It's been awhile...

So I realize that it's been awhile since my last blog post.
What we're doing right now: today and for the past few days, all of the science classes have been working on their presentation. I have five slides, so I'm not that far along. But I'm excited to get this OVER WITH. And once I'm done with my presentation, I'll post that (if possible) and my final research paper and lab, which I never posted. I present my presentation on April 20th, at 8 am. Today, I finished and handed in my abstract. I didn't save the document... so I can't put it here, but it basically explained my experiment.

Something I forgot to say!!

I have my materials and procedures already written. As well as my introduction to my data analysis that I just finished. It was really easy!
Also, Ms.Minn just announced that we should be ready to present our data analysis to the class BY Thursday. Soo...... yeah. I have a lot to do tonight. But if I work hard I know I can finish within two hours once I get home.

After Spring Break

The reason why it's been awhile since I last posted is because we had 2 weeks worth of spring break. I decided not to work on my data analysis over break, and to just enjoy myself instead.
Therefore, I have to be honest: I haven't started my data analysis yet. So yeah, that could be a problem. Although, I know of quite a few people who haven't started or aren't far along into it yet. So I should be okay... but I regret procrastinating because I have a lot of work to do this week.

Anyway, I'm staying after school today to recreate the data table and graphs that I made in the lab a few weeks ago, as I unfortunately didn't save them or email them to myself. Sigh. Hopefully I can get my lab report done as soon as possible, so that I can relax over the four day weekend and enjoy my Easter. I'll post my progress to the blog.

As of now: haven't started.
Soon to happen (after I post this, although we have a short period OR tonight): I'll start and try to get at least 3 paragraphs done and organize my data.

Picture of the Top of 7 Hour

Today, while cleaning out my test tubes, I noticed the weird film which I found in trial #1 was also in my second trial
ALSO, yesterday I handed in my final data tables and graphs. I haven't gotten my grade yet.
I finished my experiment a few days ago, and my graphs and data tables turned out perfectly. I'll post them later.

Data Averages

Dissolved Oxygen Production Averages

TRIAL #1

2/16/10-

2H: 17.5

7H: 9.5

CONTROL: 22.5

TRIAL #1

2/17/10

2H: 15.5

7H: 7.5

CONTROL: 25.5

TRIAL #1

2/18/10

2H: 17

7H: 4.5

CONTROL: 28.5

TRIAL #1

2/19/10

2H: 11 (made mistake in table-numbers were 12 and 10)

7H: 5.5

CONTROL: 29.5

TRIAL #1

2/22/10

2H: 5.5

7H: 5

CONTROL: 20%

TRIAL #2

2/23/10

2H: 1.5

7H: 4%

CONTROL: 35%

TRIAL #2

3/3/10

2H: 18.5%

7H: 11%

CONTROL: 26%

TRIAL #2

3/4/10

2H: 13.5%

7H: 7.5%

CONTROL: 26%

TRIAL #2

3/5/10

2H: 9.5%

7H: 6.5%

CONTROL: 30%

TRIAL #2

3/9/10

2H: 7%

7H: 2%

CONTROL: 34.5

TRIAL #2

3/10/10

2H: 3%

7H: 7%

CONTROL: 33%

Perfect Data Today! And a picture too

Perfect tap water reading today! I have a feeling these are accurate.

Looking good! 29%

Control #2:

33%

control #1:

36%

2 hour

#1: 8%

#2- 6%

 7 hour:

#1- 2%

#2- 2%

I got PERFECT data today. It feels great!!

I used the second dissolved oxygen sensor, like I did yesterday.

I decided to take a picture of my #1 7 hour test tube, because the top is curling over- like it's crippling. 

My Data Table Thus Far...

So, I fixed my old data table, and added in some of my results which I had just been recording in Notebook in a Word Document. Some of the information entered into my data table may not be in my blog, though most of it should be. A day didn't go by that I didn't put my research into this document.
Anyway, since I started a new trial I had a lot of changing to do to my data table! Here it is:

Halle, Why did you go so long without blogging?

