Young Naturalist Awards 2004: a research-based essay contest for students in grades 7-12 to promote participation and communication in science

Natural History, July-August, 2004

Each year American Museum of Natural History scientists endeavor to gain more knowledge about genetics, the accelerating expansion of the universe, plate tectonics that shapes Earth's surface, and the biodiversity of Earth's living things. They travel across the planet to places as far away as the Falkland Islands and as close as Central Park in New York City, observing, collecting, and documenting what they find. Their observations are recorded in field journals that they refer to again and again, long after the expeditions are over.

The Young Naturalist Awards program challenges students to embark on their own scientific expeditions. For this year's contest, students were invited to choose a topic in the area of biology, Earth science, or astronomy. First, students planned an expedition that would provide original observations, or data, to help them address their questions and formulate new questions about their topic. Then they shared their questions, experiences, data, and analysis through narrative essays that included drawings, maps, and/or photographs that illustrated their research. Included here are descriptions of and excerpts from the winning essays. Full-length versions of the winning essays and information on how to enter the contest are published on the Museum's Web site (www.amnh.org/youngnaturalistawards).

The Young Naturalist Awards are made possible by a generous grant from The J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation.

Gopher Tortoises: My Endangered Fellow Floridians, by Dawn Edwards (Altamonte Springs, Florida; Grade 7)

Curious about the burrows she saw on a trail ride, Dawn Edwards investigated the habitat of a Florida neighbor--the gopher tortoise.

"Through my travels around Florida, I have seen rapid construction and population growth. The impact of our actions on our animal neighbors must be considered. It is important to raise awareness by educating the public. In order for future generations to enjoy animals like our fellow Floridian, the gopher tortoise, we must keep them safe now. We have the technology to learn and share information if only we all work together."

A Comparison of the Bisbee and Morenci, Arizona, Copper Ore Deposits, by Amanda Duron (Tucson, Arizona; Grade 7)

Intrigued by mineral samples from her home state of Arizona, Amanda Duron explored the geology of two local copper ore deposits.

"I found that the geology of the Morenci and Bisbee areas was very similar in certain respects. Although both areas contained various rock formations within various time zones, I was able to simplify these formations and group them into: base rock, older sediments, porphyritic intrusion, younger sediments, and recent sediments. I found these five major classes in both areas. I now understand many of the natural processes that took place over millions of years."

The Growth Patterns of Aspens, by Elsie Bourn (Littleton, Colorado; Grade 8)

Admiring the beauty of aspen groves led Elsie Baum to wonder whether the diameter of the trees became smaller the further they were from the grave's center. She examined several groves to find out.

"Knowing that a grove is all one organism and that it spreads using 'shoots' from its root system, I believed that it would spread outward, with the oldest and thickest trees nearer to the center and the younger, skinnier trees closer to the perimeter. So now, when I go up into the mountains and see the aspen trees gently swaying to some unheard melody written by the wind, I will see beyond the soil to the mass of compact roots and beyond the present grove to the grove as it grows and expands into the future."

Afpectus Lunac: Does the Moon Rotate on Its Axis?, by Olivia Grugan (Alexandria, Pennsylvania; Grade 8)

Gazing at the night sky, Olivia Grugan wondered if the Moon, like the Earth, rotates on its axis. She made nightly observations and conducted an experiment to find out.

"I have learned much in the past few months about the Moon, from its countless myths to its countless facts. I have also learned how to use a telescope and have gotten hands-on experience with the scientific method. I have been introduced to a new field, astrophysics. And, best of all, I have an unbeatable excuse to stay up late."

Life in a Vernal Pool, by Yan Hui Lye (Houston, Texas; Grade 9)

When a sudden rainfall turned a patch of muddy earth into a vernal pool, Yon Hui Lye explored the characteristics of the pool and the animals that depend on it.

"I found a lot of mosquitoes flying on the surface of the pool on the first day. As the days progressed, more and more mosquito larvae were seen. Later, the larvae metamorphosed into pupae. On the eighth and ninth days, mosquitoes were again seen flying on the surface of the pool. I realized I had just witnessed the complete life cycle of the mosquito."

The Mystery of a Lifeless Creek: Investigating Dissolved Oxygen and Fecal-Coliform Bacteria, by Anna Taylor (Melrose Park, Pennsylvania; Grade 9)

Anna Taylor has lived near the creek her whole life, yet she has never seen any animals in or near it. She investigated the health of the creek to find out why.