Are “Green” Detergents Really Green?

Hypothesis: We think the “Green” detergents are healthier for the environment.

Significance: This Experiment is significant because if it helps the environment then the world would be more healthier. If it helps the earth everyone will live longer.

Planned Experiment: We plan to use four testing groups (worms), each container that we are using contains dirt from the same area. We are going to put 1 cup of regular detergent in one container and one cup of green detergent in the other. We are also going to do this with ½ cup of each detergent.

Anticipated Result: The positive outcome of this experiment is that the world becomes less wasteful. The negative outcome of this experiment is that the regular detergent goes out of business.

Possible Conclusions: We predict that the green detergent will show positive results. The least likely result will be that the regular detergent will not harm the worms in any way.

Instruments and Materials needed 24 Worms 4 medium Sized Container Surface where you can examine the Worms Dirt 1 ½ Regular Detergent 1 ½ of Green Detergent Measuring Cup A lid with breathing holes

Steps: 1. Fill the container with soil2. Mix ½ cup of each detergent into two separate containers3. Mix 1 cup of each detergent into two separate containers 4. Mix each sample thoroughly5. Check everyday for four days6. Write down your findings

Global Warming Effects on Plants

In order to help our universe we need to see how heat effects growth development on plants.

Question: What will we have to do to help plants have a good growth development?

Hypothesis: If there is a higher temperature then the plants will have a bad growth development.

Materials:~ plant in a pot~ A high powered lamp~ Table~A thermometer

Procedure: In order for me to perform this experiment I need to figure out how much heat it will take to make the plant growth bad then after I figure that out I need to record my data and put it on a table then I compare which is better for plant growth development high temp. Or low temp.

The Effects of Different Types of Food on Growth and Maturation of ArtemiaIntroduction

In this experiment we are going to be testing the effects of Tetra Min flakes and another type of food on the growth of brine shrimp. We want to know if the growth will be increased by one food compared to the other. This relates to the effects that the oceans have on krill in the Antarctic because when the krill have a loss in food their growth and development is decreased. What we are wanting to find out is if different types of food will decrease or increase the rate at which an Artemia grows.

Experimental Design Independent Variable: Tetra Min and another type of fish foodDependent Variable: Growth and Maturation of the brine shrimpConstants: Temperature and sea water with concentration of 3% and pH of 8

HypothesisIf we test two different types of fish food one being Tetra Min then the will choose the Tetra Min fish food flakes over the other food.

MaterialsTwo of the same size bowls or containers Tetra Min fish food flakesTrays to measure food Thermometer to keep constant temperature of 25 degrees Celsius3% Salt water 500ml, pH 8 60 brine shrimp 30 per container

Methods1. Get two clear containers2. Put 500ml of 3% salt water, pH of 8 into the containers3. Count 30 Artemia out and place into each containers4. Put in the incubator that is at 25 degrees Celsius5. Wait for two weeks to see if they have grown to adult size 6. Feed them two different types of food,1 type per group with mass of 0.016grams

of each7. Record data on the growth and development of the brine shrimp

Will the brine shrimp survive in different temperature than the normal?

Background Information:Brine shrimp are tiny animals that live in salty inland lakes and eat microscopic

algae. They are often grown to be used as aquarium food. The brine shrimp life cycle begins with the hatching of cysts (eggs). These cysts may stay dormant for years as long as they are dry. However, once they are put back into salt water, they continue their life cycle after about 20 hours the cysts burst and the baby brine shrimp leaves its shell. Brine shrimp reach adulthood in 8 days and can continue to grow to 20mm in the current environment.

Brine shrimp prefer 25-30C for hatching and a salinity of 30-35 parts per thousand (ppt). Many species can live in freshwater for only 5 hours before they die. Brine shrimp need a pH of about 8. This means the water can’t be too acidic or basic. A strong light is needed for hatching and so is strong oxygen supply.

Variables:Independent: temperatureDependent: number of brine shrimp Constant: number of brine shrimp put in petri dishes to start with

Experimental Design: picture

Materials:Salt, water, petri dish, pipette, brine shrimp cysts, refrigerator, pH meter, vinegar

Procedure: Add salt, water, vinegar, and shrimp to petri

dish Freeze one brine shrimp petri dish in fridge Keep one room temperature Keep one control group dish in 80 degree temperature Measure results

Hypothesis:The lower temperatures will cause rise in oxygen therefore rise in brine shrimp population

Data Tables:50 degrees Room Temperature 80 degrees (control)

How does soil affect the pH of water?

Hypothesis: The richer the soil is, the higher the pH will be.

Significance: This experiment is significant because it shows how runoff affects soil, which in turn affects more water, showing that we need to be wary of what liquids we put into nature. Our water supply is continually being recycled throughout the world.

Planned Experiment:We plan on taking three separate soil samples and pouring water over them for three days. After each day, we will test the pH of the water that was run through the soil.