...you may ask. Well, mysterious person, I didn't have any data to record because I had to prepare my new Elodea. Which was about a 2 day ordeal.. I believe I stopped taking data on Monday. 

Right now, I'm taking measuring the oxygen of my tap water to make sure it's accurate.

Here is my 2 hour from today, 3/5/10:

2 hour: 

#2- 9%

#1- 10%

2 hour:

#1: 14%

#2:  13%

Control:

#1: 26%

#2: 26%

7 Hour:

#1: 7%

#2: 8%

Above are my results from my first day of taking data.

The beginning of trial #2!!

So, according to their oxygen production and generally look, my 7 and 2 hour elodea were dying. In each rack at least one test tube had an elodea which was crumpled to the bottom, and the elodea were beginning to stink up the whole science room!
So, when I talked to Ms.Minn and Dr.Wright yesterday, they suggested that I start a second trial. I'll fix some of the minor mistakes that I made in trial 1, and I'll take data on my trial 2 elodea for the same amount of time as my trial 1 Elodea: 7 days.

What I will change in my second trial:
I won't use parafilm. If the water evaporates, I'll add distilled water to the test tubes.
I'll cut the Elodea down more so that there isn't too much Elodea in one test tube.
I'll standardize (still have to ask Ms.Minn about this...) my results with tap water results because sometimes the dissolved oxygen sensors are not 100% accurate.

Tomorrow, I'll post pictures of my new Elodea and record the data that I took recently and the data that I'll take tomorrow!

I'm really glad that I'm doing a second trial. It was a really good idea instead of measuring the oxygen production of already dead Elodea.

7 Hour- 3/1/10

#1: 2%
#2: 1%
Still doing a little better than the 2 hour! Why?!


I forgot to post my final research paper awhile ago. I'll do that tonight.

Pictures of my 2 Hour..

#1

#2 :

Today's Data 3/1/10 Without 7 Hour

Today’s Data: 3/1/10

We missed school on Thursday and Friday, so my Elodea was not subjected to UV radiation. Of course, they weren’t subjected to the UV radiation on Saturday or Sunday. Also, my control was not exposed to enough light because the lights in the science room were off, so they’re producing a lot less oxygen.

I’m really worried about how the elodea under UV are doing.

CONTROL:

#1: 15%

#2: 17%

2 HOUR:

#1: 1%

#2:  1%

Since my numbers went down for my 7 hour, I concluded that UV light exposure is better than no light at all. 

Today's Data 2/24/10

2 hour:

#2- 2%

#1- 1%

CONTROL:

EXPERIMENTAL ERROR- TEST TUBES 1 AND 4 FELL, 3/4 OF WATER OUR OF #1 CAME OUT- HAD TO REFILL

#1- 28%

#2- 39%

7 HOUR:

#2- 3%

#1- 4%

Continuation of Yesterday's Data

2 hour:
#1- 1%
Elodea is dead or closed to dying: almost completely crumpled to the bottom of the test tube

#2- 2%
Water is not quite as murky as in the first test tube but similar


7 hour:
#1- 5%?
Completely crumpled to the bottom of test tube- water isn't murky but Elodea is brown and weak

7 hr. #2- 3%



picture of 7 hour #1:

Picture of 2 hour #1: Water is murky and foggy

QUESTION OF THE DAY:

....WHY ARE THE 2 HOUR DYING AND NOT THE 7 HOUR!?

Today's and Friday's Data

Today-
CONTROL: #2- 38%
CONTROL: #1- 32%

Friday's Data... as taken by Emma:
# 1 control 4%
# 2 control 21%
#1 2hr 1%
#2 2hr 1%

7hr
#1: 5% and #2: 6%

7 hour

STINKS. SO BADLY.EW .
#1: Oddly..... 6%
#2: withered and smells TERRIBLE
4%

Today's Data 2/22/10

On Friday, I was sick and unable to take data. So, Emma (I'm sharing a box with her) agreed to take data for me.
I'll post Friday's data later.
Here's my data from today:
NOTE: COMPLICATION IN 2 HOUR BOX- LEFT IT ON UNTIL 1:00 P.M DUE TO 7TH GRADE PLAY

2 hour:
#1- 7%
#2- 4% (uh oh.)

control:
#1: 14%
#2: 28%

7 hour:

Today's Data

2 hour-
test tube 1: 21%
test tube 2: (collapsed at bottom- producing less oxygen) 13%

test tube 2: COLLAPSED

control: 

test tube #1: 24%

test tube #2: 33%

7 hour: elodea is MUCH lighter. 

