Docu.Siyensiya 2009

science digest for students

science digest for students

Published by the

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| Table of Contents

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Katrina Arit:

Transforming Pest to Environmental Zest Myra Dawn Villocino:

Science From Waste to Ways

5 Making Scientists

Out of High School Students

6 MMLDC and the Science

Investigative Project: Partnership for a Greater Cause 22 Doing a Science Investigatory Project (The PSHSWV Experience)

25 The path to discovery:

Making a Science Research Paper

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Honey Paciente:

More than the Usual Discovery on the Essence of Bamboo

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EJ Cariaso:

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Koronadal youths:

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Enriching Learning

by Discovering Something for Mother Nature Young Scientists in the Making

camnor kids:

The ‘Flower for the Dead’ That Sustains Life

28 Science Mysteries:

The Antikythera Mechanism

30 Science Mysteries:

The Placebo Effect

32 Earth Observing Satellites and

the Seven Principles of the Environment 36 Science Mysteries: Virgin Birth in Sharks

38 Science Mysteries: Tunguska Event

46 Actual Science

Investigatory Project: Dalungyan (Artocarpus camansi) Latex and Seeds as Biodegradable plastic 62 List of 6th National Science Quest Winners science digest for students

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Making Scientists Out of High School Students

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art of the Meralco Development Center’s advocacy is social responsibility through technical excellence. And in pursuit of this advocacy, the Center has been promoting and encouraging excellence in math and science. The importance of these two basic subjects in achieving technical excellence cannot be over-emphasized.

Accordingly, the Center has so far been conducting workshops for science and math teachers to enable them to more effectively teach these subjects. Some of the programs the Center has already conducted are: The Wonders of Science and Nature, which makes use of the environment as a laboratory; The Power and Beauty of Math, which emphasizes teaching math in an interesting manner; and, Investigative Research, which arouses inquisitiveness and curiosity as the basis for research. Unfortunately, the reach of these interventions are limited by the class size.

To create a greater impact, the idea of making available a learning resource in the form of a science journal or digest to high school students was considered. Publication of such a journal can immediately be made available to thousands of schools and the same copy can be accessed by several students and teachers.

The journal can showcase science projects that won in science fairs. It can help achieve

science digest for students

the twin objectives of: motivating students and teachers to conduct their own science projects; and, enabling them to conduct the science projects in a more structured manner.

After quite a period of time that seed of an idea has germinated, and this is the science digest’s maiden issue. Call it serendipity, but this year’s National Science Fair had Love for Mother Earth as its theme, and this is why we are distributing the first copies during the 4th MMLDC Educators’ Forum, entitled Karunungan ukol sa Kalikasan para sa Kinabukasan, Kilos na!

We also want to thank the Advisory Board for the technical advice and encouragement which we needed to pursue this project: Arthur Florentin, our former Executive Director, whose brainchild this Digest is; Dr. Josette Biyo, who is always available whenever we need her; and Ms. Maribel Garcia, who nudged us towards this journey. We hope that through this Digest, we are helping your tribe increase.

6 Science Investigative—a workshop designed for Science Teachers to undergo training on how to teach investigative research. This is in Partnership of MMLDC and Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Objectives • Get a concrete view on how investigative research can be taught in the secondary level • Experience how to combine concepts and skills in teaching investigative research • Explore possible ways in designing their own technique in conceptualizing and teaching their research program Led by Dr. Josette Biyo an Zen Oberio with a five man team from the PSHS-WV, they conducted a 4-day Science Investigative Workshop.

1st Batch: 48 Participants from DepEd Division of Antipolo Science Teachers May 5 to 8, 2008 | Trainer/Facilitators: Dr. Josette T. Biyo, Zennifer Oberio, Harold Medioda, Edward Albacarin, Aris Larroder, Shena Ganela

Partnership science digest for students

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2nd Batch: 42 Participants from DepEd Division of Cavite Science Teachers December 15 to 18, 2008 | Trainer/Facilitators: Dr. Josette T. Biyo, Zennifer Oberio, Harold Medioda, Edward Albacarin, Aris Larroder, Mialo Lacaden, Simon Joseph Madrinan, Oliver Fuentespina.

MMLDC and the Science Investigative Project

p for a Greater Cause science digest for students

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3rd Batch: 27 Participants from DepEd Division of Caloocan Science Teachers April 27 to 30, 2009 | Trainer/Facilitators: Dr. Josette T. Biyo, Zennifer Oberio, Harold Medioda, Edward Albacarin, Aris Larroder, Mialo Lacaden, Simon Joseph Madrinan.

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efining pests in the modern society connotes destruction of agricultural crops and competition for the farmers on the produce that equates to lesser harvest and income. Back then, crop pests could only be beneficial when served on the plate as staple. Today, driven by need for alternative source of fuel and abundance of crop pests, what used to be destructive are transformed to usable organic material that is eco-friendly and safe for human population.

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Katrina Arit:

Transforming PEST to EnvironmentalZest!

The problems of farmers regarding crop pests caught the attention of a senior high school student, Katrina M. Arit of Lopez National Comprehensive High School in Lopez, Quezon when she has proven that pest like Red Palm Weevil can be converted into a reproducible raw material in the production of biodiesel.

It all started with a dream of making a simple research project that could produce Biodiesel. It has somehow become her personal call to address the environmental concern on the growing population in certain agricultural areas and the need for alternative fuel. Knowing that she is just a neophyte in line of science, it was her mother cum project adviser, Mrs. Juliana Arit who guided her most of the time to make her dreams come true.

Red Palm Weevil larva feeds on palm and coconut plants, it has white fat body that when extracted would yield raw material that can be used as a component of biodiesel.

science digest for students

It seems that science really runs in Katrina’s blood as her mother is a chemistry and research teacher while her father is a veterinarian. As the only child of a doctor and a teacher, science has become her field of interest, even at the onset of her school life.

The 6th National Science Quest in Calapan City, Oriental Midoro is Katrina’s second time to join the Fair and bagging the championship trophy in Cluster 1, Physical Science Individual Category. Her research project on Extraction and Transesterification of Red Palm Weevil Larvae Oil into Biodiesel caught the attention of the judges as well as the science enthusiasts for it showed potentials in producing alternative raw material to ease up the nation’s problem with the increasing fuel price in the world market.

After winning the science quest, Katrina wanted to treasure the experience as one of her best episodes in life that taught her many valuable ideals and principles, such as courage

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and determination in pursuing a dream and conducting research.

When asked about the problem she has encountered in doing the project, lack of equipments to use during the experiment and limited source of information about the subject were on the top of her list. Extracting oil from the larvae became a challenging experience with all the trials and errors she had to weather. The grueling experiments became very fulfilling when she got the right quantity of materials to produce an effective raw material for biodiesel.

It is not an everyday event to capture one’s defining moment, but for Katrina, the Science Quest definitely gave her “the shining moment�, and enlightened her on the direction of life that she would want to pursue. It made her confident in doing research studies in the future, and the whole experience also strengthened her faith in the Lord.

It all started with a dream of making a simple research project that could produce Biodiesel.

It has somehow become her personal call to address the environmental concern on the growing population in certain agricultural areas and the need for alternative fuel. science digest for students

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Myra Dawn Villocino:

Science from Waste to Ways

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t can be considered as a grueling task for anyone to think of an idea on how one could possibly make something out of a waste material, a problem that had brought a paramount concern in our society especially for the environmentalists and their battle cry for mother earth.

A junior student of Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School who had shown vision in creating ways to use the ravaged body parts of milkfishin her community at Compostela Valley.

Myra Dawn S. Villocino, a 3rd year high school proved that by being creative and curious about things happening around her would prove that there is no such thing as impossible when one tries to work on

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Her personal discovery started with envisioning a possible product that could be of importance. The experiment proved that the bile of milkfish is an effective antiseptic for four kinds of bacteria. thinking of a solution on each of the problems in the society.

Buhangin Public Market in Davao City is a wet market that sells thousands of kilos of milkfish per week. This fact had been Villocino’s foundation in her study, upon knowing that milkfish bile and bone were just being thrown and considered as waste,

she thought of possible ways to use them that could bring benefit and help to the public.

Her personal discovery started with envisioning a possible product that could be of importance. The experiment proved that the bile of milkfish is an effective antiseptic for four kinds of bacteria. Aside from that, she also found out a way on how the milkfish bone could be used as an additive to the commercial flour with a mixture ratio of 75 percent fishbone and 25 percent flour.

This could be considered as an answer in the growing environmental problem on waste management since milkfish bones and bile were scattered in every corner of the market.

It had been every municipality’s campaign for a healthy and friendly atmosphere to encourage people find ways to minimize their garbage and this study must be of great help

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When asked what she wants to have as a prize upon winning, Villocino humbly replied that she want her project to be appreciated by the community: a simple legacy for a young scientist who wishes for the purity of our environment.

in promoting this advocacy. Prior to the conclusion of her experiment, Villocino faced different challenges such as lack of financial support as well as laboratory apparatuses she had to use during the experiments.

But these did not deter her drive to achieve the realization of her study. She was guided by her coach, Mrs. Rowena Pontillo who helped in identifying the four bacteria that could be neutralized by milkfish bile such as Staphylococci aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Sacrifice and determination were the key factors that Villocino held on to in completing her investigatory project she had endless nights of studying and experimenting on bile and milkfish bone. There were times that she needed to be absent from some of her classes in order to conduct experiments that would provide her with accurate records of observation and results.

The 6th National Science Quest was actually her second time to join the Science Fair and this experience gave her personal satisfaction as she won First Place on New Secondary

science digest for students

School Curriculum Science Investigatory Project, Cluster 2 of the Engineering and Science Education Program.

It is true that hardwork pays off and builds character for Villocino and Pontillo received more than what they expected, the Championship Trophy. For them, the recognition of their research in the Fair was enough validation of their dedication and hard work.

