BCPS Student Independent Research Symposium 2023

Student Independent Research Symposium 2023

Warp blue

11th Annual *** 4th Virtual

Student Independent Research Symposium

The future belongs to young people who know where the knowledge is, how to get it, how to think about it, and how to turn it into better work, better products, better lives.      -- Rexford Brown, Educator and Author

Senior, Eastern Technical High School

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The Value of Cultural Education

As movements such as Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate continue to push for racial equality, understanding the value of diversity has been brought to the center of society’s focus. This project explores the importance of infusing a deep dive of a variety of cultures into education curriculums in an equitable manner. The presentation also addresses steps that each person can take to be more understanding of and knowledgeable about the cultures around them.

Junior, Eastern Technical High School

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Reframing Power: Everyone Can Start a Movement

What is power? It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the opacity and elitism of bureaucratic government, and decide it’s more practical to settle when things are unjust than to take action. This project breaks down what it means to have power as a young person, and gives audiences an alternative angle on how they can work within their communities to make change from the ground up. By exploring advocacy’s many forms, we can broaden our ambitions for a better, more democratic world.

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The purpose of this project is to explore the benefits of career exploration within high school years and even earlier than that. It serves to motivate students to seek opportunities to discover careers of interest to them. It also serves to motivate adults to encourage students to explore careers and to guide students down the right path. When students take the time to find what is right for them before college can help them save their time, money, and the stress of worrying about their future.

Independent Research Framework

Step 2: Explore an Issue or Problem

Step 3: Conduct a Literature Review

Step 4: Develop a Research Proposal

Step 5: Conduct Subject-specific Research

Step 6: Apply New Understanding

Step 7: Communicate, Present &amp; Share

Step 8: Reflect &amp; Extend

Visit the Student Researchers wiki at <a href="http://studentresearchers.pbworks.com/">http://studentresearchers.pbworks.com</a> for course information and annual Symposium highlights.

Junior, Franklin High School

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Mental Health Regression from Standardized Tests

The goal of this research was to study how the current number of standardized tests negatively impacts students' mental health. The reasons for students' decline in mental health include (a) the test format limits students' ability to construct an argument and doesn’t give students who have disabilities/language barriers a fair fight. This can lead to depression for those who have disabilities and language barriers because they aren’t able to improve as much as other students. (b) Another fault of standardized testing is that test scores don't come back until a year later which cannot help a student improve and creates depression. Overall little to no improvement should be expected on students' scores due to the test scores coming back a year from when students take it.  (c) Testing often brings extreme amounts of pressure from schools, teachers and parents on students due to these tests reflecting a teacher’s performance and ability to teach. The underperformance of students in state tests can be explained by the sharp decline in students’ mental health. A policy recommendation that calls for reforms to testing has been created to address the issues this research has raised. 

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This project is meant to inspire others to recognize that many of life's stressors are "not that deep." It serves to inspire and motivate individuals, especially stressed high students, to dedicate their time on the personal joys of their lives. It's all about focusing on what really matters in life. This talk serves as a hefty reminder on why passions, values, and relationships matter. Your assignment was never that deep.

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The current assigned books for English classes are largely historical and real, ignoring valuable speculative literature. This research project examines the usefulness of sci-fi and fantasy in our contemporary society. It understands fantasy as a genre with the ability to inform worldviews, teach grammatical and linguistic concepts, and encourage a love for literature and reading habit. Sci-fi, meanwhile, fulfills much the same goals, but also presents a useful depiction of possibilities for our though modern sci-fi works like Fahrenheit 451 and 2001: A Space Odyssey. Ultimately, this project realizes that speculative fiction is not just important tool for the classroom, but a means of inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers and change-makers.

Certificates of achievement will be mailed.

Jennifer Houseknecht Hereford High School

Tracey Osborne Western School of Technology &amp; Environmental Science

Senior, Catonsville High School

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How do video games affect the brain and how can we use this to our advantage?

