Animal & Plant Behavior Study Project Resources

Below are pdf files as well as web links to resources that will provide more information for each of the selected topics.

Research Project Packet

Rabbit Info

Chicken Info

Rat Info

Plant Info

TO GO WITH YOUR RESEARCH REPORT CONSIDER:
PRODUCE A VIDEO DOCUMENTARY
PRODUCE A PHOTO SLIDE SHOW
PRODUCE A MULTIMEDIA PROJECT
THAT WILL SHOW OTHERS WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED AND HOW THEY CAN DO IT FOR THEMSELVES.
RequiredContract
ResearchUnitPacket
CALENDAR_APR-JUN-09
FinalReportScoreForm

CLASS HAND OUTS & FORMS
Rabbit_Behavior_Record_Sheet
0_HRC_RabbitCareGuide

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
House Rabbit Connection
http://hopline.org/about/
The House Rabbit Connection, Inc. (HRC), incorporated in Massachusetts in 1997, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It was founded by a committed group of individuals dedicated to the plight of abandoned rabbits. The organization now has over 250 members in 14 states.
HRC is made up entirely of volunteers — individuals who dedicate time, money, and energy to move HRC toward its goals. These individuals share a love of rabbits and the belief that rabbits should not be relegated to hutches in the backyard. Instead, rabbits should be inside the home, free to explore rabbit-proofed room, living in roomy cages (or cage-free), playing with toys, and interacting with all members of the household (human and non-human).
Can I Please Have a Rabbit?
Are you thinking of bringing a rabbit into your home? Many people aren’t aware that caring for a rabbit requires a significant commitment of time and effort. And far too often, rabbits end up at a shelter, or worse, sent into the wild, because “the children lost interest.”
http://hopline.org/surrendering-adopting-a-house-rabbit/can-i-please-have-a-rabbit/

Why Rabbits Should be House Rabbits
— Another New England winter is here, providing us with many reminders why HRC is adamant in its belief that companion rabbits should be kept indoors. The fact of the matter is this: Indoor rabbits live longer because they are safer and happier. Nothing else really needs to be said. However, if you know someone who needs convincing, this article has a few things that you can tell them.
http://hopline.org/rabbit-health-and-care/bunny-its-cold-outside/

I Need to Find a Home for My Rabbit!
If you must find a home for your rabbit please email us with your home address and request a copy of our brochure “How to Find a Home for Your Rabbit.”
http://hopline.org/surrendering-adopting-a-house-rabbit/i-need-to-find-a-home-for-my-rabbit/

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
House Rabbit Society
http://www.rabbit.org/index.html
An international nonprofit organization that rescues rabbits from animal shelters and educates the public on rabbit care and behavior.

Here are some tips on interpreting your bunnies hops, kicks and grunts.
http://www.rabbit.org/behavior/body-language.html

Here you will find all of our online behavior resources grouped by subject.
http://www.rabbit.org/behavior/index.html

This page lists all our documents on rabbit care grouped by subject.
http://www.rabbit.org/care/index.html

This page lists all our documents on rabbit health grouped by subject.
http://www.rabbit.org/health/index.html
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
13.0 Aggressive Rabbits
Primary Author(s): Susan Davis
Sources: HRH, various articles from the HRJ, RHN
People are often shocked the first time they see a rabbit display anger. Bunnies, after all, are supposed to be timid and sweet, not outspoken and nasty, and the sudden appearance of sharp teeth and raking claws can be disarming. But whether your rabbit is nipping the hand that feeds him, chasing you across the room, or latching his teeth into your calf, it's not unusual and it's not hopeless.
http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/aggression.html
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
DebMark Rabbit Education Resource
Raising Rabbits - The Basics
Rabbit Genetics - Breeding Rabbits
Sexing Rabbits - Rabbit Raising Questions - The Bunny - From Conception to Weaning
Rabbit Education Home Page - Rabbit Books
http://www.debmark.com/rabbits/basics.htm

Sexing Rabbits - Some Basics
Sexing rabbits is not really hard to do. You can usually do a good job identifying a buck from a doe, at leastfrom the age of 3 weeks and on.
http://www.debmark.com/rabbits/sexing.htm