Villocino, now being considered as a top model student in Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School encourages her schoolmates and other students to develop interest in science and research not just to participate in the Fair but to contribute something of importance in solving the nation’s problems, little by little.

When asked what she would have wanted as the prize for winning, Villocino humbly replied that she would just want her project to be appreciated by the community. She will be representing the country in the coming International Science Quest to be held in Thailand.

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Honey Paciente:

More than the Usual Discovery on the Essence of Bamboo

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here are many possible solutions available in our environment to cure diseases with the use of herbs, plants, and trees. Honey Lee M. Paciente of Agusan Del Sur National High School tapped the potential of matured bamboo (Orictoloagus coniculus) extract in treating hypercholesterolemia in rabbits.

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Honey Paciente (leftmost)

Bamboo is very common and readily available in our country, and Filipinos are blessed that in its extract is a potential substance that can counteract Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) which causes high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a common illness that most of the Filipinos have. It results from the blocking of the arteries, thus causing the blood irregularity of blood flow.

Hypertension is considered as one of the ten leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the country, aside from the fact that it has no symptom, it may lead to stroke, heartattack and an assortment of other coronary heart and arterial failures. With these alarming facts, Paciente pursued a research on finding

science digest for students

High blood pressure is a common illness that most of the Filipinos have. It results from the blocking of the arteries, thus causing the blood irregularity of blood flow.

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Proving the theory that bamboo extract lowers the risk of hypertension would be of great importance to the people with this condition. Paceinte’s study has a significant impact in the world of medicine as well as pharmaceutics.

a way to control hypertension naturally with cheaper but effective medication.

To check the impact of the bamboo extracts to hypertension, Paciente together with her adviser Mrs. Emy Sabater Dacosa tested the extracts on rabbits to gather the needed data.

Samples and specimen have undergone various tests starting from the nourishing the rabbits with pig brain pellets that resulted to fat production in the rabbits’ arteries, and with the initial and final laboratory tests on the effects of the bamboo extracts, Paciente concluded that bamboo extract is a potential aid in lowering high blood pressure due its bioactive component.

Proving the theory that bamboo extract lowers the risk of hypertension would be of great importance to the people with this condition. Paceinte’s study has a significant impact in the world of medicine as well as pharmaceutics. The researcher suggested that further studies should be conducted in order to concretize the research. science digest for students

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EJ Cariaso:

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f the 7,107 islands in the Philippine archipelago, almost hundred percent of is composed of fertile surface suitable for farming. Primarily, our country is tapped to be one of the chief agricultural paradises in the world because of the richness of soil and wealth of other our natural resources.

science digest for students

http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=view&id=1021036

Enriching Learning by Discovering Something for Mother Nature

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For a primary student to produce and contribute a significant output like this, Cariaso literally caught the attention of the public with his investigatory project.

A grade VI pupil, Elbert John C. Cariaso, of San Miguel Central School in Isabela designed an investigatory research that would put an end to the destructive pestilence of herbs and crops with the use of Alagaw leaf extracts which will serve as an all-natural pesticide.

For a primary student to produce and contribute a significant output like this, Cariaso

literally caught the attention of the public with his investigatory project. It provided him the avenue to express his exceptional eagerness to put his theory into test and his envisioned output into reality with the assistance given by his adviser, Mrs. Maria Teresa M. Ramos, who provided him with directions on how to go about the research project and encouraged him to reach his goal.

The use of artificial or commercial pesticides to protect crops has been known to have hazardous if not detrimental effects on the resistance of the plant’s system of reproduction as well as on the animals and human. There have been cases of food poisoning due to fertilizer residues which

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resulted to hospitalization of the victims, and in worse cases, mortality.

Cariaso focused his study on the effectiveness of pure Alagaw leaf extracts in killing most of the insects that damage pechay (Brassica pekinensis) such as flea beetles, black cutworm, aphids, leaf hopper, and giant African snail.

In comparison, the effectiveness of the Alagaw extract and the commercial fertilizer is almost at the same level without the synthetic components that becomes the residue. It was also proven that higher concentration of Alagaw extract sprayed on pechay would provide better pest protection in terms of length of time of effectiveness as well as the

science digest for students

number of types of pests it wards off as evident on the laboratory experiments performed.

Cariaso’s research opens a wide range of opportunities to minimize the risk in using pesticides. It also safer for the farmers to use the Alagaw extract unlike any other commercial and artificial pesticides.

The young boy now looks forward for his findings to be of great help and significance in agriculture and in the lives of the farmers who would be in safer condition with the use of Alagaw extract as pesticide.

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Doing a Science Investigatory Project (the PSHSWV Experience)

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here are so many reasons why research is so important to the pursuit of Science. They’re instrumental into establishing new knowledge, they help us better to understand the natural world and help us find solutions to our problems, among many other reasons. Indeed, going into any field of science requires one to have an accurate grasp of the scientific method.

http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=view&id=860975

Of course, students aren’t expected to dive headfirst into the realm of science research.

Before taking part in serious research, high school students usually start with an investigatory project. It is not as rigid and demanding as science research but is will nonetheless teach any student a thing or two about the fundamentals of research. Like the scientific method, and the investigatory project, finding a problem or a question,

doing background research, formulation a hypothesis, testing your hypothesis, experimenting and analyzing your data and the presentation of results The start of the process is always the identification of the problem.

Here, you have to find a question that needs to be answered. The best place to start is in your interests. If fishes interest you, then you may venture into aquaculture, if you like bacteria, then you can try microbiology. From there, you must identify a certain topic. They could be about new ideas, or maybe new products that need to be tested or maybe problems that require solutions. Taking your chosen topic, you must then narrow it down.

It helps to do some reading. Take a look at what has been studied about your topic and what need to researching. Try to see if there are new ways of gathering the data. From there, you then have to formulate a research problem. Identify a question to be answered and determine the steps needed to answer the question. Determine whether you can answer the question in the time given to you and

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whether you have the necessary resources to do so.

The next step in the process is to determine the type of research that you will do.

The different types of research generally fall under two categories, researched based on aims and research based on condition of study. Under aims, you have three more types of research, namely pure, applied and developmental. The purpose of pure research is to add to the existing body of knowledge.

Nothing else drives such research more than simple curiosity. Applied research aims to use the knowledge gained to answer a problem.

Results of such research have a more practical use. Developmental research as its name may suggest seeks to further develop the findings done in applied research. It seeks to explore more practical uses of research findings and determine their feasibility. Tree types of research also fall under conditions of study. These are historical, descriptive and experimental. Historical research seeks only to evaluate data gathered from the past. As a result manipulating and controlling variables are not possible. Descriptive research seeks to gather information from present conditions to describe their nature at the time of study.

Just like historical research, variables cannot be manipulated and controlled. Experimental

science digest for students

http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=view&id=475768

Your research problem may come from things like simple curiosity, past experiences with your field of interest or maybe literature that you have come across.

research tests hypothesis using experimentation.

They seek to isolate variables that may cause certain phenomenon. Science research usually involves all the types of research mentioned above while Investigatory Projects involve mostly experimental research.

After the determining the research problem and the type of research you wish to do, you must then make your project proposal For the Investigatory Project, parts of the project proposal include the Background of the Study, Objectives, Hypothesis, Significance and the Materials and Methods.

For the Background of the Study, you must explain the context of the problem.

Objectives are goals you wish to reach and the steps you are to make to reach them. The hypothesis is more or less and explanation of a given phenomenon and is also known as an

24 educated guess. Finally, Significance is similar to the Rationale found under the Introduction of the Science Research while Materials and Methods explain how data is collected and generated and how such is analyzed.

Science Research strictly follow thoroughly designed methods supported by research articles but for Investigatory Projects, student designed methods are accepted.

Experiments can be done at school, home or any other location a student deems appropriate. Everything that has happened in your experiment must be recorded in detail. Even events that may seem like a mistake to you must also be recorded so that you, or anyone who wishes to do the same experiment, may avoid and learn from it. Results of the experiment are also to be recorded and analyzed. Have your questions been answered? Is further experimentation needed? Are there changes that must be done?

Be sure to take all of these down.

After all is done, the results of your experimentation must be presented. (pic along the description) You may be required to present your results to your teacher or to the whole class.

Most of the time, you are required to write a paper about it. In the presentation and analysis of results, information is presented in textual, tabular and graphical form and the data is interpreted. Textual form or words can be used to explain many things in your presentation of results. Tabular form presents data organized into a table. It is extremely useful for organizing data and arranging them in a way that makes it easy for your readers to

follow. Graphical form is a visual presentation of your data making use of graphs. If used correctly, it can prove to be a very useful tool in making readers better understand your research. The paper for an investigatory project can be written conversationally, just be sure to write clearly and remember that your readers must understand what you are talking about.

At times, you may be required to defend you thesis in front of a chosen panel. (pic along the description) Here, you are to talk about your project, why you have chosen it and why you think such research is relevant. You must also talk about your experimentation in detail, what you have done, why you have done so and the results that came out from them. Success in your defense means that your project may now be displayed in your school for everyone to look at such as in exhibits and forums.

More than gaining new information, doing an investigatory project also aims to develop qualities that every young scientist must have such as patience, perseverance, curiosity, open-mindedness, decision making, time management and laboratory skills, among many others. The search for knowledge is a never ending task and it is one that we will never stop doing. The research process may at times be a bit too tedious and time consuming but if you pursue fields that interest you, it won’t matter at all.

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The path to discovery

Making a Science Research Paper

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number of students may have already tried their hand at doing an investigatory project. Using the scientific and any other tools at your disposal, these students have tried to answer a number of questions they have come across during their forays into the realm of science.