Video Games have been a relatively new and popular medium for entertainment, however research related to video games in the context of neuroscience has only picked up speed in the past decade. While this research has led to many different kinds of findings, the general consensus on what causes certain video games to use specific sections of the brain associated with special cognitive skills has been uncertain. From several studies however, the relationships between the findings and the relation to video game genre and quality of play has been correlational to the skills that they effect. Evidence of how video games positively affect the brain has been plentiful in many studies, from increases in gray matter in the hippocampus, to the stimulation of specific visual processing tasks. The question of how we can apply this knowledge to the real world for academic and medical purposes has only been discussed as possibilities and changes for the far future. However, from my research I think that the base level of knowledge we have about the interactions between video games and our minds is enough to be able to implement this activity towards medical and educational purposes. Due to an increase in gray matter and the training of specific skills between different types of games, we can use these games to encourage recreational learning to help treat and prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's and introduce a way to train cognitive skills in a casual environment for all ages.  

Senior, Hereford High School

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The Relationship Between Gender Variance and Autism

This study investigated the relationship between gender variance and autism, including concurrence rates, personal relationships with gender, barriers to care, and other comorbidities. A screening survey was distributed to 30 individuals to collect data on gender breakdown, transition status, and diagnosis rate. 5 survey respondents participated in interviews to develop a more nuanced perspective on these issues and begin to develop themes within this group. Respondents and participants reported difficulty finding doctors, fear of discrimination following their transition, and executive function difficulties especially regarding paperwork. Some also noted difficulty communicating their feelings and wishes to gender-affirmation professionals. Most also said that support designed specifically for autistic transgender individuals would be helpful. This study identifies areas of this demographic that may be contributing to high stress and mental illness comorbidity, as well as areas in which support systems should improve. More research is necessary to draw statistical conclusions, especially regarding comparison to the general population.

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Technology, Psychology, and CardFlow

The research project explores the significance of two concepts in psychology: psychological flow and active recall/spaced repetition, and then to discuss how I have applied them to developing an iPhone app called CardFlow. This app allows users to create flashcards either using rich text editing or by taking a picture of their physical notes and masking out flashcards. The app incorporates a spaced repetition algorithm based on user feedback to create personalized study schedules for these flashcards. Psychological flow is a positive mental state in which a person is deeply absorbed in the task at hand without reflective self-consciousness but with a deep sense of control. The user interface of this app is designed with psychological flow in mind and particularly seeks to cultivate psychological flow in the user through the components of immediate feedback, clear goals, distraction exclusion, and challenge-skill balance.

Abstracts &amp; Presentations

After pressing Play, use the Full Screen feature to enlarge embedded videos. Some videos may take a few moments to load. Please use the Comment links to share feedback with student researchers.

Catonsville High School Angenine Goode, Library Media Specialist <a href="bookcreator://page/mn2dXzt9TV-xzfNvsZmjBw">Natalie Morris</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/BFpJ2v3nTlKVLhOHYvKX6A">Stephanie Todd</a> Eastern Technical High School Erin Annis, Library Media Specialist <a href="bookcreator://page/YkR8RAIqQ3KNfgB_SQj3bQ">Timmy Chang</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/FEdGSbu1SfWNNxIMyYzYPQ">Nathaniel Corey</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/tKplnzlsQ1aOWAPs5_AgkQ">Russell Dobry</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/TDBCV3oWTG2xqoQqEc1uqQ">Noah Duncan</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/aF-460VlSQK7aazQySojyQ">Maja Durkovic</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/Tz76-G8VRXWOT3iBl_ei7w">Amy Heinz</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/4KXXxHLFSqGXbe_OVMwGzg">Breyonna Jordan</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/W9nntv77SMaV-pGIb9fkSw">Gabe Mwangi</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/0vblYnwvRY6fbXbeFM9n1w">Alexis Prisco</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/21WGJN9LQr-PObbmo6WZ8w">Ronit Shah</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/LWG4ifMfR9iTSPVuBOvYyw">Yaena Shin</a>

