By  Macie Zhong

Received: 2020-2-29 / Accepted: 2020-4-11 / Published: 2020-4-15

PDF Main Manuscript (329.61 KB)  DOI: https://doi.org/10.37906/isteamc.2020.1

Abstract Orcinus orca, also known as killer whales, are one of the most endangered and captured marine species. They have been kept in captivity at marine parks and aquariums such as SeaWorld and Marineland for decades just because of entertainment purposes. How can people find a way to make the living conditions of these whales better? Dr. Ingrid Visser found in her study at Marineland of Antibes, France, that orcas get many physical problems through their living conditions. Their teeth are worn down and they mostly stay in one place. Signs of aggression are also visible, the whales rake each other with their teeth which can cause bleeding and sometimes infections. Aggression is not only between whales, there have also been many trainer accidents that include the death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheu. Many solutions have been suggested to solve the problems while working in cooperation with entertainment companies, none of them have made any progress. What can people do to finish properly what we started?
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By  Robin Li

Received: 2020-2-19 / Accepted: 2020-4-9 / Published: 2020-4-15

PDF Main Manuscript (290.55 KB)  DOI: https://doi.org/10.37906/isteamc.2020.2

Abstract Starting from late May of 2019, the Chinese government has started to enforce the garbage classification law in Beijing, which requires local citizens to mandatorily classify their trash in public places, such as schools and hospitals, and will gradually cover more areas. In July, the laws on garbage management were also implemented in Shanghai, with more cities following this footstep. This chain of events has clearly demonstrated the determination of the Chinese government in dealing with garbage classification, which has long been a significant problem in China, in order to protect the environment and develop sustainable cities. This paper combines a variety of sources, including internet webpages and interviews, etc., to analyze different aspects of the laws implemented by the Chinese government in Shanghai and Beijing, including their benefits and problems, to finally form a prediction that the laws would not succeed or show evident effectiveness for these cities in the near future. This paper helps provide insights to the garbage classification policies, and advocates that citizens should wait patiently for the success of the laws, instead of bragging or criticizing them right away. [More...]

By  Jaden Q Zhang

Received: 2020-3-7 / Accepted: 2020-4-8 / Published: 2020-4-15

PDF Main Manuscript (437.59 KB)  DOI: https://doi.org/10.37906/isteamc.2020.3

Abstract Many generations of scientists have tried to understand the concept of consciousness and all its secrets. We can't really define which part of our brain really controls consciousness so it is a topic that most people can't wrap their heads around. The most simple definition I can give to this topic is "when a being is aware of their existence and can feel, they are conscious". I create a situation where we replicate the human brain using computer components to try and isolate or even create consciousness. The closest we have come to really creating a conscience is AI. If we can make our neurons into millions of wires and use many interesting software to replicate our memory would we have a truly self-aware being? Discovering all the secrets of consciousness would really benefit our world in nanotech, and solving world problems from another perspective. I bring together the idea of technology and neuroscience to create and discover new information about AI and how human consciousness works. The idea of transferring human consciousness into a robot would be a new upgraded AI that would solve problems like aging. We would be able to transfer our consciousness only when we can isolate and understand the source of consciousness. [More...]

By  Xinyang Li

Received: 2019-10-11 / Accepted: 2020-3-17 / Published: 2020-4-15

PDF Main Manuscript (681.65 KB)  DOI: https://doi.org/10.37906/isteamc.2020.4

Abstract Water is a substance that the human body needs in order to survive. Drinking the right amount of water has many health benefits, including maximum physical performance, high energy levels, and improved brain function. Dehydration occurs when the body uses or loses more fluid than it takes in. When dehydration happens, the body doesn’t have enough fluids in it to carry out its normal functions. In older adults, dehydration is the most common disorder that can occur. As adults get older, the body’s fluid reserve becomes smaller, and the ability to process and conserve water is reduced. We have designed a sensor to track to the amount of water put into the body. This monitor will help seniors, especially those in a nursing home, to track their daily water intake. The sensor works with other personalized data to create a dashboard to their medical provider for better health care. There are still some limitations of the sensor. We will continue to improve the accuracy of measurement and the material we used. [More...]

By  Albert Y Bao

Received: 2020-2-18 / Accepted: 2020-4-12 / Published: 2020-4-15

PDF Main Manuscript (518.65 KB)  DOI: https://doi.org/10.37906/isteamc.2020.5

Abstract STEM fields are at the core of 21st Century Innovation. However only a small number of American students pursue STEM disciplines as their future careers. In high school, AP STEM courses provide unique opportunities to improve students’ awareness, interests, and access to STEM learning in the school environment. A positive experience in these AP courses can be a catalyst to shaping a student’s career interests and preferences towards STEM fields. However, these courses are also the most challenging among all high school curricula, and the situation is even more complicated by the shortage of teachers skilled in STEM subjects. It is then important to help students develop effective learning strategies for these courses. Through surveying high school students who have studied AP STEM courses, this study has found that students highly value learning physics with a concept-based approach, chemistry and calculus with a procedure-based strategy, and biology with a mix between memorization and concept. Additionally, students prepared best with a mix between concept-based activities, such as labs, and procedure-based activities, such as practice problems, in both physics and chemistry. Students who took biology found memorization-based preparations to be the most useful, and calculus was prepared best with procedure. [More...]