Problem to be Solved:
Do large crickets have a higher metabolism than small crickets?
Hypothesis:
Large crickets have a higher metabolism than small crickets because of their size.
Materials:
Crickets of different sizes.
Respirometer (cylinder with a top and a graduated pipette).
CO2 absorbent (KOH or NaOH).
Colored liquid indicator.
Mesh tube.
Plastic cylinder.
Balance scale.
Procedure:
Set up respirometer.
Put the absorbent (KOH or lye) in the bottom of the cylinder.
Weigh the cricket to the nearest 0.01 grams and record data.
Put the cricket in the tube. The tube is then placed in the plastic cylinder that is finally inserted into the outer chamber.
After 1-minute, observe the invertebrate chamber and add colored liquid indicator to the top of the pipette.
Record movement of the liquid 60-seconds after initial movement or when the liquid starts to move.
Repeat this procedure with different sizes of crickets.
Run a control periodically. The liquid should have no movement.
Conclusion:
Small crickets have a higher metabolism rate than large crickets. My hypothesis was incorrect. The smaller crickets appear to be more active. Activity and not size
may determine metabolic rate. There are some unanswered questions such as what was the affect of using different species of crickets? Also, is there a correlation with data obtained and cricket chirp
frequency?
Biblical Application:
And God created every living creature that moveth...and God saw that it was very good. Genesis 2:21
God created all living creatures including crickets - 'a creature that moveth'. Crickets move; thus possessing energy and having a metabolism. This verse goes on to say that "God saw that it was good". So looking down and observing this experiment, seeing the activitiy of the cricket and the life of the cricket, it is good. Christians can rejoice in all life as being good in God's sight.
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3rd Place, 7th Life Science, PCA Science Fair