Looking the way I wanted it to- 

test tube 1: 6% (WOW.) leaves are falling off and looks droopier (picture below)

test tube 2: 2% (will die soon?)

 Smells TERRIBLE- light it's rotting . much lighter and browning on the bottom 

waxy film on top- parafilm possibly melting into it (picture below)

Data That I Didn't Enter Yesterday and What Happened Today....

So, Ms.Minn told me today that I should be testing two test tubes. Great. So now I'll be taking 20 minutes alone of research to test my control and 2 hour test tubes, and another 10 minutes at the end of the day for 7 hours. Thankfully, yesterday I tested two just in case. I'm afraid that the Elodea that are exposed to UV light are dying..... and I don't know what to do, seeing that I need 8 more points of data. This should be fun.
Anyway, here's the data from yesterday and what I have today so far.

Yesterday, 2/16/10
2 hour- Test Tube 1: 18%
             Test Tube 2: 17%

Control- T.T 1: 20%
              T.T 2: 20%

7 hour- T.T 1: 10%
             T.T 2: 9%


And what I have so far from today, 2/17/09

2 hour- T.T 1: 15%
            T.T 1: 16%
            
  

Blog Check #2

Halle,
You have nice pictures of your set up and the probes.  Try to post everyday.  There were some days missing before the snow days and also in the week before that.
Grade: 4/5

What's Happened Since My Last Post

Since my last post, we had a 6 day weekend. We had two snowdays, Wednesday and Thursday, and had Friday through Monday off. Today, Tuesday, February 16th, 2010. I restarted taking my data, because I decided that my plants went too long without UV light. My Elodea, each 6 1/2 inches in length, are beginning to brown on the corners of the leaves. I also decided that instead of measuring the oxygen production of two test tubes of Elodea, I'll only be measuring one as measuring both is too time  consuming. But, I will still be subjecting the other test tubes to UV light just in case the Elodea that I'm using dies. Today, I measured my control, and my two and seven hour Elodea.
Here's my data:

2 Hour: 18% oxygen
7 Hour: 10% oxygen
Control: 20% oxygen

I've noticed that the water in my test tube evaporates, so I have begun placing parafilm, a waxy type of stretchy plastic, over the top of the test tube. When I am not testing the oxygen production of my Elodea, they are kept under their separate boxes, except for the control which is always out on the table.

What I did in Class Yesterday and Today + a Picture Gallery of my Materials

My 3 test tube racks: 1 without UV light, 1 with UV light for 7 hours, and another with UV light for 2 hours

Box under which my Elodea will be exposed for 7 hours.

Box under which my Elodea will be exposed for 2 hours.

My dissolved oxygen sensor.

  Yesterday in class I labeled 8 test tubes of water for my Elodea. Each of my strands of Elodea are approximately 6 1/4 inches long. The water in each tube just barely skims the top of the Elodea. I labeled 4 test tubes which will be exposed to UV light- two for 2 hours, and two for 7 hours. I labeled another 4 test tubes of Elodea which will not be exposed to UV light.
I could not begin my experiment today in class because I made a mistake yesterday. I labeled and filled test tubes 7 and 8 (without UV) with water. They were not necessary since they won't be exposed, so I really only need two without UV. Both to be tested, to make sure that I get the same result. Nevertheless, I'll be using them.
Also yesterday, I learned about using a dissolved oxygen sensor. Ms.Minn tested the dissolved oxygen in a container of water, and it tested 30% oxygen.
I am getting ready to put my test tubes of de-chlorinated water and Elodea under the box. Above are some pictures of my materials that I took today.