Anticipated Results: We think that the more nutrient filled the soil, the higher the pH will be.

Possible Conclusions:Our hypothesis could be wrong; the soil might not affect the pH at all.

Instruments and Materials Needed:3 soil samples3 mason jarscoffee filtersfunneltroweltape

Fishy Freeze

Introduction: Just like the scientists in Antarctica, we are testing the effects of excess Carbon dioxide on pH levels.  We are testing guppies in warm, room temperature, and cool water to see how the pH changes in the different types of water. We are putting dry ice in the water to see how dry ice will affect the water in all three bowls. We are going to put five fish in each bowl and regulate the temperature. We will add dry ice to the fish bowls and test the pH levels over time.The scientists who are in Antarctica working with Project PARKA are studying krill. They are studying the effects of changing pH levels, carbon dioxide levels, and temperature on  krill. We are studying feeder fish to see how long they live with dry ice added to their tank. The pH levels should decrease. The pH levels of the water will change due to carbon dioxide being released from the dry ice.

Hypothesis: We believe that the pH of the warm water will decrease more than the cool water. This change in pH and carbon dioxide levels will cause our feeder fish to die.

Description of Research:

Materials: fish bowls, fish (15), dry ice, water, pH strips, thermometer, heat lamp, ice bath, and balance

Procedure:1. Fill each container ¾ full with water and let set for at least 24 hours.2. Carefully place five fish into each container and let fish get used to water for at

least 24 hours.  Test pH level and temp of each container and record.3. Put one container under a heat lamp, one in an ice bath, and the last leave be.4. Leave fish in treated temp for at least 24 hours.5. Add 10 grams of dry ice to each container of warm and cool water.6. Once dry ice has melted test the pH level and temp of each container and record

data. (Be sure to record fish appearance and characteristics)7. Repeat steps 6-7 every day.  Be sure to maintain temp of water and feed fish

regularly.

Experimental Design Chart:Note: We will have three different tables.  One to record the data of our control, one for the data of the warm water, and one for the data of the cool water.Control Start Day 1 Day

2Day 3 Day 4 Day 5

pH

Temp

Fish Appearance

Acidic Fishies

Introduction: In our experiment will be test how different PH levels affect fish. There will be 5 different groups that will be tested. The fish will be tested for four weeks excluding Saturdays and Sundays so they can adapt to the pH levels. PH levels will vary with different substances that we will be using. The purpose for the experiment is to find out how long the fish can survive in acidic water. The reason we are performing this experiment is to  notify people about how the creatures in the sea are affected by humans. By dumping chemicals and other waste into fresh water, it becomes more acidic.  This experiment will determine if the fish in freshwater can survive in different acidic levels and if humans affect their environment they will in. It will also determine if fish in oceans can be affected by acidic levels caused by humans.

Hypothesis: If we keep adding a tablespoon of acidic materials every day to the water feeder fish live in, then the PH level will decrease, making the water more acidic.

Materials Needed: 20 Feeder Fish, 5 beta fish containers,Vinegar, Baking soda, Water (neutral), Black coffee,Tomato juice, Liquid Measuring cups, Fish Food, Measuring spoons

Methods:1. Gather all materials needed.2. Fill 5 Fish containers 3/4 of the way full of water.3. Add 4 fish to each container. 4. Label fish containers; neutral, tomato juice, black coffee, baking soda, and

vinegar. 5. Add 1 tablespoon of Tomato juice to the container mark tomato juice.6. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the container marked vinegar7. Add 1 tablespoon of black coffee to the container marked black coffee.8. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to the container marked baking soda,9. Repeat steps 6-9 every 24 hours during Biology,10.On Saturdays and Sundays leave fish alone to see if they can adapt to PH level11.Check ph levels every day and record results every day12.Repeat steps 6-13 for 4 weeks.13. If a fish dies dispose of it14.Clean up when experiment is finished

Experimental Design Chart:PH Levels Neutral Tomato juice Black coffee Baking Soda Vinegar

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

The effects of an artificial predator on behavior of brine shrimp (Artemia Salina)

Introduction Place an object (an object that does not resembles a predator like a toy car) into the brine shrimp aquarium while they are still hatching and leave it there until they are at full size and full maturity and we will switch the object with an object (an object that resembles a predator) and compare the test group to the control group and check for any change in behavior. In the Antarctic the krill population is going down and that means the amount of predators are going up. Observe how the brine shrimp react to a predator related to the reaction of krill to a predator in their environment.

Experimental DesignIndependent: artificial predator (toy shark)Dependent: behavior Control Group: toy that is not a predator (toy car)Constant: number of brine shrimp in both groups, same pH for both groups, same amount of water for both groups.

Hypothesis If an object is inserted into the environment of the brine shrimp while they are growing and developing, then they will adapt to it and act different when a predator like item is-placed in the container as adults.

