Empowering Kids: How Nora Keegan Revolutionized Hand Dryers
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The Power of Uncommon Sense
Children possess a unique form of insight, often referred to as Uncommon Sense, which enables them to make significant contributions to society. Nora Keegan, at just 14 years old, exemplifies this notion through her remarkable journey over the past five years.
At the age of 8, Nora, hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, observed a common annoyance that many kids experience: the excessively loud noise of hand dryers. "I realized it wasn’t just kids being overly sensitive; these dryers are incredibly loud," she reflected.
As she turned 9, Nora began to connect the dots. Could such high noise levels be detrimental to children's hearing? Kids have more sensitive hearing than adults, and due to their shorter stature, they stand closer to these machines. Typically mounted around four feet high for adult convenience, these devices are at head level for children who are often around that height.
This proximity, combined with their heightened sensitivity to sound, raised a red flag for Nora.
The Scientific Inquiry Begins
Motivated by her inquisitive nature, Nora declared, "I wanted to conduct a study to determine if these dryers posed a hearing risk."
To measure sound intensity, Nora utilized a decibel meter, a handheld device equipped with a microphone that captures sound pressure levels and displays the results. These affordable meters can be found online for approximately $20.
Sound pressure is quantified in decibels (dB), a scale that can be somewhat misleading. For instance, a sound pressure level of 20 dB does not mean it is twice as loud as 10 dB; rather, every increase of 3 dB indicates a doubling of sound pressure. This means that a sound at 90 dB, like that of a gas-powered lawnmower, can cause hearing damage if exposure lasts for an extended period.
Nora meticulously tested the sound levels of various hand dryers across schools, libraries, and malls, measuring from a consistent distance. With her parents' support, she ensured her methodology adhered to the scientific method, repeating measurements multiple times for accuracy.
In her research, she noted the need to consider the heights of children and adults, testing from 12 to 18 inches from the wall to reflect how children interact with these machines.
After extensive testing, Nora discovered that several models, including the Excel Dryer’s Xlerator and Dyson Airblade, consistently registered around 110 dB, comparable to the noise level of a rock concert.
The Implications of Her Findings
Nora's research culminated in a critical conclusion: many hand dryers operate at dangerously high volumes, contradicting manufacturers' claims. This led her to present her work at her school science fair, but she took it a step further. She authored a scientific paper detailing her findings and submitted it to a medical journal.
To her astonishment, the paper was accepted and published in the Paediatrics & Child Health journal. The editor, Joan Robinson, praised Nora's work, emphasizing that younger individuals often bring fresh perspectives that can lead to innovative ideas.
Nora's article is positioned alongside other significant studies in the journal, marking her entry into the scientific community.
Raising Awareness and Enacting Change
Motivated by her research's potential impact, Nora aspired to raise awareness about the dangers of loud hand dryers. Her efforts caught the attention of Dyson, leading to an invitation to their headquarters, where she evaluated their latest model, which registered at 85 dB—an improvement but still not ideal for children.
In addition, her school upgraded to quieter dryer models based on her findings.
Nora's achievements extended beyond her paper. She won the Ted Rogers Innovation Award at the Calgary Youth Science Fair in 2019 and placed second in the Weston Youth Innovation Award finals, garnering an $8,500 scholarship.
Her journey has instilled in her a profound lesson: "I've learned to never give up," she stated. "If I had given up, none of this would have happened."
Nora Keegan is a testament to the boundless potential of children when given the chance to express their Uncommon Sense. Many kids possess this innate ability; unfortunately, the traditional education system often stifles it. However, with supportive parents and communities, like Nora's, these young thinkers can thrive and innovate.
Uncommon Sense is a project of the “Thought-Provoking Entertainment” of ThisIsTrue.com. If you enjoyed this profile, you’ll almost certainly also like:
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