Updates and What I Did In Class Today

Since the last time I posted, I have gotten the following done:

I have seen my Elodea and determined that I will be putting one strand of Elodea (about 5 in. long) in a test tube, and will be using two test tubes per box. Each box will have a UV light in it which will be exposed for 2 hours, or 7 hours. So, in box 2H (two hours) I will have a test tube rack holding two test tubes of Elodea. In box 7H (seven hours) I will have another test tube rack also containing two test tubes of Elodea. The lamp in each box will be turned on at 7:50 in the morning, 2H being turned off and exposed to regular sunlight for the Elodea to continue photosynthesis and 7H being turned off at 2:50 in the afternoon and exposed to regular sunlight.
I'm not sure yet about the regular sunlight- can they use photosynthesis with UV light instead of regular light? Will they die faster? These are important questions.
I will be sharing these two boxes with Emma Hart. Her experiment will not interfere with mine. We plan to begin our experiment in two days. Today in class, we prepared our two cardboard boxes for our Elodea by taping down the insides, and I worked on my planning sheet.

Planning Sheet- First Draft

I just handed my experimental design in to turnitin.com. Here it is:

Halle Mette

1/29/10

Planning Sheet

Purpose (Question I am trying to answer): How do different amounts of UV radiation exposure affect the oxygen production of Elodea?

Hypothesis/Prediction: If the Elodea is affected by UV radiation, then it will produce less oxygen until the point of decomposition.

Materials:

            -2 115 Volt UV lights

            -4 test tubes

            -2 test tube racks

-1 box with a height of 44.45 centimeters, a depth of 34.925 centimeters and a width of 50.8 centimeters

-1 box with a height of 34.29 centimeters, a depth of 33.655 centimeters and a width of 45.085 centimeters

-Duct tape

            -Ruler

            -Clock

            -4 strands of Elodea (one for each test tube)

Independent Variable (What I will manipulate):

Amount of time that the specific Elodea are under the UV lamp (some will be under lamp for two hours, some for seven)

Controlled Variables (What I will keep the same):

            -Temperature in box

            -Times that I will turn lights on and off

-Elodea in each box (won’t switch strands because the Elodea in each box gets a different amount of light than the other)

-Water in each test tube

-Type of Elodea in each test tube

-UV light exposing Elodea to UV radiation

Dependent Variable (What I will measure):

Dissolved oxygen production of Elodea

Procedure:

1.     Turn on the UV light in each box at 7:50 A.M

2.     At 9:50 A.M, turn off the 2H box lamp

3.     Record observations and data on the two Elodea strands in box 2H

4.     Place the two test tubes of Elodea from box 2H in direct sunlight (for photosynthesis)

5.     At 2:50 P.M, turn off the 7H box lamp

6.     Record observations and data on the two Elodea strands in box 2H

7.     Place the two test tubes of Elodea from box 7H in direct sunlight (for photosynthesis)

8.     Continue observations each day (excluding weekends) for amount of time data will be collected

Observations and data:

(Write what you will observe and what data you will collect)

            -Amount of dissolved oxygen produced

            -Pigment of Elodea leaves and stem

            -Signs of Elodea dying

                        -Leaves browning

                        -Leaves crumpling

                        -Stem or leaves becoming limp

<-- My Data Table

Notes on My Materials

Box 7H- box in which we will measure UV light exposure for 7 hours (from 7:50 to 2:50)
-Height: 17.5 inches
-Depth: 13.75 inches
-Width: 20 inches

Box 2H- box in which we will measure UV light exposure for 2 hours (from 7:50 to 9:50)
-Height: 13.5 inches
-Depth: 13.25 inches
-Width: 17.75 inches

UV light wattage:
115 Volts

A Picture of My UV Lamp and What We Did In Class Today

Today in class, we began filling out our planning sheet.
What is on our planning sheet:
Purpose (Question I am going to answer)
Hypothesis (Prediction)
Materials
Independent Variable (What I will manipulate)
Controlled Variable (What I will keep the same)
Dependent Variable (What I will measure)

Today I also talked to Ms.Minn about my UV lamp. She said that we will be taping it to the top of a cardboard box, so that the light is keep inside the box, and no normal light can get in. Here is the picture of the lamp that I will DEFINITELY be using: (yay!)

