Project

Real-world projects creating positive impacts for self, others, communities, and the planet.

Annually, numerous interdisciplinary projects emerge with the mission of contributing to a better world.These projects span multiple disciplines and areas such as biosciences, urban planning, innovative media, physics, and mathematics. Within them, we are engineers, designers, architects, scientists, thinkers, and visionaries for the future. We expect these projects could inspire learners in creating impactful work, prompting them to consider their place in the broader context of the world and the progression of human civilization.

SustainabilityGlobalization and Intercultural DynamicsAcademic Track

Impact of Protected Areas in Brazilian Amazon

Disciplines/Subjects: Environmental Science, Ecology, Political Science, Economics Key Themes: Impact of Protected Areas (PAs) in the Brazilian Amazon, highlighting both the benefits and costs associated with these conservation efforts The article, "Impact of Protected Areas in Brazilian Amazon," examines the complex relationship between Protected Areas (PAs) and their impact on the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. The Amazon rainforest plays a vital role in regulating global climate and is home to a significant portion of Earth's terrestrial species12. Deforestation, driven by the need for ranching and agriculture, threatens this ecosystem, leading to biodiversity loss and increased carbon emissions2. PAs have emerged as a crucial strategy to mitigate deforestation and preserve the Amazon.
Globalization and Intercultural DynamicsPolitics and SocietyAcademic Track

The Western feminism assertion on veiling oppression and clarification from Islamic perspectives

Key Themes: Western feminism, Veiling oppression, Women's autonomy, Socialization impact This academic paper examines the conflicting perspectives on the Islamic veil, contrasting Western feminist interpretations with Islamic viewpoints. Western feminists frequently characterize veiling as a symbol of oppression, restricting women's autonomy and hindering their socialization, while also arguing that it reinforces patriarchal structures and is a product of Orientalist biases. Conversely, the paper presents Islamic perspectives that view veiling as a personal choice expressing religious identity and empowerment, promoting social engagement, and even enhancing women's honor and respect within their communities. The paper's central purpose is to deconstruct the Western feminist narrative by highlighting the diverse interpretations and agency surrounding the veil within Islamic culture, arguing against the simplistic notion of oppression.
SustainabilityAcademic Track

How does adjusting the amount of the additives of sorbitol, glycerin, and titanium dioxide affect the properties of CMC-gelatin-agar plastic?

Disciplines/Subjects: Materials Science and Engineering; Polymer Chemistry; Environmental Science; Microbiology Key Themes: Sustainable Alternatives to Petroleum-Based Plastics This research investigates the impact of different additives on the properties of biodegradable plastics made from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), gelatin, and agar. The study focuses on sorbitol and glycerin as plasticizers to improve the plastic's ductility, and titanium dioxide (TiO2) to enhance its color. The researchers found that glycerin and sorbitol effectively increased the plastic's flexibility. They also observed that TiO2 successfully adjusted the film's color, making it whiter. The study concludes that adjusting the additive amounts is crucial for achieving a balance of desired properties in CMC-gelatin-agar plastic6. The research suggests that this type of biodegradable plastic has the potential to replace traditional petroleum-based plastics, contributing to environmental protection.
Politics and SocietyAcademic Track

The Possible Correlations Between an Individual’s Attributes and the Time Theory One Tends to Choose

Disciplines/Subjects: Philosophy; Psychology; Cognitive science Key Themes: The Interplay of Individual Attributes and Time Perception This research examines the relationship between individual attributes, such as personality traits, academic interests, multiple intelligences, and preferences for different time theories. The research employed a survey to assess participants' agreement with statements about time, correlating their responses with their scores on personality and intelligence tests. It also included a behavioral experiment where participants arranged cards representing different time concepts, followed by interviews to understand their reasoning. The study found a potential correlation between academic interests and preferred time theories. Participants with interests in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields tended to favor non-dynamic time theories, while those interested in SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts, Physical Education, and Education) fields leaned toward dynamic time theories. However, the research did not find a significant correlation between personality traits and time theory preferences.
Academic Track

Using Physarum Rigidum to Determine the Fire Evacuation Routes for Fire Cases during Lunchtime at Moonshot Academy

Disciplines/Subjects: Mycology; Biophysics; 3D Modeling Key Themes: Biologically Inspired Solutions for Real-World Problems This research explores the use of slime mold, specifically Physarum rigidum, to model optimal fire evacuation routes in a school building. The study used a 3D-printed model of the school and simulated fire scenarios using a repellent substance, pyruvic acid, to guide the slime mold's growth. Lucy placed oat flakes at potential exits, representing attractive destinations for the slime mold. The experiment demonstrated that the slime mold successfully navigated the model, avoiding the repellent and connecting to the oat flakes, revealing potentially efficient evacuation routes. The study concludes that slime mold can be a valuable tool for designing and evaluating fire evacuation plans. It also highlights the potential of slime mold as a model organism for studying complex problem-solving behavior.
SustainabilityScienceAcademic Track

The Effectiveness of Hawaii’s Policy on Coral Bleaching

Politics and SocietySocial ScienceAcademic Track

Shaping Stereotypes: The Hijab Culture's Evolution Under Western Colonial Era