C h e c k li s t

;; Title Page f o r a p ro p e r ;; Approval Sheet t t if ic / ;; Acknowledgemen s c ie n ;; Abstract ts ;; Table of Conten ;; List of Tables ;; List of Figures

re s e a rc h paper

;; List of Plates ices ;; List of Append h. 1) ;; Introduction (C 2) ted Literature (Ch. la Re of ew vi Re ; ; h. 3) ;; Methodology (C scussions (Ch. 4) ;; Results and Di lusions, and ;; Summary, Conc (Ch. 5) Recommendations d ;; Literature Cite ;; Appendices

science digest for students

The more a student learns and the deeper he goes into learning all the other sciences, many more questions may seem to pop up that may not be as easily answered with simple experimentation. Thus, a much more serious approach into research must be taken. After doing one or more investigatory projects, a student is now ready to take part in Science Research.

Science research is a bit similar to an Investigatory Project in that it follows the scientific process. The usual research process is as follows: 1. Observation 2. Problem Identification 3. Formulation of Hypothesis 4. Literature Review 5. Formulate a Research Plan (Proposal) 6. Data Collection 7. Data Interpretation 8. Drawing of Conclusions 9. Comparing results with published studied 10. Writing a scientific paper 11. Submit paper for publication

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The essence of the whole project also lies on proper documentation and presentation, thus, a paper must be written about your research and presented. A proper Scientific/ Research Paper should include: Title Page This must include the: a. title of the study b. requirement headings c. name of school d. subject for which the paper is a requirement e. names and section of researchers f. month and year of submission Approval Sheet It proves that the paper was reviewed by a research committee and that the researchers have defended their paper.

Acknowledgement Here, researcher thanks those who have helped out in the research.

Abstract It is the summary of the research report.

Contains: a. problem and objectives b. how the study was done c. what results were obtained d. significance of results e. conclusions Table of Contents It is the list of the parts of your paper in the order that they appear with the appropriate page number included alongside them. They allow readers to easily access certain parts of your paper.

List of Tables A list of the tables found in the paper.

List of Figures A list of figures found in the paper.

List of Plates A list of plates or pictures found in the paper.

List of Appendices A list of the Appendices found in the paper.

Introduction (Chapter 1) Includes: a. Background of study/Rationale What is the context of the problem?

Where can this problem be observed?

Why is the problem important and who will benefit from it? b. Problem statement Is there anything we don’t know? Are there any gaps in our existing knowledge?

How will these be addressed? c. Scope and Limitations of the Study What will the researcher discuss? What are the things he won’t discuss? Are there any factors that will limit or hinder the research?

Review of Related Literature (Chapter 2) These are publications done by accredited scholars and researchers that are related to the topic being researched. Determine what is known about your topic and areas that are not addressed. Determine areas that may need further research.

Methodology (Chapter 3) Explains how data is collected and generated and how such they are analyzed.

The methods and materials used must be described in details so that your experiments may be duplicated in the future.

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Results and Discussions (Chapter 4) Results are first presented without interpretation including the negatives results after which, they are processed. The meaning of the results must then be explained and compared with that of other publications.

Did it come out as you expected from your hypothesis or did it come out entirely different?

Determine whether there are any trends and take into account any anomalies and errors that have arisen.

Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations (Chapter 5) Here, you are to compress all of your research into a few paragraphs, including only the important parts of your study.

science digest for students

The conclusion contains the answer to the problem.. If you believe that there are things lacking in your experiment and wish to address them or if you have ideas that you believe can contribute to your study, you can recommend them so that people wishing to go into a similar research may take these into account.

Literature Cited Must be done in CSE (Council of Science Editors) format.

Appendices These are supplemental information of the paper. They include letters and permits, raw data, tables, computations, pictures, etc.

Mind-boggling facts

Science Mysteries

The Antikythera Mechanism

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n ancient Roman merchant ship dating back to 70 BC was discovered in the Mediterranean near the island of Antikythera in the 1900. A year later, the artifacts in the wreck were recovered, among them an almost formless and heavily corroded piece of rock. This seemingly worthless haul would soon prove to be one of the most astonishing archaeological finds in history.

Dubbed the Antikythera Mechanism, this complex device contained an arrangement of bronze gears and shafts housed in what was believed to be a wooden box. The device had three main dials, one in the front and two at the back with various markings displaying the Egyptian calendar, the signs of the zodiac and the movements the sun, the moon and a number of planets. The level of engineering exhibited in the device was astonishing although much was unknown due to the fact that it was heavily deteriorated.

Scientists couldn’t agree who created it or for what reason it was made for, but soon there was a consensus that the device was a sort of astrological in nature or an ancient computer.

Today, leading scientists and a number of technology companies from all over the world have collaborated to uncover the secrets of this ancient machine in a project known as the

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antikythera_mechanism

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The Antikythera Mechanism, main fragment.

Antikythera Mechanism Research Project. Yet even the best scientific tools and the brightest minds haven’t brought us closer to finding its purpose. Was it a tool in predicting eclipses or the movement of heavenly bodies? Was it used in navigation? Have ancient astrologers used them for their complex calculations? Or was merely a tool used to teach?

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John Noble Wilford, “Discovering how the Greeks computed”, The New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/31/science/31computer. html?_r=2&th&emc=th&oref=slogin) The Antikythera Mechanism Research Project website (http://www. antikythera-mechanism.gr/)

science digest for students

Mind-boggling facts

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Science Mysteries

The Placebo Effect

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or those who have watched Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince, you may remember a scene before Harry’s quidditch match where Ron’s terrible performance in past quidditch practices led him into panic. Just before the game started Harry gave Ron a dose of Felix Felicis, a luck potion, making Ron unstoppable and thus, leading their team to victory. The thing is, Harry didn’t actually give him the real luck potion, but since Ron believed he took it and his confidence in believing he took it made him outperform all his competitors. This is the Placebo Effect in action.

A rather simple definition of a placebo is that, it is a substance or a procedure that doesn’t have any direct effect on a person, but because the person believes in its effect, the mind influences the body in such a way that it brings out astonishing performance of a task. It’s all in the mind, the cliché goes.

Fabrizio Benedetti of the University of Turin did an experiment on the placebo effect wherein he induced pain and soothed it by giving morphine. The morphine was secretly replaced by a saline solution and not surprisingly, the saline solution was able to take the pain away. Benedetti then added Naxolone, a drug that blocks the effects of Morphine, to the solution. The results were

unexpected. The pain returned to the test subjects, meaning that the pain soothing effects of the saline solution was taken away.

Scientists have known the results of the Placebo Effect for a long time now. There are plenty of stories and lots of scientific evidences where patients afflicted with terminal illnesses have been cured with a placebo. The above experiment also suggested that the Placebo Effect may have had a biochemical inducement on patients. Beyond that, nothing much is known about the Placebo Effect except that one’s perception of a drug or procedure may affect biological reactions.

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Michael Brooks, “13 Things that don’t make sense”, The New Scientist (http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg18524911.600) Peter Arguriou, “The Placebo Effect – The Triumph of Mind over Body”, Red Ice Creations (http://www.redicecreations.com/article.php?id=7000)

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http://www.sxc.hu/photo/755945

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Earth Observing Satellites and the Seven Principles of the Environment

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or decades, scientists and environmentalists have been constantly reminding us that sooner or later, we will suffer on the consequences brought by own devastation of Earth. The Philippines is in a geographical location where typhoons are common, in fact, on the average, 20 typhoons visit the Philippines every year. But Pepeng and Ondoy left a mark that forever will be remembered not just because of the damage it brought, but a wake up call on everyone regarding the way we take care of our environment.

Now there is a revolution for the environment in the sense that people are now conscious and moving for the protection of mother earth. We have seen the effects of the rapid change in nature’s flow in the micro perspective, let us try to look at it in a much larger way, let’s us have a peek on Earth’s situation through the eyes of the satellites.

Earth Observation Satellites Earth observation satellites are satellites specifically designed to observe Earth outer space. They are mainly used for map making, meteorology, environmental monitoring, etc. Such are weather, geostationary, and meteorological satellites.

NASA has a program called the Earth Observing System or EOS, a coordinated series of satellites for long term global observations of the biosphere, land surface, solid Earth, oceans and atmosphere. EOS makes it possible to understand Earth in a macroperspective-integrated way.Part of the EOS program are three satellites committed to monitoring environmental realities of our planet, these are: Terra, Aqua, and Aura satellites.

These images shall be integrated with the seven principles of the environment, a comprehensive collection of ideas on our roles as stewards of the environment. These ideas are adapted from the book, Seven Lenses of Environmental Principles as if Adults Mattered, by Dr. Angelina Galang and her associates.

Let us see Earth from the outside thru these satellites, and thru the seven principles let us look inside ourselves our roles as stewards of the environment.

TERRA Terra (EOS AM-1) is considered the flagship of NASA’s earth observing system; it is a multi-national, multidisciplinary mission with partnerships from the aerospace agencies of Japan and Canada. The name Terra is a Latin word for Earth, of which the primary mission is to help us understand and better protect our planet.

The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on December 18, 1999, aboard an Atlas IIAS vehicle. It began collecting data on February 24, 2000 and carries a payload of five remote sensors designed to monitor the state of Earth's environment and ongoing changes in its climate system.

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Now there is a revolution for the environment in the sense that people are now conscious and moving for the protection of mother earth. We have seen the effects of the rapid change in nature’s flow in the micro perspective, let us try to look at it in a much larger way, let’s peek on Earth’s situation through the eyes of the satellites.