Blog Check #1

Halle,
You've done a great job posting all of your research material, pictures, as well as your thoughts and concerns. You've also posted consistently.
Grade: 5/5

Phewf!

I just handed in the first draft of my research paper, as well as my bibliography. Here it is:

Halle Mette

Research Paper- First Draft

            The topic that I wish to study is the effect of UV radiation on the oxygen production of Elodea. The two variables in my experiment that I plan to study are ultraviolet radiation, and Elodea. Increased ultraviolet radiation exposure has become a significant issue as the environment’s pollution has led to long-term problems, affecting the human population and organisms living in the world, such as Elodea. In my experiment, I will discover the effects, if any, of ultraviolet radiation on Elodea. Elodea ultimately represents a large group of green (photosynthetic) plants. A depleting ozone due to a more polluted environment allows more harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun to penetrate the earths atmosphere, accessing and damaging many organisms on the earths surface. Organisms that are affected, such as Elodea, are all in synchronization with each other some how, each with a specific purpose and importance in the environment. Without many of the organisms on earth today, the human population would surely diminish. Specifically, how this ultraviolet radiation affects green plants is beneficial knowledge to the human population, because photosynthetic plants provide clean oxygen, which is absolutely necessary for our survival. Therefore, my experimental question is: how does increased UV light exposure affect the photosynthesis process (specifically the oxygen production) of Elodea? Through knowledge, we have the ability to come closer to having a greener, better taken care of planet.

Elodea is a primary producer in many water ecosystems, including lakes and rivers. It serves as prey to a wide assortment of animals, such as muskrats, beavers, and waterfowl (especially ducks). Elodea also provides shelter to many small fish, invertebrates, and amphibians, as coral reefs do.  Therefore, their survival in many marine ecosystems is vital (Elodea, 2000). Brazilian Elodea is also a commercialized aquarium plant, hence existing in many parts of the world such as such as New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, Denmark, Germany, France, Japan, Chile, and the United States, in aquariums, and also as a waterweed (Non-native, Invasive, Freshwater Plants, n.d.).

UV rays are invisible rays of energy produced by the sun. Though in larger proportions UV rays can be harmful in many ways to some organisms, they are also useful for humans specifically because they provide Vitamin D. The amount of UV radiation in a specific area depends on three things: the closeness to an industrial area due to the smog in the air. Industrial operations produce ozone, which absorbs UV radiation. It is thought that this is one of the foremost reasons why significant ozone depletion in the southern hemisphere has not reflected also on the northern hemisphere. Another reason for a specific amount of UV radiation in one area is cloud cover. Reduction in the amount of UV ray exposure depends on the thickness of the cloud cover. And the third circumstance of UV radiation is latitude and elevation (Sparling, 2001).

There are specific downsides to increased UV light exposure. UV radiation can cause genetic damage. DNA absorbs UV light, and the energy absorbed can break bonds in the DNA. Unrepaired genetic DNA can potentially lead to skin cancer, which is also a health risk in humans caused by UV light. A 1%decrease in the ozone layer will cause an estimated 2%increase in UV light induced skin irritation. An example of groups of people more prone to skin cancer are those from the southern states of Texas and Florida, who see twice as many deaths due to skin cancers as in Wisconsin and Montana, both northern states. This is due to increased UV exposure in southern states over northern states. Another health risk due to UV radiation, is that of the eyes. The cornea is a good absorber of UV light. High exposure to UV light has known to cause a temporary clouding of the cornea, commonly referred to as “snow-blindness”, and in chronic cases, can even lead to cataracts. But, the disadvantages of UV light are not limited to humans. Marine life has also shown suffering from larger amounts of UV light exposure. Marine plankton, which densely populate the top 2 meters of ocean water, has been greatly affecting by UV light exposure, especially in the northern hemisphere where increased UV radiation is uncommon. When exposed to larger amount of UV radiation, plankton sink deeper into the water. Unfortunately, by doing so they reduce their grown and reproduction rate due to the lack of visible light needed for photosynthesis (Sparling, 2001).

