Daphnia Science Fair Experiments & Projects

PURPOSE

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect of Pseudoephedrine, aspirin, and Benadryl on the heart rate of daphnia.

I became interested in this idea when I learned about zooplankton that live in fresh and salt water. I thought that daphnia were interesting, especially because I could see their heart beating.

The information gained from this experiment could help people understand about how important it is not to dispose of wasteful product into our rivers and streams, because of the way it affects the food chain. If the zooplankton ore harmed, everything above them in the food chain will also be harmed.

HYPOTHESIS

My first hypothesis was that aspirin would increase the heart rate of daphnia. I based my hypothesis on an encyclopedia of medicines that said, “Aspirin can speed up the heart”.

My second hypothesis was that Pseudoephedrine would increase the heart rate of daphnia. I based my hypothesis on an encyclopedia of medicines that said, “Pseudoephedrine is a drug that speeds the heart up slightly”.

My third hypothesis was that Benadryl would decrease the heart rate of daphnia. I based my hypothesis on the common known fact that Benadryl can cause drowsiness.

EXPERIMENT DESIGN

•  The amount of each medications given to the daphnia.
•  The number of seconds that are recorded to find their heart rate.
•  The video camera I used to record their heart rate.
•  The microscope I used to record their heart rate.
•  The amount of time it takes to film.
•  The place where I get the daphnia.
•  The environment that the daphnia are stored.
•  The type of the daphnia used.
•  The age of the daphnia.
•  The type of caffeine.
•  The type of Pseudoephedrine.
•  The type of aspirin.
•  The type of Benadryl

MATERIALS

Daphnia science fair experiments and projects continues with daphnia medicine science fair experiments.