PRINCIPLE I: NATURE KNOWS BEST Image of the Esperanza fire, which started on October 26 in the dry brush near Palm Springs, CA. By the time it was contained 6 days later, the fire had consumed 40,200 acres, and destroyed 34 homes and 20 outbuildings. In this ASTER image composite of visible and infrared bands, burned areas are shown in shades of red, vegetation is green, brown vegetation is brown and asphalt and concrete are blue-gray. http:// asterweb.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery-detail. asp?name=esperanza PRINCIPLE II: ALL FORMS OF LIFE ARE IMPORTANT A flat map of the earth showing Carbon Monoxide (CO) propagation as measured by the Terra/MOPITT instrument. The amount of CO increases from blue to red, the latter being the worst condition. http:// visibleearth.nasa.gov/view_set. php?sensorName=MOPITT&p=5 AQUA Satellite The Aqua (Latin for water) satellite is the second major component of the Earth Observing Satellites or EOS project of NASA and considered as Terra’s brother. It is named for the large amount of information that will be collected about the Earth's water cycle, including evaporation from the oceans, water vapor in the atmosphere, clouds, precipitation, soil moisture, sea ice, land ice, and snow cover on the land and ice. The satellite was launched from Vandenberjor component g Air Force Base on May 4, 2002, aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket.

Aqua carries six instruments for studies of water on the earth's surface and in the atmosphere.

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34 PRINCIPLE III: EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED TO EVERYTHING ELSE The National Space Development Agency of Japan's (NASDA's) Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer - EOS (AMSR-E) is one of six key Earthobserving instruments on board Aqua has recently been used to obtain images of the sea ice covers of both polar regions, showing their changes from the June 2-4 period to the July 21-22 period.

In these images, white indicates the area of sea ice cover and gray indicates land. Because of the time period covered (late spring to summer in the Northern Hemisphere; late fall to winter in the Southern Hemisphere), the area of the ice cover in the Arctic region is decreasing while the area of ice cover in the Antarctic region is increasing, a fact captured very well in the AMSR-E images. The presence of sea ice in the polar regions influences the balance of global heat and radiation, as it restricts heat exchanges between the ocean and atmosphere. http://visibleearth.nasa.gov/view_rec.php?id=3621 PRINCIPLE IV: EVERYTHING CHANGES Deadly May heat wave in Pakistan CERES also measured the thermal energy emitted from the regions of the Indian subcontinent and northern Africa, as shown in this image from May 2001. The heat wave in Pakistan that killed at least 33 people the weekend of May 5-6 is seen in yellow as a region emitting high values of thermal energy. http://science. larc.nasa.gov/ceres/press_releases/images.

Aura satellite Aura (EOS CH-1) is the third major component of NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) following on Terra (1999) and Aqua (2002). The name "Aura" comes from the Latin word for air. The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on July 15, 2004 aboard a Boeing Delta II 7920-10L rocket. Aura’s mission is to study the Earth’s ozone, climate and air quality. It is intended to exclusively monitor and research the composition, chemistry, and dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere.

Aura carries four instruments for studies of atmospheric chemistry.

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PRINCIPLE V: EVERYTHING GOES SOMEWHERE Aura satellite images Data from NASA's Earth-observing Aura satellite show that the ozone hole peaked in size on Sept.

13,2007 reaching a maximum area extent of 9.7 million square miles—just larger than the size of North America. That's “pretty average,” says Paul Newman, an atmospheric scientist at NASA Goddard Space Fight Center, when compared to the area of ozone holes measured over the last 15 years. Still, the extent this year was “very big,” he says, compared to 1970s when the hole did not yet exist. www. theozonehole.com/ozoneholehistory.htm On September 12, 2008, the Antarctic ozone hole reached its maximum size for the year. Represented by blues and purples in this image from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on NASA Aura satellite, the ozone hole covered about 27 million square kilometers, making it larger than North America, which is about 25 million square kilometers. http:// www.theozonehole.com/ozoneholehistory.htm PRINCIPLE VI: OURS IS A FINITE EARTH This image culled from data off the Microwave Limb Sounder instrument on the Aura spacecraft depicts the complex interaction of ozone-destroying chemicals during the 2005 Arctic winter. Red is high, blue/purple is low for all chemicals, and data are taken at an altitude of about 19 kilometers. As temperatures dip, nitric acid levels drop, indicating the presence of polar stratospheric clouds, which destroy ozone. Levels of hydrogen chloride (the primary "safe" form of chlorine) are shown dropping, while levels of chlorine monoxide (the primary "dangerous" form of chlorine that destroys ozone) rise, and ozone is destroyed.

PRINCIPLE VII: NATURE IS BEAUTIFUL AND WE ARE STEWARDS OF GOD’S CREATION. OMI boundary layer SO2 observations averaged from July through August 2008. Highest SO2 is typically located to the south and southwest of Beijing in regions with large clusters of power plants.

The indicator of danger is seen in the increase of color from blue, being the least dangerous, to red, as the most critical. http://aura.gsfc.nasa.gov/science/ china.html Now that we have seen the ‘bigger’ picture, we should answer the call of our endangered Earth.

It is in our hands to do something, to reverse our own harmful ways, and to share with other people and our children the seven principles of the environment.

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Mind-boggling facts

Science Mysteries

Virgin Birth in Sharks

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taken from a male’s sperm, but in this case, it is paired with a copy of the mother’s chromosomes.

Though useful during the absence of a male, parthogenesis may be harmful to a species in the long run. Lack of genetic diversity from parthenogenesis could make sharks be even more susceptible to diseases and may lead to genetically disadvantaged offspring. With the overfishing of sharks around the world, cases of parthenogenesis may rise dramatically, endangering the sharks even more.

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“10 recent scientifically solved mysteries”, Listverse (http://listverse. com/2009/04/06/10-recent-scientifically-solved-mysteries/) Deborah, “Shark gives virgin birth”, Life in the fast lane (http://www. lifeinthefastlane.ca/shark-gives-virgin-birth/weird-science) Virgin birth by shark confirmed: Second case ever, Science Daily (http:// www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081010173054.htm) Roger Highfield, “Shark’s virgin birth stuns scientists”, Telegraph.co.uk (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/3294710/Sharks-virginbirth-stuns-scientists.html) Srah Goudarzi, “Shark”Virgin Birth”confirmed”, National Geographic News (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/10/081010-shark-virginbirth-2.html)

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http://www.zastavki.com/pictures/1600x1200/2008/ Animals_Under_water_Hammerhead_Shark_005520_.jpg

ack in 2001, a hammerhead shark had given birth to a pup at the Henry Doorly Zoo in the United States.

It would’ve been uneventful if not for the fact that the pup had no father. The pup’s mother had been in captivity for three years and had not been in contact with any male during the time. Scientists were puzzled by the birth and initially concluded that the female may have stored a male’s sperm for use in the future. A subsequent DNA test proved that the assumption was false when it was determined that the genetic structure of the pup belonged entirely to its mother.

In 2008, another virgin shark birth occurred at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. Previously, an Atlantic blacktip shark had died due to stress related complications during a routine physical examination. Examinations upon the shark after its death revealed a shocking surprise to aquarium officials, a pup fetus more than 10 inches in length. The mother had been in captivity for 8 years and like the previous shark, it did not have any contact with a male shark. This phenomenon is called Automictic Parthenogenesis. Here, an offspring gets a set of chromosomes when its mother’s chromosomes split during the egg development. Normally, the chromosomes from the mother are paired with chromosomes

http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikcharlton/

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A hammerhead shark in the wild.

Mind-boggling facts

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Tunguska Event

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n the morning of June 30, 1908, a massive explosion occurred over central Siberia, burning and flattening tens of thousands of trees in the process with the power of more than a hundred Hiroshima bombs. The Tunguska event, named after the Podkamennaya Tunguska River which happened to be near the explosion, still continues to be studied by scientists more than a century after it occurred.

No one would be sent to investigate the explosions for more than 20 years after the event. The Czar, Ruler of Russia at the time, did not care much about what happened to the people of Siberia in that the incident. A Soviet expedition under Leonold Kulik, a geologist, finally came to the area back in 1927 to investigate the event.

A number of people they interviewed talked about an intense brightness that filled the sky, followed by a number of explosions, bursts in the air and intense tremors. Kulik was also able to witness firsthand the destruction the explosion had brought upon the forests of Siberia. Based on the direction the flattened trees had lain, Kulik was able to determine area of the explosion. What puzzled Kulik was the absence of any crater. Subsequent expeditions and research done on the area determined that whatever caused the explosion came

Burnt trees at the Tunguska site, as photographed

by Leonold Kulik’s 1927 expedition.

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0711/tunguska_kulik_big.jpg

Science Mysteries

from outer space. The absence of a crater and any fragment of what exploded made it hard to determine what the object was. Interviews with witnesses suggested that the explosion occurred a few miles above the ground.

Even until today, scientists are still debating the cause of the Tunguska event. Some have suggested it to be the work of UFOs or even a passing black hole. Most scientists seem to agree that it was either a meteoroid or a chunk of comet that was obliterated as it entered the atmosphere.

The Tunguska event is considered as one of the biggest natural, non-nuclear explosion in modern history. It has also sparked an interest in asteroids and other heavenly bodies and the possibility of them creating another event just like this one in the future.

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Mark Anderson, “Solving the biggest natural explosion in modern history”, Popular mechanics (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/air_ space/4316464.html) David Whitehouse, Mystery space blast ‘solved’, BBC news (http://news. bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/1628806.stm) “Tunguska event—100 years later”, NASA (http://science.nasa.gov/ headlines/y2008/30jun_tunguska.htm?176186)

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An artist’s rendition of the 1908 Tunguska event.

