Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Science Project Idea To Grow Crystal

What a great way to make a science project to learn how to create crystals.

A quick and beautiful crystal formation can be processed with a few simple items. If you want to prepare this science experiment you will need to go shopping for the following items or look for some of the pieces in your home.

You will need the following:

  • 1 tall glass jar with a wide mouth. If you have a canning glass jar this would work well.
  • Boiling water
  • Copper sulfate (you can get this at a store that has agriculture products as this chemical is used for herbicide and fungicide. It usually is sold in a 50 pound large bag but you can explain to the sales person you are using it for a school science project and they probably sell you a small amount such as pound)
  • A pipe cleaner
  • A string about 1 to 2 feet long.
  • A pencil
  • Rubber gloves

Steps to create your ultimate crystal:
  1. Put your gloves on and take the pipe cleaner and form a circle and twist the ends together forming a circle.
  2. Take the string and attach the end of the string to the circle of the pipe cleaner.
  3. Squeeze the pipe cleaner slightly and twist a few times to create a different shape.
  4. Set your glass jar on the counter and place some newspaper underneath to avoid spills.
  5. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of copper sulfate into the jar.
  6. Pour about cup boiling water into the jar and stir well with a spoon.
  7. Add another heaping tablespoon of the chemical and another cup boil water. Do this until the jar is at least 2/3 full or almost full.
  8. After the water is all in you may add 1 more spoonful of copper sulfate and stir until dissolved.
  9. Tie the other end of the string to the pencil with the pipe cleaner tied to the opposing end. Make sure it is short enough so that the pipe cleaner can hang suspended in the center of the jar of water and the pencil will sit on top of the jar.
  10. Lower the pipe cleaner into the hot water and lay the pencil horizontal on top of the glass jar.
  11. Leave the jar alone for 24 hours.

In one day get the jar and remove the pencil from the water. You should see a beautiful dark blue crystal formed on the pipe cleaner. Depending on the amount of copper sulfate in the liquid will depend on the amount of crystal formed. Of course, a large amount means a large crystal and a small amount should be smaller crystals.

You can discard the liquid in a safe place. You may want a parent to dispose of it. Do not pour it down the sink.

Get more science project ideas and easy science projects at http://scienceprojects.fetching.us

Lesa Bolt is a contributor to science projects.

How to Care for a Ferret

If you've ever watched the antics and acrobatics of a sleek, agile ferret at the pet store or at a friend's home, then you'll understand why ferrets hold that status as some of the most amusing and entertaining pets available today. With all that energy, though, comes a pet that can prove to be highly demanding of your time, patience, and resources. Before you give in to the urge to purchase one of these popular pets, learn to properly care for a ferret and determine whether or not one is really suited to your lifestyle.

In determining whether or not you have a lifestyle and household that's conducive to ferret care, ask yourself where you'll be keeping your ferret. Many ferret owners choose to allow their ferrets to have free reign of the house, but this decision involves litter training your ferret and very thoroughly ferret-proofing your house. Electrical cords that can be chewed must be covered in metal coiling, tight squeezes behind appliances must be blocked off, windows must be kept securely screened or closed at all times, air ducts must be covered with ferret-proof vents, and the floor must be kept clear of any items that might be ingested. Other ferret owners opt to keep their ferrets caged. An appropriate ferret cage will be at least 18" long, 18" wide, and 30" deep. Ferrets love to climb and explore, so the more toys you provide, the better. A litter pan can also be placed in the cage to make cleaning easier. Once of the biggest parts of learning how to care for a ferret is accepting the fact that ferrets can be extremely messy. You'll need to clean your ferret's cage at least once a week, and the litter box will need to be scooped one to two times a day at a minimum. Don't ever use clumping cat litter for ferrets, as it can lead to respiratory problems. Your best choice will be one of the many available natural litters such as those made of recycled newspaper.

Exercise and play is a major part of pet ferret care. If your ferret has free reign of the house, he's probably getting plenty of exercise, but you'll still need to give your ferret plenty of attention by grooming and interacting with him. If you're keeping your ferret caged, he'll need to be let out for a few hours every day for some supervised exercise. Again, make sure that the room you allow your ferret to roam in has been thoroughly ferret-proofed. Give your ferret plenty of toys such as pvc pipes, rubber balls, and cat toys, and keep in mind that one of the greatest things you can do for a single ferret is to get it a companion. Many people choose another ferret, of course, but sometimes, cats and ferrets will get along well, if the cat is introduced to the ferret as a kitten. Never introduce an adult cat to a ferret unless you want to run the risk of the cat regarding the ferret as a tasty meal!