Elodea obtains food through photosynthesis, therefore getting its energy from the sun’s rays. As the earth becomes more heavily polluted, the earth’s stratosphere shows more of a decline in ozone. Therefore, more of the sun’s harmful ultra violet rays penetrate through the layer of ozone, affecting multiple organisms on the earth’s surface, causing diseases and decreases in population of assortments of organisms, especially in marine life such as algae. Health risks in humans caused by UV light include eye clouding (in extreme cases, cataracts), and skin cancer. Also important are the affects on marine life, which have shown an exceedingly low decrease in population (Sparling, 2001). So, by studying these two variables I am focusing on the effects of UV radiation, which will be representing the sun’s rays, on samples of Elodea and compare it to Elodea under regular light (without UV radiation) and determine whether or not UV radiation is harmful to Elodea, and if so, to what extent. Though Elodea is only one of the many organisms affected by UV light exposure, it in itself is beneficial to the human population because it does go through the process of photosynthesis, therefore producing more oxygen for the human population. Elodea makes an especially important difference in oxygen production because it is family to a large assortment of photosynthesizing plants, and is so commonly found in many lakes, rivers, and streams around the world. Brazilian Elodea is found in areas such as New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, Denmark, Germany, France, Japan, Chile, and the United States, due to it’s popularity as an aquarium plant (Non-native, Invasive, Freshwater Plants, n.d.).

The effect of UV light on the population of Elodea is a highly beneficial question to the company of GEA. By studying these two variables I am focusing on the effects of UV radiation, which will be representing the sun’s rays, on samples of Elodea and compare it to regular light without UV radiation and determine whether or not UV radiation is harmful to Elodea, and if so, to what extent. If UV light DOES affect the process of Elodea, then the Elodea will begin to die. I predict this because algae and phytoplankton, photosynthesizing organisms like Elodea, in the northern hemisphere which are being exposed to increasing levels of UV light exposure are showing decreasing levels in population. It is possible that because both Elodea and algae are photosynthesizing, that they will have the same reaction to Elodea. This topic is a great concern to multiple scientists, because plants are one of the first links in the food chain. Variations in Elodea’s population could potentially cause greater disturbances in the balance of other life forms like small fish, waterfowl, invertebrates, and amphibians. As increased levels of UV radiation continue to penetrate the earth’s atmosphere, the food chain will be affected negatively. Also, If UV rays are harmful to Elodea, then as time went on and Elodea depleted in population, oxygen levels would as well because Elodea is so similar to other green plants and is common in many rivers and lakes. Elodea, as a common green plant, in my experiment represents a large group of photosynthetic plants. Photosynthetic organisms are necessary for human survival as through their process of gaining energy, photosynthesis, they provide organic oxygen. Ultimately, without the benefits of green plants such as Elodea, the population of human beings and other organisms which depend on photosynthesizing organisms, would fail.

AND MY BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Halle Mette

References

Elodea. (2000). Aquaplant (submerged plants). Retrieved from http://aquaplant.tamu.edu/‌database/‌submerged_plants/‌elodea.htm.

Non-native, Invasive, Freshwater Plants. (n.d.). Department of Ecology: State of Washington. Retrieved January/‌February 24, 2010, from Department of Ecology: State of Washington website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/‌programs/‌wq/‌plants/‌weeds/‌aqua002.html

Sparling, B. (2001, May 30). Ultraviolet Radiation. In NAS (educational resources). Retrieved from http://www.nas.nasa.gov/‌About/‌Education/‌Ozone/‌radiation.html

Today's Research

I didn't get much research done today, because I had trouble finding research that I didn't already have... but this is what I did get:

1/22/09 Research- Elodea and UV Radiation

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/Programs/wq/plants/native/elodea.html

“American Waterweed - A common native plant”

Elodea

            - American waterweed (Elodea Canadensis)

            - Elodea is native to lakes, ponds, and rivers

            - Elodea is often used as an aquarium plant, therefore it has been introduced            

              to parts of New Zealand, Europe, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, and Africa

-To reproduce: In fall leafy stalks detach from the parent plant, float away, root, and start new plants.