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hree high school students from Koronadal, South Cotabato started their investigatory project with a dream to help their local community in their own little way. They began their study by identifying the most common illnesses in their locality and it really captured their interest, so to speak. The idea of making the locally known Kabling Gubat (Orthosiphon stamineus) as a potential bioactive compound on treating hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperlipidemia, came from one of researchers’ parents who informed the medical potential. Having this ‘indigenous knowledge’ at their disposal, the team did not hesitate to pursue the study.

photo by smallislander | flickr.com

The three researchers are studying in the regional science high school but the difficulty and problems they encountered do not differ from the problems encountered by those who come from the regular public high school. Some of their problems were lack of laboratory equipments which should be standard and lack of laboratory supplies which are essential in a biological research. science digest for students

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Koronadal youths:

Young Scientists in the Making

The researchers also encountered financial difficulties since they have to use a lot of costly laboratory equipments for testing. They had to ask the financial assistance from their relatives just to shell out the much needed 20,000 Php in order to pay for a laboratory test that can only be done in a private hospital in General Santos City in which they have to make a two-hour bus ride from Koronadal City. Not only did they encounter problems with their

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funds, in addition to that, they had to ‘borrow’ a rabbit from a nearby pet shop to test the effectiveness of their research product.

However, amidst the insurmountable challenges that they faced, the team successfully finished the project.

As these young ‘victors’ shared their stories, one could not sense any regrets nor resentment but what you could read in their eyes are their enthusiasm, determination, and passion.

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When asked about the lesson learned from the experiences they had, they simply responded “It pays off to have determination, hard work and unity”. But what is more amazing about these young researchers is that amidst their personal and cultural differences (two of them are Christians while the other is a Muslim) they were able work for a common purpose. For them, religious background is never an issue but rather an opportunity to learn the value of ‘tolerance’ and understanding”.

Throwing them the last question about their preferred ‘material reward’ for winning the much coveted title, they plainly responded , “Fund for laboratory apparatus sana’”. With this , one cannot help but to admire them for that unselfish desire to improve the science education in their campus.

They are only some of ‘marginalized’ young Filipinos who selflessly give what they can just to contribute ‘something’ for this nation.

Though ‘little things’ they might be, the passion in the way they express their desire

speaks more of what they want to give and that’s what really matters.

Encountering this group of ‘young nationalist scientist’ can remind us a lot of things. One of which is to stop complaining on the troubles around but rather to look for viable solutions to resolve it at once.

That optimism may turn a dilemma into opportunities. That unity, determination, and hardwork cannot be outdone by financial constraints. And the last but definitely not the least is that ‘investing’ our resources in the development of the young researchers is the surest venture we could ever accomplish.

Let the likes of Marco, Alexandra, Anida and the thousands of students be a constant reminder that education specifically the ‘science education’ in the country must be improved. Though it may cost us a lot of money, time and effort, the return of investments will be indeed satisfying. Let the school be the ‘breeding ground’ of scientists in the future.

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CamNor Kids:

The ‘Flower for the Dead’ That Sustains

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alatsutsi (scientifically known as Plumeria acuminate) is a plant specie widely known in the country. Most of us are familiar with it not because of its natural beauty but because of the old folks calling it as the ‘flower for the dead’ because of its arresting fragrance associated with cemeteries. Without asking any question, many of us just accepted that this idea is indeed true.

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Life

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However, this idea proved to be wrong for the four youngsters of Camarines Norte changed this negative impression on kalatsutsi.

Instead of considering this plant as ‘flower for the dead’, they proved that like any other medicinal plants, this could be used in treating illnesses thus, sustaining life. The idea came from one of the researchers’ mother who works as a pharmacist. She mentioned that kalatsutsi is widely used as remedy for diarrhea, itches, inflammation and rheumatism.

Upon hearing this, they discussed among themselves how to make a liniment with the used of kalatsutsi stem extract as its main ingredient. Their main purpose is to help the locals suffering from rheumatism, sore muscles and the likes without spending too much on commercial medications, instead they can make their own liniment. Moreover, since the production of this liniment only requires

Without any second thoughts, the researchers started their project by looking for and accumulating all the facts and materials that could aid them in achieving their goal. Just like other students who are engaged in an investigatory project, they also experienced difficulties in pursuing their investigatory project. low-cost budget, the students thought that this is a good source of additional income for rural families who live in the abundance of kalatsutsi.

Without any second thoughts, the researchers started their project by looking for

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All of their hard work paid off when they won the Division, Regional and National Science Fairs. Teary eyed, one of them quipped, ‘Hard work really pays off.’ Who would have thought that the kalatsutsi or the ‘flower for the dead’ would be a promising liniment or ointment that would relieve pain? and accumulating all the facts and materials that could aid them in achieving their goal.

Just like other students who are engaged in an investigatory project, they also experienced difficulties in pursuing their investigatory project.

They sought assistance of their adviser who stood beside them throughout the course of their research. They even requested the cooperation of twenty (20) people from their locality to test the effectiveness of the kalatsutsi liniment, they were composed of farmers, teachers, laborers, government employees and students with age ranging from 14 to 69.

For about a month, they have been requested to use and observe the effectiveness of the said liniment All of their hard work paid off when they won the Division, Regional and National Science Fairs. Teary eyed, one of them quipped, “Hard work really pays off.” Who would have thought that the kalatsutsi or the “flower for the dead” would be a promising liniment or ointment that would relieve pain?

Well, think again.

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Actual Science Investigatory Project (SIP)

Dalungyan (Artocarpus camansi) Latex and Seeds as Biodegradable plastic An Entry to the 6th National Science Fair – Cluster II

Paulinet Angela S. Tamaray, Leny C. Amparo, Jeric M. Ilao, Proponents Mrs. Luningning E. De Villa, Research Adviser Quezon National High School, Lucena City

Abstract The study entitled “Dalungyan (Artocarpus camansi) Latex and Seed as Biodegradable Plastic� aims to find a new source in the production of biodegradable plastic. This can significantly lessen the energy consumption, improper waste disposal, and greenhouse gases that are brought about by using petroleum-based plastic. The researchers aimed to test the effectively of dalungyan latex and dalungyan seeds as main decomposing agents.

This study also sought to compare the weight capacity, tensile strength, flexibility and the decomposition rate of the product to commercial plastic. The researchers hypothesized that there is a significant difference between the bioplastics made and the commercial ones. The procedures involved were Dalungyan lattes tapping, extraction of starch from its seeds by blending, mixing the materials, molding and drying of the solution made. The decomposition took place by the product in 12cm depth of soil and observing it thereafter.

Several trials were made, Set-up A- 50g dalungyan seeds, 3ml latex, 40ml polyvinyl acetate (PVA) solution, Set-up B- 100g dalungyan seeds, 3ml latex, 40ml polyvinyl acetate (PVA) solution, Set-up C- 150g dalungyan seeds, 3ml latex, 40ml polyvinyl acetate (PVA) solution. Results were analyzed statistically which proved that set-up B has the most compatible properties of biodegradable plastic.

The researchers then, concluded that dalungyan latex is the plasticizer while dalungyan seed starch is the polymer. The petroleum-based plastic did not decompose because it is non-biodegradable.

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Actual Science Investigatory Project (SIP) Introduction Global warming is the most serious threat to humanity today. The term refers to the warming of the Earth in recent decades and its projected continuation implied by human influence alone. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concludes “most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperature since the mid-twentieth century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic (man-made) greenhouse gas concentration.”

The greenhouse effect was discovered by Joseph Fourier in 1824 and was first investigated quantitatively by Svante Arrhenius in 1896. It is the process by which absorption and emission of infrared radiation by atmospheric gases warm a planet’s lower atmosphere and surface.

Existence of the greenhouse effect as such is not disputed, for without it, the Earth would be uninhabitable. The issue is how the strength of the greenhouse effect changes when human activity increases the concentration of some greenhouse gases.

The predicted effects of uncontrolled increase of greenhouse gases on the environment and for human life are numerous and varied. Raising sea levels, Arctic shrinkage, and altered patterns of agriculture are cited as direct consequences leading to extreme weather events, expansion of tropical diseases, changes in the timing of seasonal patterns in ecosystems, and drastic economic impact.

Since the industrial revolution, numerous human activities increased the radiative forcing of naturally occurring gases, thus causing global warming.

One of the largest factors contributing to global warming is the general problem of overpopulation and its many effects. Great numbers of people consume more items which take more energy to make; they drive cars, and create larger amounts of “waste”. The term refers to unwanted items that were already used and are of no longer use to the consumer.

Most of the materials found in garbage are mainly composed of plastic, a non-biodegradable material that can only be disposed of permanently by burning.

Facing such burden, the researchers have thought of making a type of plastic for packaging, a biodegradable one out of latex and seeds of dalungyan.

Background of the Study Bioplastics are environment-friendly since they are made from renewable and natural sources. They produce no extra carbon dioxide when burned and once disposed of, they will safely and naturally biodegrade.

The promise of bioplastics is significant; since global warming is mainly a result of improper disposal and uncontrolled amounts of plastic. Globally, more than 200 billion pounds of plastic is created each year, most of which ends up as throw away products. No other application requires more crude oil than the production of conventional plastics.

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Actual Science Investigatory Project (SIP) Bioplastics date back to the Bronze Age, and they are bound for a comeback as our modern hunger for petroleum exceeds what is left of our supply. Petroleum is a nonrenewable resource because it takes millions of years to form. As people cut back on the use of petroleum based products, a new solution needs to be found. By using natural, abundant, biodegradable materials, new non-petroleum based plastics can be made out of dalungyan latex and seeds.

Statement of the Problem This study was conducted to find a new source in the production of biodegradable plastic that can be of equal standard as that of the commercial.

Specifically it aims to: 1. Determine the effectiveness of different ratios of Dalungyan latex and extract of Dalungyan seeds as materials in making the biodegradable plastic.

2. Determine the physical properties of the product that makes it good for packaging in terms of: a. Weight capacity b. Flexibility c. Tensile strength 3. Determine the chemical properties of the produced plastic material in terms of: a. Decomposing property

Significance of the Study The biggest threat to the conventional plastics industry is most likely to be environmental concerns, including the release of toxic pollutants, greenhouse gas, litter, and nonbiodegradable landfill impact as a result of the production and disposal of petroleum-based plastics. Of particular concern has been the recent accumulation of enormous quantities of plastic trash in ocean gyres, particularly the North Pacific Gyre, now known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch or the Pacific Trash Vortex.