Eastern Technical High School continued <a href="bookcreator://page/1BTjK5imT0azEAgOSB_iWw">Sabrina Thaler</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/3eWdDwGzTQODRaldiUSF7g">Henry Vo</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/hgjcXfnPRJmvy-b93Se9IA">Zahra Wibisana</a> Franklin High School Christie Rigilano, Library Media Specialist <a href="bookcreator://page/YYft_lGFRDGN014NWgryEQ">Patricia Alegria</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/q7XcOofTQ6iO2iU_o-lj4g">Adam Komenski</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/kVjWaO48RZ6KIJl-Dk_oiA">Praise Korie</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/JE5MEpyRRHykTTbrjR9VTQ">Janey Lutz</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/3ayhU0bkQ1uKxXFHRpHSdw">Kierra Richardson</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/SOBurg-RTtalf4D8UyBIuA">Clarke Roberson</a> Hereford High School Jennifer Houseknecht, Library Media Specialist <a href="bookcreator://page/BXn8h5fgQzi6CUmXTOaBkA">Gwyneth Ellis</a>

Angenine Goode Catonsville High School

Christie Rigilano Franklin High School

Erin Annis Eastern Technical High School

Senior, Franklin High School

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Crispr-Cas9: the Most Effective Method of Genetic Engineering

Developments in genetic engineering have led to the discovery of Crispr-Cas9, a tool created for precision genetic modification. This technology presents solutions to debilitating genetic disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, sickle cell anemia, and more. The research will investigate different applications of Crispr-Cas9, its projection for implementation, as well as ethical concerns and how to properly set up government control/regulation that ensures the technology will be used for its intended purpose. Not only will the focus be on previous experiments with Crispr, but also the discovery and the development of the technology in comparison to other genetic engineering methods such as cloning and TALENs (restriction enzymes) to prove why this method is the better option. This research will outline both the positive and negative outcomes of the cases studied followed by a discussion on further investigation and limitations. The information will set the standard for future government regulation of scientific technologies by emphasizing how the law should be written and put into place.

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‘What do you want to do with your life?’ is probably the biggest question you, as a highschooler, have had to ask yourself. Some of you have your dream future planned down to the minute, while others have absolutely no idea what they want to pursue. Regardless, this project focuses on the backup to the backup of your backup plan in case all else fails. Simultaneously, this TedTalk discusses key questions you should ask yourself to find and create your dream job…or to just verify it.

Junior, Parkville High School

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Police Brutality and the Effects on Black People

The effect of police brutality is seen within communities, mainly black ones. This has been a major problem for centuries. If this continues there will be more victims hurt at the hands of the police. There needs to be solutions from this, ones that can be actively done in order to lessen police brutality and protect the lives at stake. None of the effects of police brutality are good, including when someone is served injustice. The abuse of power is continuously ignored and allowed to slide,t pushing it more into the system and onto Black people, who have been speaking up, but not heard as much as they should be. Although some victims are served justice after police brutality situations, the trauma does not go away. Preventing police brutality with the different things that can be put into place can help, no matter if it is talking on social media, protesting, or having someone with experience speak about it. There should be strategies put into place that can prevent police brutality from being likely to happen. There are many options that can be represented throughout this proposal and ones that are attainable. This is proposal is meant to give options and education to those in need, especially those who can also be at risk. With this, there will be a website that is accessible, educational, and can help people in many different ways. This site will be marketed through social media, Criminal Justice workers, and other means. Overall cost of the preparation of this business would be $80,469 in a year. This business plans is to help people through educating them, knowing what to do when stopped by police, how to deal with police brutality in their life, and what to do in and after a police interaction. 

