Hardwood vs. Softwood Hardwood vs. Softwood
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Project Information
Introduction
Biology Aspect
Plant Cells
Structure of Wood
Hardwood vs. Softwood
Growing Conditions
Environmental Factor
Conclusion and Cost
Chemistry Aspect
General Background
Experimentation
Observations
Analysis
Conclusion
Physics Aspect
Experimentation
Observations
Analysis
Sources of Error
Conclusion
Overall Conclusion
Credits and References
Project Information

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Navigation: Navigation is to the left. Click on either the headings (Chemistry Aspect, Physics Aspect, etc.) or the subheadings (Observations, Analysis, etc.) to view parts of the project.

Requirements: 800x600 screen resolution, Adobe Acrobat 3.0 (PDF 1.2) or higher and Microsoft Excel (to view some of the content).

Abstract: The purpose of our project is to investigate whether hardwood or softwood is more suited for building wooden decks in Calgary based on their attributes and environmental impact. We analyzed the different properties of three softwoods (pine, fir, hemlock) and three hardwoods (oak, maple, poplar) to determine which wood was best for building a deck. Analysis was done with a combination of research and experimentation and the project was broken down into biological, chemical, and physical aspects.

Grade Grouping: 10 - 12

Team Members: Bei Li (team captain), Janice Fung, Sarah Sun, Celine Zeng

Team Size: 3 to 6

Subject Area: Environmental Issues

Project Type: Experimental

Project Level: Advanced

Project Format: Traditional

Software Tools Used: Notepad, Paint Shop Pro 7, Create Adobe PDF Online (trial version), Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, WS_FTP95 LE (for uploading).

Hardware Tools Used: Digital camera, scanner.

Source of Idea: Our inspiration came from the fact that many Calgarians enjoy spending time on their patios. The right wood to build a deck with is important because it must be able to withstand Calgary's cold, long winters and dry, short summers. Our studies will enable them to choose the most environmentally and economically appropriate wood to build a deck with (out of the 6 woods that we chose) for the city of Calgary, which is extremely practical.

Special Skills: HTML, graphics design (using Paint Shop Pro 7) CSS (Cascading Style Sheets).

Awards: This project won a silver medal in the Calgary Youth Science Fair 2004 and it was the only Group IV Project to get full marks at Sir Winston Churchill High School.

Project created for the 2004 Virtual Science Fair
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Website designed by Bei Li - 2004. Content written by Janice Fung, Bei Li, Sarah Sun, Celine Zeng.