This is the time of year when I get asked for science fair project ideas. Here's one for you, based on something I read while writing about
catnip chemistry. Catnip and nepetalactone (the substance in catnip that affects cats) are said to be more effective than
DEET at repelling cockroaches. If you live someplace where cockroaches are relatively easy to find, which presumably includes the entire southern half of the continental U.S., you can test this for yourself. Catch some test subjects and get some catnip spray (found in pet stores and many grocery stores) and DEET-containing repellent. Spray a sheet of paper with catnip, spray one with DEET, leave a sheet untreated. Label the papers and use them to line the bottom of a container. Add roaches. Record where they end up. I'd move the sheets around between trials, epecially if your container has any shadows, to reduce the risk of accidentally introducing another variable (e.g., light).
That's one way to test the assertion that catnip repells roaches better than DEET. To be honest, I don't know whether or not either DEET or catnip repels roaches. A simpler project is to test one chemical or the other. Spray a sheet of paper; leave a sheet untreated. Place them in the bottom of a container. Where do the roaches go?
If you can't locate cockroaches, consider testing another insect (mosquitoes, flies, etc.). If catnip turns out to be an effective repellent, do you think planting it outside your home would reduce the numbers of insect pests coming inside?
Photo: Dawn M. Turner, morguefile.com
Comments
ok this helped my non … im trying to wright a hypothesis and i got my project from you … it’s dew tomarow … i felt like leaving a comment cas you had non
You need grammar and spelling lessons. just saying.
i agree with Christina, it is not that hard to spell something corectly even if you are doing a quick reply to a project page.
How doi write this out in trials because in my projetc something has to be measured and the data also have to be in a graph so does the insects be measured in how many inches away from the deet N catnip
“christina Knutson”:
“You need grammar and spelling lessons. just saying.”
Learn how to capitalize; the most basic principle of the written English language. You all are freaking morons. James Mortimer you are the only one with any sense.
Lol, David!
But just to clarify, shouldn’t it be “James Mortimer, you are the only one with any sense.”
With a comma?
Just saying.
But at least you know how to use a semi-colon.
Thank the Lord!
But “moron” is a mean, hateful, and bad word.
Try not to use it in the future.
And the rest of you, please correct your grammar.
PLEASE.
Thanks.
u al r a bunch ov idiots. tis is ze free cuntry, an belive it or no, i am very good with grammer. chalupita is my nickname; long story. x(
ok all of you guys need to get some sense,get some friends,stop chatting on a school project website cause its really weird,and stop using the word “moron” it’s really not cool but,deuces peace out kids
have fun chatting on an online school project website:)<3
yours truly,
babeii
dear all ya peepzzz,
people of science school website i would like to know some of your suggestions for a schience fair project for 7th grade little sis is in need of some BIG HELP
thx
from chaquitta! <3