For decades one of the great appeals of plastics has been their low price. Yet in recent years the cost of plastics has been rising dramatically. A major cause is the sharply rising of petroleum, the raw material that is chemically altered to form commercial plastics. With some observers suggesting that future oil reserves are uncertain, the price of petroleum will surely increase.

Facing the inevitable exhaustion of petroleum, both government and industry are seeking alternatives to ease our reliance upon oil. Plastic has become a staple of the modern industrial world, and most of its currently petroleum based. Our use of plastics in the past century has grown along with our consumption of oil. From ink pens to medical syringes, contact lenses to computer housings – plastics indeed the material of the age. As such a

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Actual Science Investigatory Project (SIP) popular material, plastic fills our landfills in various forms from packaging to appliances.

Plastics are usually seen scattered just about everywhere – hazardous to both human health and environment. This posts a great harm to the ecosystem, but if plastics were biodegradable, they would just decompose on their own usage.

Variation in earth’s global climate due to human progress occupied the attention of generations of scientists but is just now arising in public consciousness.

In the last 30 years, the world’s average temperature has risen dramatically. Mother Earth is feverish and the number one culprit is the burning of fossil fuels that are feeding our industries (Philippine Daily Inquirer, September 25, 2007).

This study is hoped to help decease our consumption of oil and at the same time, help increase the production of plastics that are biodegradable, lessening the risk of environmental havoc.

Scope and Limitation This study made use of latex, a milky fluid found in specialized cells called lactiferous cells.

Latex was obtained from the dalungyan tree, while the seeds were gathered from its fruit.

The seeds are rich in starch, serving as thickening agent and stabilizer. Lax was used as the plasticizer. Polyvinyl Acetate was used for product’s high tensile strength and flexibility and both the seeds and latex served as decomposing agents.

The researchers made use of three set-ups. Different proportions of the materials were used in the concentration and production of bioplastics: Set-up A- 50g dalungyan seeds, 3ml latex, 40ml polyvinyl acetate (PVA) solution, Set-up B- 100g dalungyan seeds, 3ml latex, 40ml polyvinyl acetate (PVA) solution, Set-up C- 150g dalungyan seeds, 3ml latex, 40ml polyvinyl acetate (PVA) solution. The weight capacity, tensile strength and flexibility; and decomposing property of the product were measured.

This study focuses on finding a new source in the production of biodegradable plastics that can be compared to those that commercial.

Theoretical Framework Review of Related Literature Plastics Plastic is general common term for a wide range of synthetic or semi synthetic organic solid materials suitable for the manufacture of industrial products. The word derives from the Greek plastikos, “fit for molding.” Plastics can be classified by their chemical structure, namely the molecular units that make up the polymer’s backbone and side chains. Some important groups in these classifications are acrylics, polyesters, silicones, polyurethanes, and halogenated

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Actual Science Investigatory Project (SIP) plastics. Plastics can also be classified by the chemical process used in their synthesis e.g. as condensation, polyaddition, cross-linking, etc.

Other classifications are based on qualities that relevant for manufacturing or product design. Examples of such classes are the thermoplastic and thermo set, elastomer, structural, biodegradable, electrically conductive, etc.

Plastics are used in an enormous and expanding range of products, from paper clips to spaceships. They have already displaced many traditional materials- such as wood, stone, horn and bone, leather, paper, metal, glass and ceramic-in most of their former uses.

Plastics are durable and not all degrade. In terms of disposing it, burning plastic is necessary for it to vanish completely, leading to the release of toxic fumes. Also, the manufacturing of plastics often creates large quantities of chemical pollutants. Recycling plastics however, has been proven difficult. The biggest problem with plastic recycling is that is difficult to automate the sorting of plastic waste, and that it is labor intensive.

Bioplastics Biodegradable plastic is the kind of plastic that breaks down with exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation), contact with water, dampness, bacteria infestation, wind abrasion and some instances, rodent pest or insect attack. It is clear some of these modes of degradation will only be effective if certain conditions are found in landfills or composting system.

Bioplastics are new generation of biodegradable and compostable plastics derived from renewable sources that are not hazardous in production and decomposes back into carbon dioxide, water or biomass when discarded.

Toyota Motor Corp. became the first automaker in the world to use bioplastics in the manufacture of auto parts, employing them in the cover for the spare time in the Raum, a new model that went on sale last 2005. The bioplastic used for the tire cover is made from sweet potatoes and sugarcane.

Review of Related Studies From the study Bioplastic out of Gumamela (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) Leaves extract, Valenzuela et.al concluded that plant extract can be obtained as decomposing agent from gumamela leaves. The researchers then sought of an alternative source in the production of biodegradable plastics.

Dalungyan or Breadnut (Artocarpus camansi) is native to New Guinea and the Philippines.

It grows to heights of 10-15 m (33-50 ft) or taller with trunk 1 m (3.3 ft) or larger in diameter, often growing to a height of 5 m (16 ft) before branching (http://www.agriforestry.net).

The leaves are large, leathery, ovate to oblong-ovate, 40 to 60 cm long, 25 to 45 cm, deeply pinnate, and 4 to 5 lobed. The male spikes are cylindrical, greenish-yellow, 15 to 25 cm long,

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Actual Science Investigatory Project (SIP) and 3 to 4 cm in diameter. The fruit is green, ovoid or somewhat rounded, 10 to 15 cm long, and 7 to 12 cm in diameter; the tips of the anthocarps being narrowly conical, prolonged, 5 to 8 mm long, and 5 mm thick or less at the base. The seeds are very numerous, ovoid to somewhat rounded, about 2.5 cm in diameter (Quisimbing, 1978).

A sticky, white, milky latex is present in all parts of the tree. The tree is used when it is mature, that is, when the white milky soap comes to the surface and runs over the outside.

The fruit is still hard and green. If the breadnut is allowed to ripen, some of the starch in turns to sugar. Its seeds have a pleasant nutty odor.

Latex Latex may be natural or synthetic. Latex as found in nature is the milky sap of many plants that coagulates on exposure to air. It is a complex emulsion in which proteins, starches, sugar, and oils are found. Many plants produce latex, which oozes from cuts and injuries of the plant or tree. Special cells called laticifers produce latex. All latexes are emulsion, aqueous suspensions of insoluble materials. The composition of latex sap consists of 30-40 % rubber particles, 55-65 % water, and small amounts of protein, sterol glycosides, resins, ash, and sugars. It has high elasticity and a polymer molecular structure. This structure consists of a long chain made up of tens of thousands of smaller units, called monomers, strung together. Each monomer unit has a molecular size comparable with of a simple substance such as sugar.

To harvest latex, a worker shaves off a slanted strip of bark halfway around the tree. Precise skill is required for if the tree is cut too deeply, the tree will be irreparably damaged. If the cut is too shallow, the maximum amount of latex will not flow. The latex then bleeds out of the severed vessels, flows down along the cut unit it reaches a spout, and finally drops into a collection cup that will later be drained.

Starch Starch, CAS#9005-25-8, chemical formula (C6H10O5)n is a polysaccharide carbohydrate consisting of a large number of glucose monosaccharide units joined together by glycosidic bonds. Starch generally contains 20 to 25 percent amylose and 75 to 80 percent amyl pectin.

Starch possesses the characteristic of being able to absorb humidity and is thus being used for the production of drug capsules in the pharmaceutical sector. It is also a carbohydrate that gives us energy.

Polyvinyl acetate (PVA OR PVAc) PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate) is a rubbery synthetic polymer. It is prepared by polymerization of vinyl acetate monomer. Partial or complete hydrolysis of the polymer is used to prepare polyvinyl alcohol. As an emulsion in water, PVA is sold as an adhesive for porous materials, particularly wood, paper, and cloth. It is the most commonly used wood glue, both as “white

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Actual Science Investigatory Project (SIP) Conceptual Framework Dalungyan latex that serves as plasticizer, Dalungyan seed starch that can propagate molds and fungi, and PVA that provides high elasticity, rate capable of making plastics

The latex tapped from the dalungyan tree, and seeds gathered from the fruit were mixed with PVA

Dalungyan Latex and Seeds as Biodegradable Plastic.

glue” and the yellow “carpenter’s glue”. PVA is widely used in bookbinding and boo arts due to its flexibility, and because it is non-acidic, unlike many other polymers. It is a common copolymer used extensively in paper, paint and industrial coatings, referred to as vinyl acrylics.

It can also be used to protect cheese from fungi and humidity; it was discovered in Germany

by Dr. Fritz Klatte in 1912.

PVA, as a water soluble resin dissolves easily in water, but solubility depends on the degree of polymerization and degree of hydrolysis. The lower the degree of polymerization, the easier it dissolves in water. In general partially hydrolyzed are dissolved easily than fully hydrolyzed grains. Also, the dissolution rate of PVA depends on the dissolution temperature. The higher the temperature, the higher the rate of dissolution. Partially hydrolyzed grades dissolve at room temperature more easily than full hydrolyzed grades which are not easily dissolved at room temperature. Fully hydrolyzed grades have a different dissolution rate which varies according to the degree of crystallization but partially hydrolyzed grades show little susceptibility to heat treatment condition.

It is evident that plastic are becoming a major problem in the community because of its state being non-biodegradable. It has brought only inconvenience to its consumer in terms of its disposal and great harm to the environment as it cause blockage in drainage systems, sewers, roads, and rivers. Plastics are either thrown or burned, that is why biodegradable plastics are proven to be significant. The researchers then conceptualized this study to produce a biodegradable plastic. Latex was obtained from the dalungyan tree and the seeds were gathered from the fruit and were mixed with PVA in different ratios. The products were allowed to cool, and test such as weight capacity, tensile strength, flexibility and decomposition rate were administered to each set-up.