Materials1 liter of salt water, 1 bowl that can hold 500 mL of water, 30 brine shrimp eggs, toy car, toy shark.

Method1. Place 1 liter of salt water into a bowl that will have a pH of 8. There will be no

changes to the pH throughout the experiment. 2. Place 30 brine shrimp eggs into the bowl of salt water which will be at room

temperature. 3. At the beginning of the experiment place an object the does not resemble a predator

like a small toy car. The object will stay in the container until the brine shrimp hatch and grow until they reach full maturity. Once they have reached full size, we will add the toy shark.

4. Observe how the new object compares to the old object in the way it changes their eating habits and how they act around the new object.

5. Record all of the data and use it to confirm if the hypothesis is correct or incorrect.

The Effect of pH on Artemia (Brine Shrimp) Growth

IntroductionWe want to know what the effects of increasing or decreasing the pH of the water

will have on the growth of the Brine Shrimp. We are studying this question because we want to know if they will grow to full adulthood in an environment with a different pH level then they are accustomed to and if so, how long it will take. The Brine Shrimp experiment is similar to the Krill in the Antarctic because the pH is decreasing from rising CO2 levels and the pH could be increasing due to various compounds entering the ocean environment from the surrounding land through run off.

Experimental Design Independent Variable- Level of salt water pH, pH of 7.7 and pH of 8.3 Dependent Variable- The growth of the Brine shrimp Control- Salt water with pH of 8 Constant- 30 Brine Shrimp, 250C temperature, 3% salt water solution, containers

HypothesisIf the level of pH is increased or decreased then the Brine Shrimp will take longer

to reach full adulthood.

Materials 3 containers with 3% salt water solution – one with pH of 8, one with pH of 7.7,

and one with 8.3 pH Incubator pH Tester Graphing Calculator Brine Shrimp cysts – 30/per bottle Magnifying Glass Fish food - Tetra Dissecting needle to sort Brine Shrimp cysts

Methods1. Put 200 mL of 3% salt water solution in each container 2. Adjust pH of water in container 1 to 7.7, container 2 has a pH of 8, and container

3 to a pH of 8.3 3. Add 30 Brine Shrimp to each container4. Put into incubator with a temperature of 250C5. Observe every day and record data

The affects of acidic water on corals

The ocean has many coral reefs that provide food for animals. Since the ocean is becoming more acidic what is the affect of coral reefs?

Question: How does acidic water affect coral?

Hypothesis: If coral reefs live in water with a pH of about 8 today, then they will not survive in acidic water.

Materials: *Internet access

Procedure: I will collect data on the internet about the impact of pH on corals. For example, I will look at a page on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Website (http://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/satellite/oa/description/oaps_intro_oa_and_reef.php) to see what impact increased CO2 has on coral growth.

Do Warmer Seas Cause Stronger Hurricanes?

Hypothesis:            My hypothesis is that warmer seas do in fact create stronger hurricanes.  I found that hurricanes can barely survive when over land or cold water, so if there are warmer seas then the hurricane will not only survive but grow.

Significance:            Finding out if a hurricane can be affected by the temperature could have a major effect on the lives of people who live near warmer areas and the sea.  It can help people to be more prepared by finding out if any possible hurricanes may form and how strong they just might be.

Planned Investigation:I will look at water temperature data in the ocean before a hurricane reaches an area. I will use websites such as NASA and NWS to gather this information and test my hypothesis.

pH and Shell Repair

Problem:Will shells that have been exposed to water with a lower pH be repaired when placed in ocean water (water with a high pH)?

Hypothesis:Shells placed in water with a decreased pH and then soaked in water with an increased pH will not repair themselves.

Procedure:Twelve Red Moon Sea Shells and twelve South Pacific Flat Starfish will be used for this experiment. Four of Red Moon Seas Shells and four South Pacific Flat Starfish will be placed in water that is the current ocean pH (8.1). This will be the control. The control will be tested to see how much mass the shells and starfish can hold using weights stacked on top of the shells/starfish. The others will be placed in the predicted pH of 2100 which is 7.8 for 2 days. After two days, four of the starfish and seashells will be removed. They will be tested to see how much mass they can hold using weights stacked on top of the shells/starfish. Four shells and starfish will be moved to containers that have water that is the current ocean pH (8.1) for two days to determine if they can repair themselves. The remaining four shells and starfish will stay in the pH 7.8 for two additional days. After two days, both the shells/starfish in the pH 8.1 treatment and pH 7.8 treatment will be tested for shell strength. An estimated total amount of 24 shells (12-r.m.s.s. and 12-s.p.f.s. each) will be used. Mass of the shells/starfish will be taken at the beginning and ending of the experiment and compared. Dimensions (width, length, and thickness) of shells/starfish will be taken at the beginning and ending of experiment and compared.

Equipment Needed: weights, petri dishes, shells, starfish, calipers, scales, pH probe, tweezers, Ocean water, pH 7.8 water, goggles