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Smart Cities: The Answer We've Been Looking For

Overpopulation is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue in today’s society; it is evident in the increasing demand for food, water, energy, and the growing homeless population. However, Smart Cities can be a productive way to counter the effects of overpopulation and resource scarcity. We will investigate if Smart Cities are a financially viable option that would provide adequate housing for people in need and would encourage sustainable living. It will explore what constitutes a Smart City and the criteria that is necessary to create a successful livable environment. In this paper we will examine how living in high-rise communities can positively affect different aspects of life. We gathered opinions from high school students about their beliefs regarding smart cities and whether they would enhance overall safety, productivity, and economic development. The goal of our research is to strive to eliminate the need for other structures, thus allowing more land for other uses like livestock or cultivating renewable resources. Smart Cities are a viable solution because their positive impacts outweigh the negative and we can prove they are beneficial for the progression of society.

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The Value of Vulnerability

This project is designed to redefine vulnerability. It’s such a scary thing to so many of us—we have so much trouble being earnest, instead hiding behind shells of irony or fake aloofness, hiding from openness and open emotion. Instead of thinking of vulnerability as a weakness, as something to be avoided at all costs, we need to think of it as what it is: a strength and a prerequisite for true passion. We need to collectively become more comfortable with the idea of vulnerability, moving towards a future where everyone is more comfortable being themselves.

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Making Nature a Priority

Spending time outdoors has benefits inside and outside the classroom, through improving emotional well-being. The purpose of this project is to convey the importance of outdoor learning and spending time outdoors. Making small changes in your everyday routine can improve the amount of time you spend outside each day. Not only does outdoor learning make learning more engaging and improve students’ health and performance, but it also helps teach them to care for the environment. By changing overall attitudes towards outdoor learning and working at the personal level to increase the amount of time spent outdoors in our daily lives, we can make nature a priority in our lives.

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Why We Should Learn About Culture

Why is it important to learn about culture? This research project answers this by highlighting the importance for people to enrich themselves with the world beyond and experience other cultures to promote cooperation with and respect to others while also combating prejudices that continue to separate society. By discovering what other cultures have and endure, one can be encouraged to appreciate others and other cultures to improve society for all. The hope is, after viewing this project, to feel inspired to learn about other regions of the world and allow people to feel safe in sharing and expressing their culture. In addition, one can also be motivated to reflect on the key points of their culture and be able to openly express themselves without the fear of others.

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#Politok: Tiktok’s Capacity for Political Discourse and Decolonial Change

The ability of social media to alter the political status quo has gained traction since its crucial role in modern movements such as the Arab Spring. However, there is little known about its specific role in decolonial change, and even less known about the implications of TikTok. As compared to older social media platforms, the viral and rapidly growing nature of this new platform has unique connotations for society and politics. The degree of efficacy of social networks can gauge the future of political organizing and anticolonial resistance movements. In order to measure this efficacy, the two instances the research discusses are: (1) when social media leads to political change; and (2) when social media is ineffective and/or hinders political change. Observational study of videos and other user-generated content on the app itself—as well as user interactions in the form of likes, comments, shares, etc.,—are interpreted under a theoretical framework to observe thematic trends. The research argues that while the discursive quality of TikTok allows it a greater participatory nature, it is also the reason it falters as a platform of resistance as users are likely to get trapped in a ‘theory limbo’ rather than enacting tangible political action.

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Teeth, teeth, teeth. The purpose of this creative research project is to spread awareness about the importance of oral health. The topic of dental hygiene is an overlooked issue worldwide, which is disheartening to see and hear, due to the tremendous impact that poor oral health can have on the physical, emotional, and mental body of a human being. This project brings to light the vast array of troubles, in hopes of also aiding the impoverished communities that do not have access to oral health care.

