, Reminding me of a dim lit star I wonder where I stand
In this vast land Isn’t that all that matters?
For the world to be given to you on a silver platter
In a sea of beings, where do I belong?
Stuck in the melody of comparison’s song I wonder if people will start to acknowledge
That your face is not prior to your knowledge
For all they think is “What’s a book more than its cover?”
They will start to see That there is more to me
But I always wonder
In this land, where everyone is merely a grain of sand
In this world, I wonder where I stand
For everyone is always trying
A comparison that’s undying Isn’t this irrelevant?
So I shall tell the world to heed my advice
People are more than their cover
And there is a part of them waiting to be discovered
Oh clear mirror glistening in the light
We need to learn to cope and know what’s right.
Beyond The Screen
By Grace Liu, Ava Parekh-Patel, and Demitria Rott, 7th Graders
Finding Me
Am I pretty?
Not pretty enough.
My beauty is a figment of my imagination. Thank you, TikTok.
Am I thin?
Not thin enough. My self-image is woefully inadequate. Thank you, Instagram.
Am I popular?
Not popular enough. My solitude diminishes that assumption. Thank you, Snapchat.
Am I smart?
Not smart enough. My brain is the size of a pea. Thank you, Twitter.
Am I athletic?
Not athletic enough.
There is always someone running faster than me.
Thank you, YouTube.
Am I included?
Not included enough. Fear of missing out is a daily anxiety. Thank you, FOMO.
Am I trendy?
Not trendy enough. My Hydro Flask is out-shined by her Stanley. Thank you, Influencers.
Am I wealthy?
Not wealthy enough. It devoids my self-worth of value. Thank you, Meta.
Am I socially accepted?
Not accepted enough. My self-perception is destroyed by your demeaning comments. Thank you, Be Real.
Am I at rock bottom?
Yes, and enough is enough. There is not much lower to go. Your words cut deeper than a knife. Your derogatory demeanor devastates my existence.
Thank you, Social Media.
People tell me conflicting things,
You are so beautiful. No, you are ugly. But I am starting to realize that I am me. No thanks, TikTok.
I look at myself in the mirror. And I begin to see, A beautiful person looking back at me. No thanks, Instagram.
I notice perfection In imperfection.
Continued on next page
My veins look like lightning, shooting out in different directions. My unique fingerprints whorl into tiny spirals. No thanks, Snapchat.
Society’s standards amplify my insecurities. I tirelessly try to be like them, Skinny, pretty, funny, smart. But I slowly realize all that matters is what is in my heart. No thanks, Twitter.
I may not be perfect, pretty, or polite, But I am me, Passionate and patient. No thanks, YouTube.
When I walk into a room, I will show who I am. My true colors, my true self, No thanks, Facebook.
I acknowledge my value, My purpose, and my worth. Before, loving myself was a figment of my imagination.
I won’t be bullied and disregarded. I now stand up for myself and for what I am. No thanks, Meta.
I look online and see the selfies, the pictures, The picture-perfect people with everything I desire.
I realize that I don’t need all that to be happy. No thanks, selfies.
I am done worrying about what others think of me,
I will be my authentic self. I am my muse. No thanks, social media.
I might not have a picture-perfect body, Or have flawless, silky smooth skin. But, I am perfect the way I am. Goodbye, TikTok.
I am comfortable in my own skin, My scars show that I’m human.
I am beautiful inside and out. Goodbye, Instagram.
I am a mortal, Perfect in my imperfections. Society’s standards will no longer define me. Goodbye, Snapchat.
I am confident, gallant, Eccentric, and loved. I stand tall above challenges like a mountain’s summit. Goodbye, Twitter.
Forget Lululemon, Sephora, Stanleys, and trendy makeup. I am enough. Goodbye, YouTube.
I accept who I am, This beautiful person. I love myself. Goodbye, Facebook.
I belong. I am respected. I am smart. I am valued. I don’t need to have the body of a supermodel. Goodbye, Meta.
