Innovative Laboratory Experience
For my Chemistry Internal Assessment two years ago, I initiated a cutting-edge, extensive and original research project on the role of temperature of hibiscus tea on its anti-oxidation potency of margarine! As per the IB program, individual project would extend my knowledge in scientific research from introducing anti-oxidation to deriving conclusions from my results!
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In testing my hypothesis for the experiment, I designed an apparatus to measure my independent variable (temperature of hibiscus tea) with anti-oxidation potency simultaneously by using Vernier™ temperature and conductivity probes while adhering to all safety regulations. I recorded the points over three repeat trials and interpreted extensively my data using LabQuest Mini™, Microsoft Excel and Word.
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I was excited to see that my results were highly accurate and precise (so much so that error bars were very insignificant and predominantly invisible relative to the data points), proposing a maximal anti-oxidation potency of hibiscus tea near 55°C. With such a unique experiment, I initiated to be the first student at Father Michael McGivney to compete in the York Region Science and Technology Fair, earning the Bronze Medallion out of hundreds of participants!
The above image demonstrates my precise experimentation with margarine and hibiscus tea for my Chemistry Internal Assessment (generated Feb 2017).
The above image illustrates my hard-work and scientific lab achievement as the first student at Father Michael McGivney to be awarded a York Region Science & Technology Fair medalist(February 2017).
During my classes as an IB student, this report and presentation accumulated 68.5 hours of accurate measurements and data analysis, which helped me develop my determination, data analysis and research skills. Furthermore, as I performed the seven-week experiment from start to finish, I displaced my independence and decision-making skills alongside my lab experience! These two skills will be requirement when I individually complete research procedures and analyses for my Principal Investigator to perform further testing. In addition, these lab experiences will exemplify my professionalism, hard-work and time management skills when working at St. Michael’s Hospital on multiple tasks. Unlike other laboratory reports, this biochemical experiment undertook an electro-physical approach, indicating that my creativity, critical thinking, and application skills would be an asset when I perform cardiology research (which integrates mathematics, biotechnology, molecular biology and a plethora of our biological science fields) at one of Canada’s top hospitals.