Parkville High School Melyssa Kenney, Library Media Specialist <a href="bookcreator://page/QWGZmcFLQDeq8pcRIwQUyw">India-Marie Stokes</a> Western School of Technology Tracey Osborne, Library Media Specialist <a href="bookcreator://page/ecdGGTO6R1mFdjY8V6wTyA">Ayodele Ayoola</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/d1ngasRmSB6-Kz80Ogh59Q">Olivia Calvert</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/fS9o3IfqTaONfJKdWfAJuw">Anjali Joshi</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/yLKRP_A1T9ieXW01mDtKeQ">Mubtasim Kaoshar</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/sh9mBmpZSyiV2vJyiNxUYQ">Evelyn Sangree</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/s2PkLDy8SnSfa6idQxyqhQ">Imani Ward</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/I_3wfKdTRn-AHwjQt2yjhw">Teacher Testimonials</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/hOaeDq3pTVet-Q6pzNAsgw">Acknowledgements</a>

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The Role of Libraries and Books in a Changing Educational Landscape

As education becomes more virtual – from remote learning, ChatGPT cheating scandals, and class-Zooms instead of classrooms – it is valuable to explore the positive and negative consequences of a changed learning experience. For example, do blue light glasses provide any health benefits or are they simply a fashion accessory? Are books online more accessible for young students? Are libraries criminally underrated? Join me in this project to unearth the answers behind these modern educational mysteries.

Senior, Western School of Technology

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Improving Access to Functional Winter Fashion for People with Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Cold temperatures cause devastating consequences on the muscular function of people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Although there is a gap in the research as to why neuromuscular shutdown occurs in individuals with SMA when exposed to the cold, there is a demand to develop innovative solutions that can accommodate the unmet needs of individuals with SMA. Limited adaptive fashion designs are available to the disability community as a whole and none that can assist with thermoregulation. This study will investigate the most prominent demands from individuals with spinal muscular atrophy and determine features that should be included in an adaptive thermoregulatory garment. A survey will be administered to individuals with spinal muscular atrophy for them to share their most prominent struggles in cold temperatures and what features would be most accessible for them to include in an adaptive garment. After analyzing the data collected, an adaptive thermoregulatory garment prototype to accommodate individuals with SMA will be designed. 

Junior, Western School of Technology

Mitigating the Impacts of Systemic Racism in American Healthcare: A Public Policy Approach

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Since the arrival of Africans in the Americas, Black people have endured many types of systematic oppression. One of most egregious being in the medical field; whether it was Black Americans being subjected to non-consensual experiments like Tuskegee, being blatantly omitted from medical literature, or being left out of medical trials. Although some racial inequalities have been addressed through measures like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the use of affirmative action in academic admissions and employment, disparities like the lack of Black doctors and the underrepresentation of African Americans in medical literature persist today. To ensure equity and fairness in the health care system, meaningful comprehensive action is needed. A study will be conducted to determine the best guidelines for legislators to embody in new laws. This study aims to identify and analyze aspects federal laws to use as guidelines for future legislation. This historical study will analyze primary and secondary sources to draw conclusions that will be used to design legislation. The research will take one month to conduct and will require a team of ten vetted volunteers. Through this study, recommendations for legislative reform will be identified. These identified reforms will be promoted on a Change.org petition to be sent to Maryland lawmakers. This grassroots method will garner increased support for the use legislation as a tool to dismantle medical racism in Maryland.  

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How Can Color Reduce Test Stress Bias in High-Stakes Testing Environments?

Throughout history, colors have represented moods, hierarchies, and statuses, and in interior design, color impacts how people internalize their environments (Lubos 2012, Adams 2017, Andrew 2022). This experiment aims to find if there is a correlation between test scores and surrounding colors through the use of color psychology and by interpreting physiological reactions to stressful stimuli. Color’s effect on interior design is commonly supported by Goethe’s “Theory of Colors,” which believes that different color stimuli produce emotional responses based on patterns (Elliot, 2022). This experiment will be applying research from color psychology and stress-bias within testing environments to an applied experiment on a high-stakes (HS) testing mock test. A group of 30 students will be divided into groups of 5. Each group will take a mock test at an assigned colored table (Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Black, and White). To provide insight on if stress levels change while testing, students will wear heart rate monitors and take two surveys: one before and one after testing, where they will provide information on their testing experience. If students testing in a certain color felt more comfortable and performed better, this could provide insight into the room colors most suitable for high-stakes testing environments. 