I may not have the trendy items, Or be like all the TikTokers. But I am worthy, and my own role model. Goodbye, Influencers.
My light shines like the facets of a glittering diamond. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
I am somebody, my authentic self. Goodbye, social media.
Goodbye, stereotypes, Goodbye, insecurities, Hello self-love, Hello, me.
The Wrath of the Volcano
Conflict
By Pragnya Banigallapati and Lily Trotta, 6th Graders
A black sky, smoke in the air, Change in the background, fear extending everywhere,
The volcano has awakened from a deep sleep. Panic stirs through our town, grim and deep.
Boom! Destruction takes over, beauty now dread.
Through the flames, bodies on the floor, alive or dead?
Ashes spread like wildfire, hear our distinct cries! Lava consuming all of us, mercy sought from the sky!
I spot my friend in the hazy fumes, I hug her as the volcano still looms. But she doesn’t hug back, she disappears! She turned to ash, confirming my fears.
I run, but lava not far behind, Consuming along the way with its might. Lost all things I knew, Deep in sorrow, as the wildfire grew.
This tragedy engraved in the volcano’s unforgiving tone. Leaders gather, planning to vacate our homes. A lively town now lies in ruins. Is this the end, the final conclusion?
Memories turned to ash, Cloaked in this darkening clash. What did we do to pay this cost? Can we rebuild or stay forever lost?
Transition:
The volcano decides our awaited fate. My friend comes over, it’s getting late.
We pack and prepare for what’s to come, Dizzy and distraught, we leave undone!
Resolution
By Lily Trotta and Pragnya Banigallapati, 6th Graders
The volcano looms in the background. Ash covers everything like a thick shawl. People start to wake up and walk around...
The ash quivers as if it is alive, and out people crawl.
We survey the squalor and mess on the ground.
A river of memories starts to rush past, The bells of survival ring clear. We remember the town that didn’t last. We have to rebuild in a place that is near. We can’t hold hope that we will be safe here.
We follow the leaders to our new home. Lofty towers loom in the distance. It is different, not much space to roam.
Do we want to live in this city?
We start to settle in, but not with grace. When I think of the eruption, it makes me dizzy. Will we ever find peace in this hectic place?
Now, the sun is going down. Two months since the eruption, feels like an eternity.
Has it set on our little town? Has it set on my people and me?
Maybe we should go back. We should see our community. Our leaders agree, but we shouldn’t pack. We go with an overwhelming sense of unity.
Ending:
Approaching our town, we see molten rock. Our homes are destroyed. The door of my house is gone, no need to knock.
Things are demolished, all the things I enjoyed. Feeling sad, I join the people.
We stare into the sunset. The level of happiness is feeble. But the sun isn’t going down on us, not just yet.
The Aftermath
By Tanish Patel, 6th Grade
Everything is collapsed, nothing left; the tornadoes are over. It's been 30 minutes, but it felt like an eternity. There is a guiding star. Everyone's a team, Getting wood, rebuilding from the disaster.
The house is gone, but there is still a safe. You start to feel lucky. Thousands of lives lost, and you survived to live another day, Remembering the jeopardy, but feeling triumphant.
A horde still working to repair homes for weeks, Everything is so hectic. The terrain becomes your sanctuary.
Slowly, the city regains its sight. You finally see home. Crops are growing, Buildings starting to look the same.
You have a home again, As bright as a penny before the tornado. The tornado was as wild as a monster, But teamwork rebuilt the mess of the monster.
Creative Horizon
Art by Cedar Hill Prep Students
From vibrant paintings to intricate drawings, every artwork tells a story, captures a moment, or expresses an emotion. These pieces reflect the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and dreams of our students, offering a window into their world and their boundless potential.
As you explore this gallery, we hope you are inspired by the creativity and talent of our young artists. Let their work remind us of the importance of fostering artistic expression in education and the beauty that can emerge when we encourage our students to follow their creative passions.