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Actual Science Investigatory Project (SIP) Hypotheses The following hypotheses were stated to generate conclusion after experimentation: Ho: There is no significant difference between the Dalungyan Latex and seeds as Biodegradable Plastic and the commercial one in terms of its weight capacity.

Hi: There is significant difference between the Dalungyan Latex and seeds as Biodegradable Plastic and the commercial one in terms of its weight capacity.

Ho: There is no significant difference between the Dalungyan Latex and Seeds as Biodegradable Plastic and the commercial one in terms of their tensile strength.

Hi: There is significant difference between the Dalungyan Latex and Seeds as Biodegradable Plastic and the commercial one in terms of their tensile strength.

Ho: There is no significant difference between the Latex from Dalungyan and Seed as Biodegradable Plastic and the commercial one in terms of their flexibility.

Hi: There is significant difference between the Dalungyan Latex and Seed as Biodegradable Plastic and the commercial one in terms of their flexibility.

Ho: There is no significant difference between the Dalungyan Latex and Seeds as Biodegradable Plastic and the commercial one in terms of decomposing property.

Hi: There is significant difference between the Dalungyan Latex and Seeds as Biodegradable Plastic and the commercial one in terms of decomposing property.

Definition of Terms and Variables For better understanding, the following terms were defined according to their use in this study: Biodegradable—refers to substances that are capable of being broken down into simpler compounds by the action of naturally occurring microorganism such as bacteria, fungi, and algae.

Bioplastic—plastic made from entirely natural raw materials.

Decomposing property—the property of a substance to break down into simpler compounds through a process called biodegradable.

Flexibility—capable of being easily stretched or expanded and resuming former shape.

Global warming—an increase in the earth’s atmospheric and oceanic temperature widely predicted to occur due to an increase in the greenhouse effect.

Insoluble—substances that cannot be dissolved in water.

Latex—a milky fluid in specialized cells called lactiferous cells that have the tendency to become sticky or glue-like.

Monomer—a lower-molecular-weight substance consisting of molecules capable of reacting with like or unlike molecules to form a polymer.

Petroleum—fuel derived from ancient organic remains.

Plasticizer—a substance incorporated in a material to increase it workability, flexibility, or

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Actual Science Investigatory Project (SIP) distensibility; a substance that adds pliability to other substances.

Polymer—a substance consisting of molecules characterized by the repetition of one or more types of monomeric units.

Tensile strength—the strength of material expressed as the greatest longitudinal stress it can bear without tearing apart.

Thickness—is the quantity or condition of being thick.

Weight capacity—the ability of the material to lift an object up to its limit.

Methodology Research Design The experimental design used in the study was the randomized complete block design. This design was used as basis of comparison of the different properties of the biodegradable plastic out of dalungyan latex and seeds from petroleum-based plastic. The design is more accurate to use since three set-ups were prepared with different amounts of each involved material to find the most effective ratio.

Different proportions of the materials were in used concentration and production of bioplastics: • Set-up A—50g dalungyan seeds, 3ml latex, 40ml polyvinyl acetate (PVA) solution • Set-up B—100g dalungyan seeds, 3ml latex, 40ml polyvinyl acetate (PVA) solution • Set-up C—150g dalungyan seeds, 3ml latex, 40ml polyvinyl acetate (PVA) solution.

The weight capacity, tensile strength and flexibility; and decomposing property of the product were measured.

Sources of Data Data were based on experimentation. Each set-up produced three results obtained from the three set-ups. The weight capacity, tensile strength and flexibility were tested, as well as the decomposition rate. Ratio data obtained from the experiment were recorded and analyzed statistically. Experimental method was used in the performance of the experiment.

Books, journals, and the World Wide Web were used to supply the sufficient methods used in testing the physical and chemical properties of the bioplastics compared to the conventional one achieving the objectives.

Table 3.1 Distribution of Materials Set-up

Amount of Dalungyan latex (ml)

Amount of Dalungyan seeds (g)

Amount of PVA (ml)

A

3

50

40

B

3

100

40

C

3

150

40

D

Petroleum-based plastic

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Actual Science Investigatory Project (SIP) Table 3.1 represents the distribution of materials in each of the different set-ups. The prepared and proportioned were the dalungyan latex, dalungyan seeds and PVA. A constant amount of PVA and latex was used in the set-ups and different amounts of Dalungyan seeds were varied to test the effectively of the bioplastic material that was made: • Set-up A­—50g dalungyan seeds, 3ml latex, 40ml polyvinyl acetate (PVA) solution • Set-up B—100g dalungyan seeds, 3ml latex, 40ml polyvinyl acetate (PVA) solution • Set-up C—150g dalungyan seeds, 3ml latex, 40ml polyvinyl acetate (PVA) solution.

Procedure Collecting the seeds The method in harvesting Dalungyan seeds was done manually. The fruits that fell on the ground were also collected for they could still provide seeds for use.

A maximum of 500 seeds were taken randomly from the mass of Dalungyan fruit.

Removing the meat from its shell Immediately after collecting the seeds from the fruit, they were rinsed with water. Knives were used in removing the meat from its coat.

Grating the meat and extracting the starch The meat was grated into diminutive pieces and was then placed in a piece of cloth and extracted manually. The extract that was gathered was exposed to sunlight for 10 hours until was dried and became fine powder.

Latex Tapping Latex was taken from the dalungyan tree by tapping its bark. The incision produced sap which was directly scooped using a basin. The gathered sap was placed in a vial and was covered with a cork to prevent it from hardening.

Production of biodegradable plastic Different amounts of dalungyan seed starch were distributed in three containers, 50g, 100g, and 150g labeled as set-up D to be used as source of comparison. Equal amounts (refer table 3.1) of PVA was combined with dalungyan latex in each of the set-up.

Drying The mixture was placed in a container to achieve the desired shape then was left under the sun to dry at most 12 hours.

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Actual Science Investigatory Project (SIP) Testing the weight capacity To determine the weight capacity of the plastics, the researchers prepared initial load with predetermined mass. This was subjected to each sample. Gradually, different masses were added ranging from 1g to 500g. The maximum load each plastic can sustain without breaking is determined.

Testing the tensile strength and flexibility With the samples of plastic subjected to loads of different masses initially done on determining weight capacity, maximum load identified for each plastic corresponds to the tensile strength if the materials made. The higher the weight the greater the tensile strength of the plastic.

Whereas, the plastic that can carry the maximum load is described as the most flexible and its otherwise, is weak.

Testing the decomposition rate The rate was buried in the soil with a depth of 12 cm. it was done by constant observation of the changes the plastic has undergone. As days passed by, the researchers noticed that the product slowly disappeared, proof that it has already subjected to itself of decomposition.

Statistical Technique Used The researchers used ANOVA for the statistical analysis of the significant difference in the weight capacity of the plastics. In this test, all possible mean differences analyzed simultaneously.

Furthermore, t-test was used to determine the significant difference between each sample and the commercial plastic. Thus, the best ratio of the materials used can be determined as effective as the commercial plastic.

Results and Discussion This chapter contains the results of test that were conducted. This also contains the discussion in each of the tables shown.

Table 4.1 Weight capacity of Biodegradable Plastics (kg) Treatment

Trials

Mean (x)

1

2

3

A

0.72

1.5

1.70

1.3

B

2.81

3.20

3.40

3.14

C

1.97

2.20

2.90

2.36

D (commercial plastic)

4.21

3.70

2.93

3.61

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Actual Science Investigatory Project (SIP) Table 4.1 shows the weight capacity of biodegradable plastics which were tested by adding loads of different masses. This reveals that the plastic D which is the commercial plastic has the highest mean weight capacity. Set-up B follows with mean weight capacity of 3.14 kg.

Set-ups A and C have mean weight capacities of 1.3 kg and 2.36 kg, respectively.

The above results prove that commercial plastic can withstand the highest load followed by set-up B with 3ml latex, 100g seed starch and 40ml PVA. Table 4.2 Summary of One-Way ANOVA on weight capacity Source of variation

Sum of squares

Degrees of freedom

Mean square

Between treatments

9.14

3

3.05

Within treatments

2.1

8

0.26

Total

11.24

11

3.31

FCALC

Ftab

11.73

7.29

The above table shows the summary of one way ANOVA on the weight capacity of the plastics.

Since FCALC (11.73) > Ftab (7.29), (please see configuration at Appendix A) the null hypothesis was rejected. This proves that there is a significant difference in the weight capacities of the samples.

Analyzed with t-statistics, sample B differs in weight capacity with sample D at 0.05 level of significant at (Appendix B) tcalc = 2.79 against t.05 = 2.776.

Table 4.3 Flexibility and Tensile strength of Biodegradable Plastics Load (kg)

Commercial plastic

0.5

Biodegradable plastic Set-up A

Set-up B

Set-up C

No effect

No effect

No effect

No effect

1.0

No effect

No effect

No effect

No effect

1.5

No effect

No effect

No effect

No effect

Damaged

2.0

No effect

No effect

No effect

2.5

No effect

No effect

No effect

3.0

No effect

No effect

Damaged

3.5

No effect

Damaged

4.0

No effect

4.5

Damaged

Table 4.3 shows the flexibility and tensile strength of biodegradable plastic as tested by adding different loads of different masses.