-American waterweed's most important method of spreading

-Seed production plays minor role.

- Found throughout temperate North America

            -One of Washington’s most common underwater plants

Intern Application

INTERN APPLICATION

Global Environmental Agency

760 United Nations Plaza

New York, New York 10017

                                                                                                                                               

A. General Information:

NAME:           Mette                           Halle                          E.                  

                        Last                                                First                                    Middle Initial

General Mailing Address:                        172 Lloyd Road                                                                  

                                                                        Street

                                                            Montclair                NJ              07042                                            

                                                                        City                                    State                                    Zip

Education:

            Institution: Hillside                                                                                    Date attended: 2004-2005

            Institution: Montclair Kimberley Academy                                    Date attended: 2005-2010

B.  Please describe of the topic you wish to study.  Include a complete description of the 2 variables you plan to study and how these two variables are related to one another.  You may complete this on a separate page and attach it or may use additional space.

The topic that I wish to study is the effect of UV radiation on the oxygen production of Elodea. The two variables in my experiment that I plan to study are UV radiation, and Elodea. Elodea is a primary producer in many water ecosystems, including lakes and rivers. It serves as prey to a wide assortment of animals, such as muskrats, beavers, and waterfowl (especially ducks). Elodea also provides shelter to many small fish, invertebrates, and amphibians, as coral reefs do. Therefore, their survival in many marine ecosystems is vital.

UV rays are invisible rays of energy produced by the sun. Though in larger proportions UV rays can be harmful in many ways to some organisms, they are also useful for humans specifically because they provide Vitamin D.

 Elodea obtains food through photosynthesis, therefore getting its energy from the sun’s rays. As the earth becomes more heavily polluted, the earth’s stratosphere has shown more than about a 4% decline in volume each decade since the 1970s. Therefore, more of the sun’s ultra violet rays penetrate through the layer of ozone, affecting multiple organisms on the earth’s surface. So, by studying these two variables I am focusing on the effects of UV radiation, which will be representing the sun’s rays, on samples of Elodea and compare it to regular light without UV radiation and determine whether or not UV radiation is harmful to Elodea, and if so, to what extent. Elodea is beneficial to the human population because it does go through the process of photosynthesis, therefore producing more oxygen for the human population. Elodea makes an especially important difference in oxygen production because it is family to a large assortment of photosynthesizing plants. Elodea is also an underwater plant which rapidly spreads, therefore it is commonly found where it can survive. Elodea also has the ability to survive in deep or shallow water, and in different sediment types. If UV rays are harmful to Elodea, then as time went on and Elodea depleted in population, oxygen levels would as well because Elodea is so similar to other green plants and is common in many rivers and lakes.

The effect of UV light on the population of Elodea is a highly beneficial question to the company of GEA. It is a great concern to multiple scientists, because plants are one of the first links in the food chain. Variations in Elodea’s population could potentially cause greater disturbances in the balance of other life forms like small fish, waterfowl, invertebrates, and amphibians. As increased levels of UV radiation continue to penetrate the earth’s atmosphere, the food chain will be affected negatively.

           

C.  Please include your experimental question and the hypothesis you have formulated to answer the question.  Identify the independent and dependent variables.

Experimental Question: How does ultraviolet radiation affect the oxygen production on Elodea?

Independent Variable: UV light

Dependent Variable: Elodea

Hypothesis: If UV light radiation affects the photosynthesis process of Elodea, then the Elodea will begin to fail and eventually perish.

D.  Explain what you predict the results will be from your experiment.  Include a brief explanation as to why you are making this prediction.

I predict that the Elodea under the ultra violet light will slowly begin to die as it is exposed to increased amounts of UV light and as a whole, produce less oxygen. I predict this partly because other green plants and algae are decreasing in population around the world, due to “holes” in the ozone layer. It is possible that small amounts of UV light will help the Elodea to grow, as some UV light is beneficial to humans because it provides us with Vitamin D. In a human’s case, too much UV light could cause skin cancer. So, this leads me to think that after being exposed to increased amounts of UV light, the Elodea will begin to fa, and not produce as much oxygen as the blue green algae being experimented on with a regular light.

