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Phase Behavior of Boron Nitride Liquid Crystals for Assembly into Macroscopic Materials
Animations | 24 Sep 2024 | Contributor(s):: Frank Padron, Rice University
Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNT) are formed by hexagonal lattices with alternating boron and nitrogen atoms. This type of nanotubes is strong, but unlike electrically conductive carbon nanotubes, BNNTs are good electrical insulators and are thermally and chemically stable in air up to 900...
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Integration of Applied Mathematics into High School Math Courses using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Animations | 24 Sep 2024 | Contributor(s):: Sergio Salinas, Rice University
Incorporating applied mathematics through fluid dynamics simulations into the high school math curriculum presents a dynamic approach to education, fostering problem- solving skills crucial for STEM fields. This initiative proposes a progression of project- based assignments from Algebra 1 to...
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Escaping Gas in Magma
Animations | 24 Sep 2024 | Contributor(s):: Gwenanne Michalsky, Rice University
In magma, suspended bubbles can change the viscosity and other properties of magma which can then determine the style of volcanic eruptions. To better understand volcanic eruptions we want to understand how gas is lost from magma. We performed rheological experiments to investigate the...
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Sediment Transport During Floods
Animations | 24 Sep 2024 | Contributor(s):: Mila Taylor, Rice University
Rivers move water and sediments during floods which are crucial in water resource management and the community around them. In this study, we explore the effect of river transport on the grain size distribution of Mount Mazama ash deposit in Oregon. To explore our ideas, we characterized...
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Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes
Animations | 24 Sep 2024 | Contributor(s):: Duane Turner, Rice University
Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNT) show promising use in various fields and applications. Due to their high electrical/thermal conductivity, tensile strength, and length to diameter ratio, there is great interest in the use of SWCNTS for material additives, micro-electronics, and medical...
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OECT Optimization for CO₂ Detection By Varying APTES Thickness
Animations | 24 Sep 2024 | Contributor(s):: Deborah Edwards, Rice University
The detection of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in subsea environments is crucial for monitoring underwater ecosystems and mitigating climate change. Organic Electrochemical Transistors (OECTs) offer a promising approach for CO₂ detection in these conditions due to their sensitivity, selectivity, and...
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Removal and Destruction of PFAS Compounds by Granulated Activated Carbon Impregnated with Iron and Copper
Animations | 24 Sep 2024 | Contributor(s):: Dulce Abascal, NEWT Center, Rice University
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 10,000 man-made chemicals currently polluting the environment. These compounds are prevalent in numerous consumer goods and firefighting foams and are associated with health concerns, primarily through human exposure via drinking...
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How Does Restoration Affect Soil Health and the Plant Community?
Animations | 24 Sep 2024 | Contributor(s):: Patricia Juarez, Rice University
Restoration is one tool to help with conservation. Understanding how restoration impacts soil and plants community helps us monitor the environment. We visited two restorations sites, Almeda and Tom Bass 1 in Harris County Precinct 1 Texas in June 2024. We collected 10 soil samples at each...
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Nature's Nectar or A Nuisances' Nightmare: Which Liquid Will Fruit Flies Fly to the Most - Apple Cider Vinegar or Water?
Animations | 24 Sep 2024 | Contributor(s):: Jomarga Thompkins, Rice University
The work lead by Dr. Saltz, focuses on studying fruit flies because they are simple to work with and can tell us a lot about basic biological processes. By doing this, we can better understand how genes, behaviors, and environments interact and affect each other. My investigation will be...
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Optimizing Transformation Efficiencies for Biosensor Development
Animations | 24 Sep 2024 | Contributor(s):: Frida Maldonado, NEWT Center, Rice University
Biosensors are an emerging technology in the field of environmental engineering and show promise for wastewater epidemiology applications. Instead of the current centralized sampling approach, live sensors deployed in-situ could relay information in real-time. This project seeks to use the...
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Can Cells Enhance Their Response to the Tumor Microenvironment? Integrating Engineered Circuits with Existing Cellular Pathways
Animations | 28 Aug 2024 | Contributor(s):: Cynthia Flores, Rice University
Current cancer treatments struggle with solid tumors due to varied antigens and off-target effects. The Tumor Microenvironment (TME), which includes low oxygen, oxidative stress, and low glucose, are tied to specific gene activation. This project aims to link a cell-based system that makes...
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Electrospinner: How does it work?
Animations | 28 Aug 2024 | Contributor(s):: Erika Mendoza, NEWT Center, Rice University
Background Electrospinning technology produces PVDF polymers with high porosity, large surface area and well built pore structure. These qualities are essential in CO/CO₂ electrolysis because it fosters high uptake of electrolyte and provides a conducive environment for ion transport. This...
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Importance of Phosphorus Recovery
Animations | 28 Aug 2024 | Contributor(s):: Tiffany Marchand, Rice University
Phosphorus is essential in fertilizers for crop production, but excess phosphorus leads to ecological damage. It is estimated that about one-third of fertilizers are lost each year due to runoff and erosion. Eutrophication and the depletion of phosphorus resources have led to the need to...
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Unveiling Hidden Threats: Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Microplastic Detection in Human Placental Tissue
Animations | 28 Aug 2024 | Contributor(s):: Alexandra Hofferek, NEWT Center, Rice University
Background: Microplastics pose a growing health concern, potentially releasing harmful polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules (PAHs) into the body. This study aims to develop a sensitive and rapid method using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to detect microplastics in human...
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ReCT K2 Rethinking Circle Time Curriculum
Series | 27 Jun 2024 | Contributor(s):: Anne Ottenbreit-Leftwich
This curriculum was designed to integrate computational thinking into K-2 literacy activities.
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#Task 0: Robot Mouse Introduction
Teaching Materials | 22 Jun 2024 | Contributor(s):: Anne Ottenbreit-Leftwich
This is our introductory task that introduces the robot mouse.
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Task #1: Sequencing: Simple Conditional Logic
Teaching Materials | 22 Jun 2024 | Contributor(s):: Kristina M. Tank, Anne Ottenbreit-Leftwich, Tamara J. Moore
In this CT lesson, students will work on developing the conditional logic required to construct sequences and to understand how programs store and manipulate data. They will perform unplugged and embodied activities to use simple conditional logic.
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Task #2: Sequencing/Conditionals: Simple Conditional Logic + Literacy: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Teaching Materials | 22 Jun 2024 | Contributor(s):: Kristina M. Tank, Anne Ottenbreit-Leftwich, Tamara J. Moore
In this literacy and CT lesson, students work on sequencing and conditionals in a story using a book: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. The book gives various directions and events on what will happen if a mouse receives a cookie. Students will use their literacy...
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Task #3: Reverse Sequencing
Teaching Materials | 22 Jun 2024 | Contributor(s):: Tamara J. Moore, Kristina M. Tank, Anne Ottenbreit-Leftwich
In this lesson, students work on forward and reverse sequencing using a board-game set up to move the mouse piece through a version of the map used in the coded version. Students get the mouse to the cheese on a previously determined map requiring they go into and...
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Task #4: Sequencing/Conditionals: Reverse Sequencing + Literacy: Joey and Jet
Teaching Materials | 22 Jun 2024 | Contributor(s):: Kristina M. Tank, Anne Ottenbreit-Leftwich, Tamara J. Moore
In this literacy and CT lesson, students work on prepositions and sequencing in a story using the book Joey and Jet by James Yang. This book takes students through a game of fetch from the perspective of the dog, Jet. Students sequence the actions from the story, reverse the sequence,...