The Eye of the Tiger
By Sanam Sahdev, 3rd Grade
Sanam’s artwork immersed in vibrant crayon-resist drawings, bringing to life tigers in lush jungle settings. Following step-by-step instructions, she skillfully used bright orange, black, and white hues for the majestic felines and shades of green for the verdant foliage.
To achieve a captivating semi-abstract effect, she delicately applied a final layer of liquid blue watercolors over the crayons.
Capturing Autumn’s Dance
Artistry in Motion
By Demitria Rott, 7th Grade
Our talented 7th graders have created a stunning masterpiece using black tempera paint and liquid green and blue watercolors. Demitria’s artwork depicts a forest where bare trees appear to dance in the wind as their dried leaves take flight. The white tree trunks enhance the seasonal ambiance, while aerial and atmospheric perspective adds depth.
Rich textures and dynamic brushwork infuse the piece with movement and vitality, capturing the essence of fall.
Nature’s Canvas
Exploring Shapes and Movement in Mixed-Media
By Sahasra Genupur, 6th Grade
Grade 6 students created a large mixed-media drawing inspired by the natural world, including trees, land animals, sea creatures, insects, foods, and people. This diverse array of shapes, varying in size and direction, is surrounded by vibrant patterns and geometric designs. Executed on a 12 x 18 canvas, the project features unified black outlines. Oil pastels emphasize the shapes, while colored pencils provide sharp contrast for the backgrounds. Sahasra’s piece exudes movement, with objects appearing to float. Through this dynamic work, students explored numerous Elements of Art and Principles of Design, adding depth and excitement to their artistic endeavors.
Peeping Squirrel
Photography by Arsh Dandona, 7th Grade
Squirrel Eating from Bird Feeder (2020) A determined squirrel makes a clever attempt to snack from a bird feeder, showcasing its resourcefulness and tenacity.
Capturing Nature’s Essence
Photography by Arsh Dandona, 7th Grade
Lizard Perched on Tree (Delaware Water Gap, New Jersey)
Taken during a trek along Old Mine Road in the Delaware Water Gap, this photograph features a lizard perched on a tree.
Ink & Imagination Student Short Stories
From tales of adventure and mystery to heartfelt reflections on life and friendship, there is something here for every reader to enjoy.
We invite you to lose yourself in these stories, to journey with our characters, and to see the world through the eyes of our talented authors.
A Hero to a Villain
By Nehemiah Kim, 5th Grade
It’s a nice summer day in May. The grass is green, the birds are chirping, and the people are having fun. A girl named Heather sits in her messy room watching videos on her phone. She just finished college two days ago. Now she has no idea what to do in life. She doesn’t have a job and has just moved out from her parent’s house. She suddenly gets an idea to make a tool like the EpiPen. Her logic was simple. If EpiPen has no real competitors, she can make a superior product. She calls it the Bresch Pen. A few blocks down, there is a man named Tony. He is highly allergic to peanuts. If he ate one, he could die. He lives in his mom’s attic and is unemployed.
Since Heather doesn’t have a job, she can’t put any money into her project. So, she goes to the bank to get a loan. Once she gets her loan she immediately starts putting the money in her project. After a few months of tirelessly working, she finally makes the first version of the Bresch Pen. It was advertised as a cheaper version of the EpiPen. She sells it in pharmacy stores like Walgreens and it becomes an immediate hit. Her product wipes off all of the EpiPens in stores. Seeing the high demand, she raises the price to $900. This destroys the whole purpose of the Bresch Pen being an affordable alternative to the EpiPen. Tony hears about this sudden burst in popularity and rejoices happily, hearing about a cheaper alternative to the EpiPen. He checks in his local Walgreens to find the Bresch Pen. After 10 minutes of searching, he finds it. He checks the price tag and sees it’s actually more expensive than the EpiPen. He moves on with his day, disappointed.