E.  Describe the experimental procedure that you think you will need to conduct to find your results. 

To find my results, I will most likely follow a procedure allow these lines:

-Take picture of tank before exposure to lights

-Observe Elodea ((may need microscope) What color are the leaves? Is the plant shrinking, or crippling? Etc.)

-Place dissolved oxygen sensor into water

-Record level of oxygen currently being produced by Elodea in both tanks

-Turn both lamps on (UV light and regular light)

-Time exposure for 20 minutes

-Turn lamps off

-Observe Elodea (same observations as before lamps were turned on)

-Observe picture taken before exposure

-Experiment this way each day- increase exposure time by 10 minutes every time experiment is conducted

Thoughts/Advice on the Research Paper...

Though I haven't finished my paper quite yet, I'm working on my conclusion. In my opinion, the conclusion is one of the most difficult parts of the paper. I have all of the research that I'll be putting into my body paragraphs, and am having trouble organizing the most important information into some kind of a summary for my conclusion.

Anyway, advice: stay organized! I'm sure a lot of people have said this already, but staying organized is an essential part of this project. To stay organized, I keep all of my handouts from our green folder in a binder. Each individual handout is in a clear plastic folder of it's own. Staying organized can also include constantly posting to your blog. By posting what you do every day and what you need to do, you can look back on what you've written in order to have a goal for a class period set. Outlines, like one for the research paper, are also useful.

Wednesday, January 19th: What I Accomplished and What I Plan To Do Today- January 20th

Yesterday, I finished the second and hopefully final draft of my application. Unfortunately, because of this I did not get any research done for my paper. But, I did follow every note that Ms.Minn gave me for my application. I'm confident that it is a lot better than the original draft, which was accepted on condition. Today, January 20th, I plan on taking more research, and finishing my second body paragraph in my research paper. I will hopefully also add more links to my bibliography. I began my research paper exactly two days ago in class, and plan to finish some time this weekend.

Pictures of Some Things I'll be Using in My Experiment...

Elodea

 Oxygen Dissolving Sensor

 3 gallon fish tank??

 UV light bulb to install above fish tank

Addition to Final Topic

As I stated in my last topic, I'll be using Elodea instead of blue green algae. Elodea use photosynthesis to obtain food just as blue green algae does, and Elodea is better because blue green algae for multiple reasons. Blue green algae does not serve as a food for under-water organisms, because it is lethal to animals, and dangerous to human skin. Elodea is a water-plant eaten by some organisms, and easier to test because it's larger.

But here's an update: I'll be using an oxygen-dissolving sensor to test the amount of oxygen that the Elodea is producing. I predict that the Elodea will produce less oyxgen when exposed to UV radiation.... but then again, I could be wrong. Oh god. Let's hope not.

New Biotic Factor

So, my previous topic, and the topic that I wrote my application on, was The Effect of UV Radiation on Bluegreen Algae. I chose this topic because algae is the first link in the food chain, therefore it interested me because so many marine organisms, and ultimately terrestrial organisms depend on it. But, I won't be using this topic because someone in my class is already using it. Plus, Ms.Minn told me that algae would be too hard and not interesting enough. So, I'll be using Elodea instead. I still have to talk to Ms.Minn about what part of the photosynthesis we'll be using to measure such an carbon dioxide or oxygen. But, I'll still be using UV radiation as my independent variable. UV radiation, as the ozone thins, is becoming an important topic across the world because it is affecting countless organisms- marine and terrestrial. Hopefully this applies to Elodea.

First Draft Application Notes

Yesterday, Tuesday Janurary 12th, 2010, the 8th grade handed in our first draft applications for our project.  Here are the notes that Ms.Minn gave me on mine:

1		We've decided to change your abiotic factor.
1		??
2		Is it significant enough?
3		This is a prediction. Refer to the Criteria for success and the rubric for writing hypotheses.