While the public debate and related information ranges from the downright speculative to the quite legitimate, the fact is that this subject isn’t quite as “mysterious” as it might seem.

Some facts

• Combustion generates very large amounts of microparticulate matter, better known as smog. Other processes, including mechanical and chemical, can generate airborne micro particles.
• Microparticulates do pose some health risks, simply because they’re so small. They can get into human tissue, and some are chemically active.
•  Microparticulates in the form of oxides can be dangerous. So can micronized heavy metals like lead, silver and mercury.
• Nanoparticles are smaller, but the same basic considerations apply. New technology is capable of filtering the tiniest nanoparticles.
• Cost and retooling are obstacles to installing appropriate filtration in industry and commerce, and there are many obsolete sources of microparticulates that will need to be phased out.

So the situation, past and future, is that yes, there are some possible hazards from microparticulates, but they’re manageable. It’s very important to understand how easy it is to deal with these problems.

Particle analysis- The safeguard approach

Particle analysis is exactly what the name suggests- Analysis and identification of the properties of particles. The same boom in research which has created the new nano materials and microparticulates has also generated a massive demand for better analytical tools. Materials science, in fact, is currently undergoing a major revolution in terms of its own development and better particle management for commercial materials. Particle analysis is one of the primary quality controls over industrial materials.

That simple fact is very good news for environmental management of micro particulates. For example:

An atmospheric study finds X ppm (parts per million) of particles of a material, more than deemed safe. These particles are analyzed and identified as coming from a particular industrial process. The local environmental authority informs the factory, which installs appropriately sized nano filters to trap the particulates and remove them from the air.

Pretty simple, so far, but the truth is that the atmosphere is a cocktail of particles, natural and manmade. This is where particle analysis has to really analyze and define issues. This is broad spectrum environmental management and the analyses have to be both reliable and well defined. Methods used include a vast range of types of analyzer and principles like laser diffraction, nanoparticle size analyzers and dynamic light scattering to name just a few.

Now the really good news- This technology can identify pollutants before they even come into production. Particle analysis can clearly define microparticulates and issues even at the research stages of development.

The public needs to be aware of the issues and the methods required to deal with them, not worried about dire predictions. Microparticulates are a fixable problem.

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 This question is often asked of students that are interested in zoology science fair projects. While there are multiple types of science fair projects that can use hamsters or rats, it is important to remember that these animals are living things that have feelings and rights to humane treatment. It is also important to remember that there are special rules that apply to using live animals in science fair projects. Make sure to read and understand these rules before starting an animal project.

The Maze

 Maze science fair projects are very popular among elementary aged students. These science fair projects are designed to either test the problem solving or memory skills of a hamster or rat. You can utilize a number of learning theories in your maze experiments. For example, you can use positive reinforcement to encourage your rat or hamster to take a specific route or to complete the maze.

Behavior Science Fair Projects

 Behavior projects that involve hamsters or rats will need to focus on a specific type of behavior of the animal. Here you will want to see if your animal can be trained to behave in a specific manner through the use of classical or operant conditioning. For example, you can see if you can train your hamster to ring a bell to be fed, or you can see if you can reduce the nocturnal activity of a rat by exposing it to artificial light at night.

Comparative Study Projects

 Another project that you can develop is a comparative study project. Here you will be comparing one animal species to another, i.e. hamsters vs. rats. The goal of these projects will be to determine if one species is better at something than the others, such as a faster learner or a better problem solver. When setting up these types of science fair projects you will need to clearly define what you are trying to observe and you will need to make sure that both species are presented with exactly the same experiment and experiment setting. This will ensure that your results will be accurate.

Animal/Human Science Fair Projects

Another angle that your hamster or rat science fair project can take is to focus on how humans and animals interact with each other. Here you have several options. For example, you can see if interacting with a pet rat or hamster can impact the heart rate or blood pressure of a human, or you can see how a person who is afraid of rats physically responds to one that has been placed on their lap or hand.

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Now I’m not talking about plastic shards lodged in body parts, I am talking about very small particles of plastic compounds being infused in our very metabolic system. The compound that was discovered is BPA, which stands for bispheral A. This is a common ingredient for polycarbonates which are used to line food and beverage containers as well as to make items like baby bottles and food storage containers. The findings from this study showed that 92 percent of the 2,500 people tested had minute traces of BPA in their urine. While the amounts BPA were very minute, only “a few parts per million,” the impact on our health is still significant.

The reaction our bodies have to ingested BPA can be detrimental to our overall health. Problems with the reproductive system, digestive system and weight can all develop because of traces of BPA in our systems. What does this mean to students and science class? Well, as long term impacts of plastic use continue to be studied, students may need to focus their energies on looking at plastic alternatives.

Try starting a classroom discussion with this questions, “If plastic is determined to be hazardous to our health and is removed from the market, what else can we use instead of plastic?”

Questions like this one can be a great way to springboard science fair project ideas. Find other sources of inspiration from kid science magazines and intriguing science fair project websites.

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