Tony hears about a party one of his friends is holding. He decides to go and have some fun. Once he arrives he helps himself to one of the snacks, not knowing of the peanuts contained inside. Suddenly, he has trouble breathing and faints on the floor. His friends immediately call for help. He wakes up in the hospital discombobulated, seeing his friends surrounding him. He doesn’t have insurance, so he starts freaking out about how he will pay his hospital bills. When he gets released from the hospital he decides to sue Heather to pay his hospital bills. He hires a lawyer and after a few weeks they go to court. The case lasts a few days. In the end, the jury sides with Tony. Heather must pay 2.5 million dollars for false advertising. After the case, Tony makes an actual cheap alternative to the EpiPen. He sells it for two dollars, with no intent on scamming people for their money. This product skyrocketed in popularity and many people’s lives were saved by his product.
Tony is declared a hero and Heather is forgotten in time. The moral of the story is that you should always pick the well-being of others over money.
Under the Apple Blossom Tree
By Lily Trotta, 6th Grade
Phoenix rolled out of bed, having barely slept due to her baby sister Laura’s constant screaming. Laura, just six months old, was loud for her age. Phoenix, an average-height ten-year-old, had lived in Montana her whole life but had just started at a new school. Although smart, she didn’t wear stylish clothes, according to the girls in her class, who often teased her about her outfits and the way she wore her hair. They also mocked her for napping under the apple blossom tree every day during recess. Phoenix liked school, but some days, she wished she could stay home to escape the teasing.
After getting dressed in a skirt and a nice shirt, her mom braided her hair into two tight braids. She ate breakfast, brushed her teeth, and headed out the door to school. At school, Phoenix went through her morning classes, and the day dragged on until recess. She went straight to the apple blossom tree, sat down, and closed her eyes. After a while, she opened them to see a girl sitting next to her. Phoenix grimaced, bracing for the usual taunting. However, the girl simply said, “Hi. You’re Phoenix, right?”
“Yeah,” Phoenix replied, surprised.
The girl was Skye Gonzalez, a quiet classmate who often did tricks on the monkey bars at recess, usually alone or sometimes with Veronica Peterson. Skye was smart but not very stylish either. Skye explained that she didn’t like how the other girls treated Phoenix but had been too afraid to stand up to them. She wanted to check if Phoenix was okay. By the end of recess, they weren’t best friends, but Phoenix felt like she had an ally for the first time in a long while.
The next day, Phoenix’s morning classes inched by. For the first time, she looked forward to recess. When it finally came, she didn’t go to her usual spot by the apple blossom tree. Instead, she followed Skye to the monkey bars. Skye was already sitting on top of them when Phoenix arrived.
“How did you do that?” Phoenix asked.
“Oh, it’s easy,” Skye said. She showed Phoenix how to climb up, and they sat together. “You know that girl in our class, Veronica Peterson?” Skye started to say but was interrupted by a voice.
“Hey.” Phoenix looked down to see Veronica Peterson herself, staring up at them. “Hey,” Skye said, “Come on up!” Veronica climbed up, and Phoenix found herself between Skye and Veronica.
“Hey Phoenix,” Veronica said, “I like your shoes.” Phoenix’s face felt hot, and she looked down, a mistake that led to her falling. Despite the embarrassment and the pain, Phoenix felt energized. Someone had complimented her shoes! She smiled up at Skye and Veronica, climbed back up, and they spent the rest of recess talking and laughing.
The following day, Phoenix and Skye sat under the apple blossom tree. Skye smiled and patted the grass, inviting Phoenix to sit. They had a long conversation about pets.
“Not to be rude, but why did you nap under the apple blossom tree in the first place?” Skye asked.
Continued on next page
“Well, my baby sister keeps me up all night, and I was tired. Also, I had nothing else to do,” Phoenix said.
“Oh,” Skye said, “You could just put a pillow over your head.”
Phoenix laughed, “You don’t know the intensity of my sister’s screams. It’s like a geyser erupting.” Skye offered more suggestions, all of which Phoenix declined. As the bell rang, Skye said, “You could sleep in an outdoor tree-house.”