We wish to thank … Administrators and School Counselors at Catonsville, Eastern Tech, Franklin, Hereford, Parkville, and Western Tech high schools for offering this unique elective course at their schools. Library media specialists and teachers at each high school for facilitating independent student research this year. Mentors who provided students with research support and expert guidance. Parents and families for supporting students with the rigorous demands of this course. Student researchers for their passion, creativity, and commitment to this research, and their flexibility and persistence in working virtually this year. BCPS Library Media Programs staff for maintaining the online Research Framework and course curriculum, and coordinating the Virtual Symposium. BCPS Office of Career and Technology Education staff for guidance with mentorships. BCPS Office of Communications and BCPS TV for providing Symposium publicity.

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How might the world change if we were to better understand the impact of user experience on the improvement of lives. As UX occupations become more prevalent in the tech industry, this project serves to explain the importance of product design and user experience as it pertains to the progression of technology. Apart from touching on the recent state of tech layoffs, she delves further into the prospects of the industry if it chooses to invest in user experience. Based on personal experiences, she emphasizes the importance of valuable innovations that focus on human needs, as they can significantly impact people's lives.

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Addressing the Foster Care to Prostitution Pipeline in Maryland

This research investigates the factors that contributed to the relationship between disenfranchised youth and adolescent prostitution. The relationship could be explained due to lack of support, stable, loving homes, resources, and exposure to traumatic experiences. These factors can leave youth feeling disconnected and vulnerable, making them more susceptible to the lure of traffickers who offer false promises of love, protection, and financial stability. This phenomenon mostly directly affects children in the foster care system and their chances of being exploited. The term used to describe this blight is called the “foster care to prostitution pipeline.” This refers to the pathway that some youth in foster care may take, in which they become vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking in the sex industry. Research suggests that a disproportionate number of youth in the foster care system are at risk of being victimized by traffickers and pushed into prostitution. Efforts to address this issue include improved training and screening for foster care providers, increased access to mental health and support services, and policies aimed at preventing trafficking and exploitation. This research will raise awareness and knowledge of the foster care to prostitution pipeline amongst policymakers, practitioners, and the public. This increased awareness could result in increased attention to the issue as well as increased support for prevention and intervention initiatives.

Junior, Catonsville High School

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How do artists use concept albums to tell stories and communicate universal themes?

Storytelling is not a simple art, it requires intense labor and attention to detail. When we think of storytelling, we often think of movies or books, not often music. However, artists utilize the concept album, an album with a central theme or narrative, to do the same thing. The purpose of my research is to examine culturally significant concept albums and their impact on society, as well as the evolution of concept albums over time. However, I also aim to expand upon the existing research and dive into modern concept albums along with how they differ from those of the past. Concept albums can be useful tools in understanding human experiences, helping us move towards a more accepting world. 

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Blockchain Technology: On the Horizon of an Improved Financial Sector

Blockchain technology holds the potential to revolutionize the financial sector by improving the speed, transparency, and security of financial services and processes. Blockchain is a distributed ledger that functions by creating a copy of all transactions to each computer (node) in the system. Each transaction has a unique cryptographic hash, which is a computer generated code that cannot be altered without the permission of the sender. In an age of technological development, traditional Financial Institutions (FI’s) need to compete with the growth of decentralized and financial technology applications such as PayPal and Rocket Mortgage. FI’s such as JP Morgan have already experimented with blockchain, and it is poised to see an expanded role in finance in the future. The first blockchains were conceived as public and open access to challenge the centralization and inefficiency of traditional finance.&nbsp; However, the adoption of permissioned networks allows FI’s to integrate blockchain into their processes while still maintaining institutional integrity. Beyond just typical financial services, permissioned blockchains are facilitating the full digitization of fiat currencies with Central Bank Digital Currencies and making it easier for customers to interact with FI’s by streamlining the Know Your Customer verification process. Given the potential of blockchain systems, this paper will educate customers to understand the emerging technology that will become part of the future of finance for everyone.

