Three students from Ozel Antalya Toplum Koleji Anadolu Lisesi school in Türkiye won the Best in Region award for their investigations into the effect of light, temperature and oxygen on concentration of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Vitamin C is essential; our bodies need it to make blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in bones. Vitamin C is also vital to the healing process.
Inspired by a question in their Cambridge IGCSE science lesson, Elaheh Tekin, Maryam Abubakar and Ceylin Nehir Antep tested levels of vitamin C in orange juice using titrate iodine and starch, before and after exposing them to light, heat and oxygen. They found the best way to ensure orange juice kept most of its vitamin C was to store it in a cool, dark place – such as a cupboard or refrigerator – away from direct sunlight and heat.
The judges said the team 'were creative with the equipment available to them and extended their investigation to use both qualitative and quantitative measures' In addition, 'the project was well-researched, the results were well-described and the report showed good progression in the team’s thinking as the project progressed'.
Speaking on their win, Elaheh Tekin said: 'The project helped me to improve my research skills significantly and I learned how to do proper scientific research which I believe will contribute a lot to my upcoming science related assignments and projects. I am incredibly glad we won the position of Best in Europe 2024 [...] It was a great opportunity to take part in such a fun and educational science project created by Cambridge.'