The table reveals that set-up B can hold more than 0.5 kg but cannot hold 3.5 kg or more while set-up C can hold more than 0.5 kg but cannot hold 3.0 kg or more and set-up A can

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Actual Science Investigatory Project (SIP) hold more than 0.5 kg but cannot hold 2.0 kg or more. The commercial plastic can hold up to 4.0 kg but cannot hold more than 4.5 kg. This proves that commercial plastics have the highest flexibility and maximum tensile strength of 4.0 kg. Set-up B follows as it can be stretched by a load of 3.0 kg, hence its tensile strength, Furthermore, among the made biodegradable plastics, set-up B is most effective alternative.

Table 4.4 Decomposition Rate of Plastics Treatment

Trial Results (Day) 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Reduced

Vanished

No change

No change

A

No change

No change

No change

Reduced

Reduced

B

No change

No change

Reduced

Reduced

Vanished

C

No change

No change

Reduced

Vanished

D

No change

No change

No change

No change

No change

Table 4.4 shows the decomposition rate of the plastics in days. This reveals that the product slowly vanishes as days passed by. The researchers observed that the product with small amount of dalungyan seeds took the longest time to decompose. On the other hand, the product with large amount of dalungyan seeds decomposed faster.

The researchers then, concluded that dalungyan seeds are the agents which shortened the life of the product. On the other hand, PVA is prolonging agent. The commercial plastic did not decompose because it is not biodegradable.

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation The study “Dalungyan (Artocarpus camansi) Latex and Seeds as Biodegradable Plastic� aims to find a new source in the productuion of biodegradable plastic that can be compared to those that are commercial. Bioplastic are environment friendly since they are made from renewable and natural sources. They produce no extra carbon when burned once disposed of, they naturally decompose.

Biodegradable plastics were made from the latex of the dalungyan trees, dalungyan seed starch and PVA were mixed, molded, and were set aside to dry. Physical properties such as weight capacity, tensile strength and flexibility were measured. The decomposition property of the set-up was also tested.

Based on the results, the following were obtained as findings of the study; Set up B with 3 ml dalungyan latex, 100 g seed starch and 400 ml PVA, a plastic having 3.14 kg average weight capacity is next commercial plastic which can carry at least 3.61 kg load.

The commercial plastic which was proven to have the greatest tensile strength of up to 4.0 kg, dalungyan plastic B follows with a maximum of 3.0 kg tensile strength.

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Actual Science Investigatory Project (SIP) 1. Results in weight capacity and tensile strength prove that plastic B close flexibility with the commercial one.

2. The Analysis of Variance proves that there is a significant difference in the weight capacity of dalungyan plastics and commercially available one at FCALC (11.73)> Ftab (7.29).

3. Furthermore, t-test analysis justified the significant difference of the commercial plastic against the prepared plastics out of dalungyan latex and seeds at tCALC = 2.79 against t.05 = 2.776.

Conclusion 1. Based on the findings, the following conclusion are hereby stated: 2. Biodegradable plastic can be product dalungyan latex and seeds.

3. The product was proven to have a significant difference with the commercial ones in terms of its physical properties which include weight capacity, tensile strength and flexibility.

4. Plastics made out of dalungyan latex and seeds are biodegradable and decomposed in a week time. Thus, the bioplastic was proven to be an alternative to the commercially manufactured one.

5. Through it was proven that there is a significant difference in physical properties among the samples by ANOVA and t-test, the researchers conclude that set-up B with 3 ml latex, 100g seed starch and 40 ml PVA which has always followed the commercial plastic in these property tests, is the most acceptable proportion of dalungyan latex and seeds as biodegradable plastic.

Recommendation Based on the series of experimentation and results obtained, the researchers recommend the following: 1. Laboratory testings should be done to effectively determine the properties of the biodegradable plastic for the accuracy of results.

2. Dalungyan tree bears fruit all year round and is widely crafted. Wide range cultivation is recommended as a food source of the localities, furthermore the trees can be planted along sidewalks and riverbanks to prevent soil erosion. This is to maximize source of raw materials for the production of biodegradable plastics.

3. The biodegradable plastic has been proven to be effective packaging material in handling specific amount of masses. The researchers recommend that manipulation of variables should be done attain a better product.

4. Since dalungyan seeds contain starch which is used in making the biodegradable plastic, it is suggested that seeking other sources should be done.

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Actual Science Investigatory Project (SIP) Bibliography Books 1.

2.

3.

4.

Merriam Webster Dictionary Pancho, Gertudes, V. “Platics.” Britannica, 1986, Volume 12, pp.345-348 Cage, William, U. “Biodegardable Plastics”. : Groiler Encyclopedia. 1986. Volume 02 p. 52 J. Harry Dubios Collection on the History of Plastics, ca. 1900-1975 Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.

5. Modern Plastics: Encyclopedia Americana. Volume 61. Number 10A. 6. “Plastics.” Americana, 1963, Volume 22, p. 221

Journals 1.

2.

3.

4.

Manila Bulletin, p.6, June 2007 Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A4, September 2007 Philippine Star, p.1, July 2008 Manila Bulletin, p. B14, July 2008

Unpublished Research Papers Bioplast out of Gumamela (Hibiscus rosa-sinensi) Leaves extract; Valenzuela et.al

Websites 1. http://www.breadfruit.com 2. http://www.answers.com 3. http://www.agroforestry.net 4. http://www.education.yahoo.com 5. http://www.wikipedia.org 6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastics 7. http://www.kdcapital.com/Plastics_Machinery.html 8. http://www.merriam-webster.com/ 9. www.bioplastic.org/ 10. www.answer.com/topic/bioplastic 11. www.teamburg.de/bioplastics/index.php 12. http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Latex.html 13. http://www.bio.ilstu.edu/Armstrong/syllabi/rubber/rubber.html 14. http://dwb.unl.edu/Teacher/NSF/C06/C06Links/qlink.queensu.ca/~6jrt/chem210 Page3.html 15. www.globalwarming.org/ 16. Microsoft Encarta 2008

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Figure 1. Gathering the seeds.

Figure 2. Latex tapping.

Figure 4. Grating the meat.

Figure 5. Collecting the starch.

Figure 6. Drying.

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Figure 3. Removing the meat.

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Results for ASEP’s National Science Fair Cluster 1 (Public Schools): Life Science and Physical Science Life Science Individual Honey Lee Paciente Physico-Chemical Analysis of Matured Bamboo Leaves Extract Potential Agent Hypercholesterolemia In Rabbit Agusan del Sur National High School (San Francisco, Agusan del Sur) Coach: Emy Sabater Dacoseo Physical Science Individual Katrina M. Arit Extraction and Transestefirication of Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) Larva Oil in Bio- Diesel Lopez National Comprehensive High School (Lopez, Quezon) Coach: Juliana Arit Life Science Team Bianca Maria Santos, Nico Bryle Alfafara Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Bacterial Activity of Lantana Camara (Lantana) Plant Crude Extract Against S.aureus and S.epidermis.

The Quantum Academy, Inc. (General Santos City) Coach: Delmar B. Fernandez Physical Science Team Rio Pia, Yomkippur Perez, John Lee Tejadu Attenuation of Gamma Radiation Using Eggshell: A Potential Renewable Bioshielding Material of the Future Batasan Hills National High School (Batasan Hills, Quezon City) Coach: Roly B. Bayo-Ang Results for ASEP’s National Science Fair Cluster 2 (Private Schools): Life Science and Physical Science Life Science Individual Myra Dawn Villocino Milkfish (Chanos chanos) Bile and Bones:A Potential Source of Antibiotics and Flour.

Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School (Compostela Valley) Coach: Rowena Ypil Pontillo Physical Science Individual Ma. Felisa Augustine V. Reyes Utilization of Bio-Fertilizer and Soil Amendments for Enhanced Rehabilitation of Quarried Soil.

Batangas College of Arts and Science (Batangas City) Coach: Ma. Jocelyn T. Zarate

Life Science Team Marco Lloyd Mangayayam, Alexandra Rebosura, Anida Ontawar Serological Screening of Kabling Gubat (Orthosiphon Stamneus) on the Glucose and Lipid Profile Activity of Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): A Potential Bioactive Koronadal National Comprehensive High School (Koronadal,South Cotabato) Coach: Delmar B. Fernandez Physical Science Team Pauline Tamang, Leong Amparo, Jervie Ilao Dalungyan (Artucarpus Camansi) Latex Seeds as Biodegradable Plastic.

Quezon National High School (Lucena City, Quezon) Coach: Mrs. Luningning E. De Villa Results for ASEP’s National Science Fair Elementary and Teacher’s Category Elementary Individual Elbert John C. Cariazo Utilization of Alagaw (Premna Odorata) Leaf Extractas Pesticide in the Vegetative Growth of Pechay (Brassica Pekinensis) San Manuel Central School (San Manuel, Isabela) Coach: Ma. Teresa M. Ramos Elementary Team Jessie Anne M. Enriquez, Jennel Mae T. Pimentel, Katrina R. Guanio Kalatsutsi (Plumeria acuminate) Stem Extract Liniment Vinson’s Pilot Elementary School, (Vinsons, Norte) Coaches: Gina D. Cada, Violeta R. de Velez Teacher’s Life Science Sonny D. Valenzuela Physic Nut Fruit Extract-Activated Paper Battery Tondo High School (Tondo, Manila) Teacher’s Physical Science Rumulo R. Dotimas AC-DC Multipurpose Printed Circuit Board Electrical Demonstration Apparatus as an Instructional Material in Teaching Science V Particularly in Electricity Dumabel Integrated School (Aglipay, Quirino)

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MMLDC Academic Services Editorial Team Maria Vivien C. Arnobit Maria Amor M. Curaming Diowayne V. Dacayan Ronald B. Escanlar Mark Harem P. Blanquisco Rowel Padernal Emmanuel Espejo Jr.

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Special thanks to: The Association of Science Educators of the Philippines (ASEP) Dr. Fruit Godoy Ma’am Janet Martinez Typefaces used are Optima LT Std and Helvetica Neue LT Std. © 2009, MMLDC Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.