“Keep dreaming,” Phoenix said, smiling.
Skye laughed. “See you in gym class,” she said. Phoenix walked to her next class, happily thinking about her new friend. Laura was still a challenge, but her life felt almost perfect.
A month passed, filled with events. Phoenix became friends with Veronica, discovering shared interests and inside jokes. Her friendship with Skye deepened, and soon, the three were best friends. Phoenix also grew to love Laura, who was quieting down, allowing Phoenix to sleep through the night. Skye, Phoenix, and Veronica started raising
money for a tree-house bedroom in Phoenix’s backyard through lemonade stands and yard sales. They had enough for the tree-house, which was now installed and decorated, though Phoenix hadn’t seen the finished product yet.
Running the last few yards to her house with Skye and Veronica, Phoenix gasped upon seeing the tree-house. It looked like a palace, wrapped in fairy lights and featuring a zip-line. Eagerly, she climbed the ladder with Skye and Veronica behind her. She paused to admire their hard work alone before signaling her friends to join her. The interior had a rustic look with fairy lights, a bookcase, a desk, and a carpeted floor. Phoenix decided to decorate it to make it homey. She opened the door to her sleeping space, her very own tree-house bedroom, away from Laura’s screams and her dad’s constant sports cheering.
“This is great! Thank you for helping me raise money for it,” Phoenix said. “I’ll love decorating it. I hope you guys can help with that part. I’d also love to do my homework here, but I don’t want to sleep here. I want to be with my family.” She had told the complete truth.
Reflections Exploring the Depths of Human Experience Stroke of Brilliance
By Aryan Cherukuri, Class of 2024
Aryan Cherukuri began his competitive swimming journey in 2018 at the age of 9 with Metro Swim Club’s Freedom Aquatics team. Aryan is a member of the elite group within the club, dedicating six days a week to training: two hours a day, including 30 minutes of strength and flexibility work followed by 1.5 hours of swimming practice. He participates in year-round competitions and training sessions, spanning SCY (short course yards), SCM (short course meters), and LCM (long course meters) seasons. Recently, Aryan received an invitation from Peddie Swim Club, which he will join starting August, marking a new chapter in his swimming career beginning this Fall.
“Swimming butterfly is not just about strength; it’s about timing, rhythm, and fluidity,” shares former college swimmer Corrie Kennedy. Mastering the butterfly requires precision, strength, and coordination. Both beginners and experienced swimmers often find this stroke challenging, but with the right techniques, it can flow more smoothly.
Insights from seasoned swimmers illuminate the nuances of this demanding technique. Achieving optimal body positioning is crucial. Kennedy advises, “Begin with a flat, horizontal body position. Move your arms in a synchronized circular motion to generate powerful forward thrust. Maintain a low body profile to minimize drag, while executing a strong and coordinated dolphin kick for added propulsion.”
Breathing technique is distinctive in butterfly stroke. Kennedy suggests, “Unlike other strokes, precise breath timing is essential. Inhale quickly during the recovery phase, coordinating with the head lifting out of water. Effective breathing ensures steady oxygen supply and enhances overall stroke rhythm.”
The graceful movement of the arms is another key aspect of proficient butterfly technique. Kennedy explains, “Your arms should trace a seamless circular path. Proper entry, outward sweep, and streamlined recovery are critical for effective propulsion. Consistent rhythmic arm motion is key to moving efficiently through water.”
Central to the stroke’s mechanics is the dolphin kick, which elite swimmers prioritize. Kennedy emphasizes, “The dolphin kick is the powerhouse of the butterfly. Strong, coordinated leg movements, initiated from the hips, are essential. Maintaining tight leg alignment and developing core strength are crucial for mastering this undulating motion.”
Practice is key to improving technique and stamina. Once the basics are mastered, swimming butterfly can be highly rewarding. Precise body positioning, coordinated breathing, fluid arm movements, and powerful dolphin kicks require a delicate balance of strength and finesse. Despite its physical demands, persistence pays off in achieving a graceful and powerful swim.
