JSHS awaiting

Waiting to see if my paper for JSHS will be chosen to represent Lynbrook. Fingers crossed!

Hypothesis correct

Did the experiment yesterday. Based on the raw data, it seems that capsaicin makes things hotter, both taste-wise and ignition temperature-wise. Also, capsaicin candles ignite faster

Endurance testing

Tested how long the tealights would last today. The candle burned for over an hour before finally flickering out. A good thing, because I'll be doing time trials with these.

I MADE SCIOLY TEAM A

I GOT ONTO TEAM A FOR SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
YESSSSSS

Capsaicin extraction

The capsaicin is finally all extracted! Since I can't get it into 100% pure form, it came out as dark red clumps instead of white, salt-like crystals. It burns your eyes if you stand around it for too long.

Why does 90% pure capsaicin cost $500 a gram? Seriously, it's not like the extraction process is that difficult. Then again, I don't know how pure the product is with that method.

Need to decide supervisor

The only thing I need to complete now is my extra approval forms and who my supervisor should be. I know that Mrs. Alonzo can be a Qualified Scientist for biology projects, but I'm doing a chemistry experiment and don't know who to put down. The chem teacher perhaps?

Science Olympiad tryouts on March  14th?

That's the actual competition date! I thought tryouts were later this month...or next week...

The nice part of studying for science stuff is that you can study for AP Bio, BioOly and SciOly at the same time because science is science, it doesn't change

Experiment is feasible

Today, while researching for my STEM proposal, I found a website called "Hot Pepper Wax" http://www.hotpepperwax.com/Products/ that sells a wax-based pest spray containing capsaicin.

Good. This means that capsaicin can either bond with wax, or is solubale in it. My experiment involving candles is possible.

Lack of research materials!

Good news: My project idea of using capsaicin as a fuel additive is relatively new. I put in "capsaicin fuel" in JSTOR and zero results came up.
Bad news: How am I supposed to do research now?!

The Stem of STEM of it all

Hello, everyone!
This blog will be tracking my progress in STEM (Science Tech Engineering Math) research at Lynbrook High School.