If you're looking into getting a ferret, you're probably aware of the fact that they aren't the sweetest smelling creatures on earth. A lot of their musky odor has to do with whether or not they've been spayed or neutered. Having your ferret spayed or neutered significantly cuts down on musk production. Bathing your ferret can also help, but keep in mind that if you over-bathe them, their musk glands will only work overtime! Regular brushing is needed, as ferrets can get hairballs just like cats. Talk to your vet about preventing ear mites and fleas, and also have him or her show you how to properly trim your ferret's toenails. Your skin will thank you!

Now that you have an idea of the basics of how to care for a ferret, it's time to find your new friend. While pet stores are the obvious choice, many animal shelters also house ferrets, dumped by people who weren't prepared for the time that goes into properly caring for these creatures. Wherever you choose to find your ferret, be sure that you can promise both yourself and your new pet that they'll have a long, happy life to look forward to in your home.

About The Author: Barry S. Mcgee is a pet enthusiast. His site at: http://www.squidoo.com/petcareonline provides advice and information on all aspects of pet care for all types of pets including dogs, cats, ferrets and others and makes it easier for pet owners to choose the best solution for their companion's care.

For answers to all your pet care questions, please visit: http://www.squidoo.com/petcareonline

How To Avoid Impaction On Bearded Dragons

Impaction is one of the causes that generated many bearded dragons deaths. When having impaction, a bearded dragon's digestive tract is blocked by a solid or semi-solid mass.

In the case of a major impaction, the animal will not be very mobile, one or both back legs may appear paralyzed. If the impaction is higher in the digestive track, the front legs may also be paralyzed. A lower impaction that is only affecting the back legs can continue to grow until the front legs are also affected.

1. Causes of impaction

A. Food

If a bearded dragon eat get food items that are too large to properly move through their digestive tract. The best prevention for this is to remember that any item fed should be smaller in size than the space between bearded dragon's eyes.

Some food items may not be easily digestible. Large crickets, mealworms, or superworms increase the risk of developing impaction (especially to younger bearded dragons).

B. Not Proper Temperatures

Bearded dragons need appropriate temperatures so that the food will be digested peoperly. Keep in mind that the surface on which a bearded dragon basks, (after eating), should be maintained at a temperature between 100 to 115 degrees, in order for them to digest their food properly. If a bearded dragon is fed a food item difficult to digest, and is not provided with the proper temperatures in order for him to digest that food, this can also create impaction.

C. Dangerous Substrates

Bearde Dragons like to eat anything they find in the cage. Many substrates can pose a risk. Some materials have been reported to have caused impaction. Some of them are Calci-Sand , any type of pellets, several dried plant-based substrates are also known to present a high risk. Many substrates producesrs claim theire products are completely digestible. However, before trusting a substrate, do some research to discover what those with lots of personal experience think about it.

2. Detecting Impaction

There are a few signs that you may notice. One of the first indications is that your Beardie will stop going to the bathroom regularly. You will notice the inability to excrete regularly or straining when they do. Or maybe slight leg trembles, regurgitation, dragging one of both the back legs, not walking properly and you may also see a slight bump along the spinal area.

These signs are not necessary a problem, because every animal is different, but if you see them and the pet is not acting like his normal self, be sure to pay attention. This may be an indication that something is serious going on.

An indicator of a more serious problem is the partial leg paralysis. The hind legs will have less mobility or the dragon will drag his legs. Of course it could be not from impaction, but definitely it's a problem and it needs your immediate attention.

The paralysis you are seeing is because the stomach empties out into the intestines lying right along the mid/upper spine. It puts pressure on the spine, as they do not have disc between the vertebras that protect the spine like other animals. Lower impactions will usually display a slight raised area along the mid to lower back or you can feel it in the abdomen area.Do not push along the spine right now or force them move their legs, let them do it in their own time, forcing them can cause permanent damage.

3. Treating Impaction

What is generally suggested is that with the earlier stages of a mild impaction, you may be able to offer your bearded dragon some relief by giving him a warm bath and gently massaging his abdomen. Massaging gently down towards the vent may assist your bearded dragon in moving an impaction down through his digestive tract, so that he can pass it.

It is also strongly recommended that you go with your pet immediately to a vet. If you cannot locate an experienced reptile vet in your area, you may be able to get some assistance by logging onto specialized sites (more to come).

Florian Ross is a freelancer and small lizard expert. For more tips on raising Bearded Dragons Lizards and having them live 3 times longer, go to http://www.pets-lovers.com/bd/beardeddragons.htm

For more about bearded dragons, see Find Out About Bearded Dragons.

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