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Raising Rabbits
Benefits Of Rabbits - Rabbit Cages - Feeding Rabbits - Interpreting Body Language And Behavior -
http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/lib2/rabbits.htm
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Interesting Stories of Rabbit Owners
Honorary Rabbit
Amy Shapiro
In an earlier issue (HRJ Vol. I., No. 5), we covered basic rabbit vocabulary-the body language, actions, and vocalizations that will help you receive essential information, such as pet me; don't even think about petting me; get out of my way; I love/lust you; etc.
http://www.rabbit.org/journal/2-8/honorary-rabbit.html
Communication Gaps and Bridges
By Amy Shapiro
We received the following letters within a week of each other. The first is typical of many requests for advice and information that come in from first-time rabbit-people across the country.
http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-2/bridging-com-gaps.html
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
The Bunny Basics
Welcome to The Bunny Basics where pet rabbit care information and high quality rabbit care supplies are our number one priority. We offer only the highest quality house rabbit care supplies including rabbit food, rabbit toys, rabbit treats as well as other small animal supplies. Created with the pet rabbit caregiver in mind, our goal is to help ensure your pet rabbit will have a happy and healthy lifestyle
http://www.thebunnybasics.com/default.htm

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

The Backyard Chickens Learning Center is made up of 10 different sections above.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/lcenter.html
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Eggstravaganza: A 4-part Series on Raising Chickens for Eggs
This four-part special section tells you how to raise backyard chickens, build a portable mini-coop, and enjoy delicious eggs and exceptional pest control from rare, beautiful heritage breeds.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainable-Farming/2003-02-01/Eggs-Travaganza.aspx
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Breeds of Chickens
http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/poultry/
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Chicken --From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Welcome to the chicken coop section of Backyard Chickens!
http://www.backyardchickens.com/coopdesigns.html
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Mother's Mini-coop
Keep backyard chickens with class in Mother's mini-coop.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/printable/2003_February_March/Building_Mother_s_Mini_Coop
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
A COLONY CAGE FOR BACKYARD POULTRY FARMERS
How to build a better birdcage, including diagrams, instructions, photographs.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/printable/1975_November_December/A_Colony_Cage_For_Backyard_Poultry_Farmers
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
How to Care for Chickens VIDEOS @ Expert Village
http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/1632_chicken-care.htm
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
900+LINKS Here's a stepping off place into the online world of poultry.
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKPoultrySites.html#coops
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
McMurrayHatchery.com Home Page
http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/chickcare.html?csi=dacb05ed50a7c4a22e387dd4f0dc8edb
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Dr. Sophia Yin’s trained chicken
http://www.nerdbook.com/sophia/Movies/movie2.html?mov=29hi.mov&num=29
Starting Chicken Training
http://www.nerdbook.com/sophia/Movies/movie2.html?mov=34hi.mov&num=34
Chicken Training: Queen of Hearts48
http://www.nerdbook.com/sophia/Movies/movie2.html?mov=48lo.mov&num=48
How Animals Learn pt 1
http://www.nerdbook.com/sophia/Movies/movie2.html?mov=35hi.mov&num=35
How Animals Learn pt 2
http://www.nerdbook.com/sophia/Movies/movie2.html?mov=37hi.mov&num=37

Rats - Physical Characteristics, Behavior, Reproduction, Diet, Species, Rats And Humans
http://science.jrank.org/pages/5751/Rats.html#ixzz0FbH0WW5J&A
Rats are members of the order Rodentia, which also encompasses ÖÖ..
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Journey into a rat's world
The sensory systems of the rat are different from our own. The way a rat perceives the world is therefore going to be radically different from how we perceive the same scene. The animal's perception of its surrounding world is called its ¸mvelt. What is the rat's ¸mvelt like?
http://www.ratbehavior.org/perception.htm
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
The National Fancy Rat Society
Keeping Pet Rats: A Short Guide
Pet rats, when given the correct care and management, are by far the most intelligent, affectionate, and responsive of all the small rodents, and are ideal pets for children. Do you have time to make friends with a rat?
http://www.nfrs.org/shortinfo.html

Articles and Information about Fancy Rats
http://www.nfrs.org/articles.html
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

PetRat.Info
Formerly the Pet Rat Information Sheet
The Pet Rat Information Sheet is intended as commonsense advice for owners of domestic rats (Rattus norvegicus). It was originally written for people adopting rats from the authors in the UK. The document does not necessarily reflect the advice or policies of any organisations of which we are members. It is offered to a wider audience as a public service, but we cannot be held responsible for your decision to act on any advice contained in it. The authors are not veterinary professionals, and this document is not a substitute for veterinary consultation.
http://www.petrat.info/

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Rat Behavior and Biology
(Anne's rat page)
Welcome to my website about rats!
I have written a number of articles about rat behavior and biology. These articles are based on my exploration of the scientific literature available on rats and on my own observations of my rats' behavior.
http://www.ratbehavior.org/rats.html

Glossary of rat behavior terms
Informal, illustrated definitions of rat behavior terms
INDEX
* Allogroom - * Allonurse - * Back arch - * Barber - * Bared teeth
* Belly Groom - * Belly-up Roll - * Bite - * Body Groom - * Boggle ÖÖ.
http://www.ratbehavior.org/Glossary.htm

