Southwest High

Count the Cost

Researching the effects of energy drinks

Teachers

David Buse - Science
Tim Jeffries - English
Matthew Mackay - Media Technology
Jennifer Waters - Math

Collaborating Scientist

Paul Paolini - Professor of Biology, San Diego State University

Overview

An interdisciplinary program integrating Science, Math, English, and Visual Arts classes, our students researched the ingredients of many energy drinks and their effects on human physiology. Our Anatomy/Physiology students assessed the use of such drinks on the campus of Southwest High School, formed hypotheses as to how energy drinks affect cardiovascular function in high school students, and designed and carried out experiments to test their hypotheses.

Together with classes from other disciplines, they developed a fantastic interactive, multimedia exhibit at the San Diego Science Festival educating the public on the effects of energy drinks on human health.