Challenge Team Abstract

Team Number:021 School Name: Central High School Area of Science: Physics Project Title: A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

In our daily life, we are constantly exposed to radiation, which can be harmful to our health. Cancer, for example, is partly genetic, but largely environmental. Evidence has shown that electromagnetic radiation damages cells in such a way that is cancer causing. Another effect of radiation on ones health is that the immune system may be damaged.
For our computational science project, we plan on taking samples from the San Juan River and testing them to see the content within each sample. We will take samples from a three mile span. By using a GPS unit, we can determine exactly where we took the sample and then map it efficiently. After we collect our data, we will send them to a Sandia Laboratory. We will then be able to see the content of each sample. We expect to find radon (radiation), for example, and other significant substances.
After we study the information sent back from the lab, we will write a computer program using C++. This program will, based in points entered, interpolate the radiation contained between the points entered. Next, we will plot points on a map of the San Juan river. By completing this project, we will become more familiar with the environment around us and what can be done to improve it.

Team Members

• Carrie Hawkins
• Kendal Hathaway
• Natalie Yazzie
• Jesse Watson
• Crystal Ray

Sponsoring Teachers

• Janet Clafton
• Otto McLaughlin

Project Advisor(s)

• James Karlin