Memoirs
An Awakening
By Aakash Nath, Class of 2024
The day started well as Aakash’s mother drove him to school. At five years old, Aakash had no idea what the day had in store for him.
He arrived at his classroom and sat down in his chair, watching the clock tick slowly as his boredom grew. Absentmindedly, he moved his knee, accidentally banging it against the metal leg of the chair. Suddenly, his vision began to close in with a gray vignette, and soon he saw only a spiral, feeling as if he were in a dream.
After a frightening experience, he woke up on the floor, confused and crying. Little Aakash had discovered he had epilepsy.
Canoe Mishap
By Sophia Lai, Class of 2024
I was excited about the last activity on my November overnight trip: canoeing. It was my first time. Dry and warm, I ventured into the lake with my friends, holding a canoe paddle.
“Right! Left!” We shouted, struggling to synchronize our paddles.
“Left! Right!” We figured it out!
Swoosh! Crash! The canoe rebounded from the marshy land. Swaying left to right, we paddled. Until… Splash! The chilly water seeped into my boots and clothes. The water rippled from my impact.
Emerging from the water, I realized that despite the mishap, at least I tried something new.
Innovative Minds: A Spotlight on Science Fair Brilliance
Does Water Temperature Affect Plant Growth?
By Miraya Shukla, Isha Gupta, Samarth Dakhera, Daanyal Ghafoor, and Aiden Nguyen 5th Graders
Abstract
This study investigates how different water temperatures affect plant growth. It hypothesizes that warm water will promote the most growth. Three groups of plants were watered daily: one with cold water from a refrigerator, another with hot water from boiling, and a third with warm water at room temperature. Results showed that one cold water plant had 22 leaves and was in good condition, while one hot water plant reached 15 centimeters in height, making it the tallest.
Background
Water temperature significantly impacts plant growth. Plants require various elements to thrive, including water, sunlight, energy, and CO₂. Water facilitates nutrient transport and is crucial for photosynthesis. Extreme temperatures, either too hot or too cold, can harm plant growth. Cold temperatures can cause freeze injury, while hot temperatures may accelerate respiration, depleting food resources faster than they are produced.
Human-induced global warming affects ecosystems, potentially altering plant growth and palatability. Optimal water temperatures improve plant development, but frigid or excessively high temperatures can hinder growth.
Experimental Design
Purpose
Determine how different water temperatures affect plant growth.
Hypothesis
If cold water, warm water, and hot water are put on a plant then warm water will cause the most growth on the plant.
Impact
Provide data to help farmers and gardeners optimize water temperatures for growing basil plants.
Independent Variable Water temperature.
Dependent Variable Plant growth.
Constant
Type of plant (basil).
Method
Water plants daily with cold, warm, and hot water, observing growth over time.
Discussion
The results indicate that hot water promoted the best height growth, while cold water resulted in the best plant condition and leaf production. Specifically, one cold water plant had 22 leaves by the end of the experiment. However, some plants watered with hot and warm water exhibited brown leaves, and some leaves even fell off. One hot water plant grew to 15 centimeters, the tallest in the study. Warm water did not perform well; one warm water plant had a dead, brown stem with no leaves.
Throughout the 12-day experiment, each plant was watered with 10 milliliters of water daily. Cold Water Plant Number Three remained at 8 centimeters, while Hot Water Plant Number One started with two stems and ended with three. Warm water plants, watered at 44 to 70°F, grew poorly and had spotted leaves. Hot water plants, watered at 100 to 180°F, exhibited significant height but had brown spots and leaf loss. Cold water plants, watered at 20 to 42°F, were healthier, with abundant green leaves and no brown spots.
Conclusion
Cold water plants were in the best condition and had the most leaves, while hot water plants grew the tallest. Warm water plants did not grow well and had brown spots on their leaves. In conclusion, the hypothesis was disproved as warm water plants did not have the most leaves, height, or best condition according to the data.