Why do rats pee everywhere?
http://www.ratbehavior.org/WhyDoRatsPee.htm

Norway Rat Behavior Repertoire
An informal description of rat behavior
http://www.ratbehavior.org/norway_rat_ethogram.htm
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

RAT BREEDING
(Male & Female differance's, Pregnant rat, baby care info & more)
Rats have all sorts of colors and markings. It can be quite difficult to try to compare pictures and descriptions to your rat, since some of them look almost exactly the same. For pet rat owners it isn't all that important to know the exact term for what kind of rat you have, you can do your best at guessing. Different rat shows and organizations have different qualifications to just what the patterns or colors have to look like to be considered "Show quality" Non show quality rats are referred to as "pet quality." Different countries have different names and standards for colors and markings as well.
Below are general descriptions to help the average pet owner.
* Common -is a pet store term used for a common large sized rat, smaller than a Fancy, usually the white lab rats.
* Fancy -is a pet store term for rats with fancy markings and tend to be larger than "Common" referred to as Jumbo.
* Hooded -A hood covers the rats head to just below the shoulders. Hoods can come in many different colors, most commonly beige, gray, black or white.
http://www.80stoysale.com/ratbreeding.html#prebreeding

Things to know about rat babies:
http://www.80stoysale.com/ratbreeding.html#baby
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Rats and Mazes
* Different kinds of mazes and what they're used for:
o The classic maze
o The T-maze
o The multiple T-maze
o The Y-maze
o The radial arm maze
o The Morris water maze
http://www.ratbehavior.org/RatsAndMazes.htm

CLASS HAND OUTS & FORMS
PlantHangingGardenLAB
3b_DailyDataSheet
Measuring_Plant_Growth
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Plant Project Ideas
Plants are important to life as we know it. They provide everything from food, clothing, and shelter to medicine and fuel. Plant projects are popular because plants are abundant, inexpensive, and relatively easy to study during experimentation. These experiments allow you to learn about plant processes and environmental factors that impact plant life.
→ How do you propagate plants? What methods are there to do this? What kinds are best
for which plants? What is the fastest way to do this? Get an African VioletÖ. then divide it up to give to friends family or to sell.
→ How do you grow a carnivouous plant and keep it healthy? What conditions do these types of plants need that are different from other plants? Obtain, plant & grow an example and document (video & photo) how to do this for others to learn from your efforts
→ How do you sprout seeds for food & to sell? What equipment works best? What method works the fastest? What are the differences in the time it takes from seed to sprout to eat for different seeds
→ How do you grow plants without soil? (hydroponics) What greenhouses are in our area that grow plants hydroponically? How is it done? Design a home system to grow lettuce.
→ Do different colors of light affect plant growth?
→ What are the effects of acid rain on plant growth?
→ Do household detergents affect plant growth?
→ Does soil temperature affect root growth?
→ Does water salinity affect plant growth?
→ Do fertilizers extend plant life during drought?
→ Do different types of artificial light affect plant growth?
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
PROPAGATE NEW PLANTS
Start New Plants From Cuttings- VIDEO
with Jane Deeken
You don't need to be a green thumb to start a new plant from mature cuttings. Check out these three simple methods.
http://video.about.com/gardening/Start-New-Plants-From-Cutting.htm
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Make More Plants with Cuttings From Your Own House and Garden Plants
http://gardening.about.com/od/gardenprimer/ss/Cuttings.htm
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
HOW TO GROW CARNIVOURS PLANTS
Basics of Growing Venus Flytraps – Complete Video Instructions
http://www.expertvillage.com/video/4039_venus-flytrap-basics.htm
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Welcome to Equilibrio Carnivorous Plants
We are a grower specializing in rare & unusual carnivorous plants. Currently, we distribute plants within the USA only. We do our best to maintain a stock of 150 plant species and varieties of carnivorous plants from all the existing genuses
http://www.equilibriocarnivorousplants.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Sprouting Seeds:
Sprout People
Welcome to Sprouting 101!
If you pay attention you will learn the most basic truths of sprouting -according to us Sproutpeople.
http://www.sproutpeople.com/grow/sprouting.html
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
A BriefOverview on How to Sprout
http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_projects/50/623/fd4974d98e6c37f476f71a623a5453bf.html
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
SPROUTING
Why sprout?
Many people find they cannot tolerate grains, seeds, nuts and legumes, or products such as breads, cakes or bean dishes made from them.
http://www.growyouthful.com/tips/recipes/sprouts.php
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Easy Sprout
Our favorite all-purpose (sprouts - not grass or greens) sprouting device, the Easy Sprout has: Excellent Drainage, Superior Air Circulation and is the most forgiving sprouter we know.
http://www.sproutpeople.com/devices/ez/easysprout.html
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Research & Lab Biology

Changing the world, one mind at a time…