About This Project
Our goal is to create the foundation for a sustainable source of light. We found species of bio-luminescent algae create light through a chemical reaction between Luciferin and oxygen. Using this reaction as a source of light might be a more sustainable and alterable way of illuminating our homes and workplaces. Alongside two other high school students, our research question is: can we control the amount of light produced by algae by varying the oxygen in the environment?
Ask the Scientists
Join The DiscussionWhat is the context of this research?
We were inspired to focus on this research question due to our shared passion of finding sustainable alternative to our current conveniences. NOAA has published a fact sheet that explains how within bio-luminescent organisms, there exists a chemical called Luciferin, plural luciferasae, that reacts with oxygen and creates light. We are focusing on bio-luminescent organisms, specifically algae. According to National Geographic, the light process creates primarily visible light rather than heat, with less than 20% of the chemicals reaction being heat. This would make bio-luminescent light on par with LED light bulbs, which according to the Department of Energy, is about 90% efficient. If we could verify that algae creates more light based on oxygen, we could attempt to control light output.
What is the significance of this project?
This project is significant because we are setting founding steps to creating a light source that doesn't depend on burning fossil fuels. If we know that the amount of light produced by bio-luminescent organisms that depend on the Luciferin and oxygen chemical reaction varies based on the amount of oxygen present, we can take steps to engineering light bulbs that are designed to create more light at night when we need it.
What are the goals of the project?
The goals of this project are to verify or refute that varying oxygen does indeed change the light output, and then use the data to confirm whether bio-luminescent species of algae can be used as a sustainable light source. To answer our research question we will be using a regulation compliant lab to insert varying amounts of oxygen into test tubes filled with two different species of algae. We would use several amounts of oxygen and take into account variables such as temperature, water pH, salinity, etc. We would form a control group for each species and then test different levels of oxygen on different tubes. We will start as soon as we procure currency to purchase any necessary equipment (being the algal species).
Budget
Having access to bio-luminescent algal species is key to starting and completing our project, as we need to alter it's environment and to do that we need species to work with. The species we will buy are the Pyrocytis Fusiformis from the Algae Research Supply. We will need to cover shipping and price of the algae species.
Endorsed by
Project Timeline
Ordering algal species before or when the month of November begins, preferably in the first week of November. While waiting for the shipment, doing more research on bio-luminescent algae and compiling a presentation and an area to compile data. Once organisms have been received, setting up necessary lab equipment begins. After all those steps have been completed, we would begin the experimentation and data acquisition. Then, data analysis and complication on presentation.
Oct 30, 2024
Biology Teacher agrees to be our mentor!
Nov 03, 2024
Order algal species
Nov 15, 2024
Project Launched
Nov 27, 2024
Complete basic research on bio-luminescent algae
Nov 29, 2024
Begin in-depth research on Pyrocytis Fusiformis species
Meet the Team
Team Bio
Our team has always been involved with our community, being in several programs allowing us to work towards innovations for a green planet. We have been involved in global programs that talk about the issues around the world such as food and water security, and we have hosted a town hall meeting in our locality to speak to members of our community about water issues. Our team met through our peerage and we all bring different skill necessary to succeed to the table!
Thiffany Justine Dasig
Hello! My name is Thiffany Justine Dasig, and I am a 15 year old living on Big Island, Hawaii! I was born in Manilla, Philippines and moved to the Big Island when I was three. I aspire to create change in my community and walk towards a brighter future with my peers! Some of my dreams are to do research on sustainable alternatives, currently incurable diseases, and to become a doctor who helps all patients!
Makeda Go
My name is Makeda Go. I am a fifteen year old living in Hawaii. I was born in Udon Thani, Thailand. I then moved to Hawaii, the Big Island. This is where I fell in love with the water. I fell in love with everything about it. The way that is so unpredictable. The sound the waves make as they crash into each other. Most of all, I fell in love with the other world under it. I fell in love with diving and swimming with these gorgeous animals. It didn’t take long for me to want to do everything in my power to fight for them and protect them. My love and passion for sustainability came from the ocean and from this island.
Luke Gee
Aloha! I am Luke Gee, a third generation Chinese-American, born and raised in Waimea, Hawaii. I am impassionate about sustainability and environmental resilience. I want to foster a world that is sustainable and is free from the worries of climate change. I wish to achieve this through policy and diplomacy, interacting with delegates, politicians, policy-makers, and so many others.
Lab Notes
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