The Judges Committee has awarded this submission Excellence in Environmental Science
PROJECT SUMMARY
Where does art meet science, and how can we get there? I created a ceramic vase that has an orifice for water drainage, and a small plate to collect excess water. It has an additional hole in one of the walls of the pot that allows for a drip irrigation system to be incorporated, with either a tube or (in my case) a flip-straw water bottle. In my AP Environmental Science class, we learned about degrees of tolerance for certain plants in relation to salinization of water using radish seeds as a sample, and thanks to this vase I created in pottery class, I achieved to make it aesthetic.
WHY?
I created this vase with the excess clay from another project in ceramics class, and to test the survival of radish seeds in 0% salinity of water.
HOW?
For this project, I used white clay and jungle gems glaze, as well as radish seeds and paper towels.
WHAT?
The paper towe (used as a filter) proved to be a successful and hygienic replacement for soil for at least the first week of life of the radish seeds, and the vase provided support for the plants, as well as protection from wind.
SO WHAT?
My project is proof that growing greenery and conducting science experiments doesn’t have to be bland and monochromatic, rather, it can be fun and pleasing both to the eye an scientist!
WHAT'S NEXT?
Next time, I could add a better drip irrigation system, maybe with a bag like the ones with which saline solution is administered, that requires less attention and commitment.
REFERENCES & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special thanks to Ms Fio and Di for the clay and glaze, and Ms. Barnett for the radish seeds!
JUDGES FEEDBACK
What an admirable mix of art and science! Your photos show a great progression from initial design drawing, to completion of the vase, to growing the radish seeds. Great design!