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Systematic Racism and Food Deserts: Exploring the Impact of Nutritional Coaching on African Americans in Baltimore

Food deserts continue to be a prevalent problem throughout Baltimore. Historical, economic, and financial policies have not only impacted access to food, but the overall health of communities. Past segregation practices put African Americans in urban areas that lack access to affordable and healthy foods. Past segregation practices also resulted in African Americans making up the majority of Baltimore City’s food desert population. Access to healthy food is not widely available, and when it is, many living in food deserts do not know how to use the resources they are given. Not enough education concerning food's nutritional value or how to cook is available for families living in food deserts. Unhealthy dietary patterns are often formed due to limited access to fresh ingredients. The problem is often made worse by the easy access to fast food and convenience stores. These dietary patterns can be a deadly and dangerous combination for African Americans living in food deserts. African Americans are already predisposed to additional health issues that put them at a further disadvantage within food deserts. This study aims to answer the question: Can providing low-income African American families in food deserts with dietary coaching from a nutritionist improve their willingness to eat healthier over time? 

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The Weight of Compost: An Impact Study of Food Waste at the Western School of Technology and Environmental Science

Schools are a key source of food waste in the United States. Much of this food waste consists of organic materials that, when stored in the anaerobic conditions of a landfill, produce methane and other greenhouse gases that amplify the greenhouse effect, contributing to global warming. This experiment would collect data on the food waste produced at Western School of Technology and Environmental Science to draw conclusions about the ecological effects of this food waste. In order to do this, school cafeteria waste would be collected over 5 days and sorted into categories: compostable “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials), compostable “browns” (carbon-rich materials), recyclable materials, and remaining waste. Each category would be weighed, and the data collected from the procedure would be analyzed to estimate the amount of each type of waste produced by the school in a year. This proposal aims to establish a better understanding of the amount of waste the school produces and assess the potential of composting to minimize it. 

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The purpose of this project is to encourage people to become involved in their communities. It discusses the difference between community-based organizing and larger scale nonprofit charity organizing. When people take the time to connect with others around them, we can create stronger and more resilient communities that grow and change along with us.

Students at six BCPS high schools were selected to participate in the Independent Research Seminar elective course this year, based on their commitment to following an advanced research process to conduct in-depth year-long research. During the school year, student researchers worked collaboratively and independently, with learning facilitated by their library media specialists, faculty advisors, and expert mentors. Using the process and resources in our <a href="https://bcps.coursearc.com/content/independent-research-framework/independent-research-framework/research-process-independent-research-seminar/">Research Framework</a>, students were guided to explore an issue or problem, generate a research question, conduct a literature review, write a research proposal, and create a presentation of their conclusions for an audience. Research topics address a variety of subjects and are based on the students' own areas of interest. Students have recorded their presentations to share with the BCPS community and beyond in this Virtual Symposium format.

BCPS high school administrators, counselors, and library media specialists interested in offering the Independent Research Seminar to students will find course implementation resources <a href="https://studentresearchers.pbworks.com/w/page/129926436/Course%20Implementation%20Resources">here</a>.

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The Economic Effects of Federal Covid-19 Stimulus Checks: An Impact Study

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of stimulus checks during the COVID-19 pandemic on the recipients as well as the US economy.  It will evaluate the effectiveness of this short-term solution to help prepare for solutions to similar crises in the future. This study aims to determine how many individuals received stimulus checks, how money was spent, the financial impacts of the checks, as well as overall spending and its impact on economic activity.  A survey will be conducted and the results disaggregated by socioeconomic status to determine the impacts of the stimulus checks on various groups. The results will help to determine which groups benefitted the most to identify target groups for potential future stimulus checks. Past recessions and monetary policies will be studied and compared to the findings to determine the costs and benefits of stimulus policies on the overall health of the economy. 

Name

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