Meal_Worm_Lab_Report

Maddy Finch Period 6 Mealworm Lab Report In this experiment, each group was testing different variables to see which one would make the mealworm grow bigger and faster. My group thought that if we feed the mealworm protein, then it will grow faster and bigger. We chose to use protein as our independent variable because protein is one of the number one suggestions given in order to gain strength. We figured that if it is so recommended for humans to have in order to grow that it might have the same effect on a mealworm. My group believed that for our mealworms to get the right nutrients to increase its growth in size and strength, protein was our best bet. When this experiment began, we started out with a normal, living mealworm and we put it in a film canister with cornmeal and our protein. Overnight they were kept in a dark drawer. Every other day at the beginning of class we would get them out and measure there length with a ruler in centimeters, and there weight with a scale in grams.       SEE ATTACHED GRAPH. The data collected above are the measurements of the length and weight of the mealworm in a twenty two day period, but only measurements for eleven days, which was every other day. The result of my group’s worms using protein varies tremendously, as you see within the graph. However, during this experiment around the third or fourth day, both me and Michael’s mealworms started to mutate into beetles, and a few days later Ruby’s followed. Out of the whole class only us three’s mealworm went through that growth spurt and I believe it is because of the protein. I think that there is enough evidence within our experiment to say the protein was probably the best source of energy for our mealworms. When you compare our data to the control data, especially looking at the graph you can see that the control was more consistent, where ours were constantly inclining or declining. If we were to continue this experiment repeating our steps everyday, our beetles would definitely grow bigger, and possibly even form wings, although eventually it would reach its climax in its growth, and its life would quickly disintegrate. I am now thankful knowing all of this information about mealworms so now when I grow older and start my own family, instead of buying a puppy for our family we will start a collection of mealworms. I will be able to explain to my kids that protein will make them grow strong and fast, and hopefully the mealworms will set an example for them. Once the mealworms form into beetles, me and my family will enhance the beetles intake of protein and double there size three or four times so that they will be about the size of a dog. We will then teach the beetle to sit, stay, roll over, and fetch. After about a few months of creating memories with our beetle it will lay eggs, grow wings, and fly away from us forever, and letting the cycle start all over again with its offspring.  Names DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 Maddy .075g 2.0 cm .080g 2.0 cm .085g 2.1 cm Michael .090g 2.2 cm .080g 2.1 cm .065g 1.5 cm Ransom .080g 2.5 cm .11g 2.5 cm .14g 2.5 cm Ruby .074g 1.8 cm .075g 1.9 cm .077g 2.0 cm DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 .075g 1.8 cm .055g 1.5 cm .070g 1.4 cm .065g 1.1 cm .090g 1.7 cm .070g 1.5 cm .090g 1.3 cm .080g 1.7 cm .14 g 2.5 cm .15 g 2.5 cm .070g 2.5 cm .065g 2.5 cm .080g 2.0 cm .080g 2.2 cm .081g 2.3 cm .085g 2.3 cm DAY 8 DAY 9 DAY 10 DAY 11 .050g 1.4 cm .070g 1.5 cm .045g 1.3 cm .055g 1.1 cm .065g 1.6 cm .070g 1.5 cm .055g 1.5 cm .055g 1.6 cm .085g 2.5 cm .085g 2.5 cm .085g 2.5 cm .086g 2.5 cm .085g 2.3 cm .085g 2.3 cm .085g 2.3 cm .085g 2.3 cm Name DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 Control .078g 2.4 cm .072g 2.2 cm .075g 1.9 cm DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 .073g 1.9 cm .053g 1.7 cm .067g 1.7 cm .065g 1.7 cm DAY 8 DAY 9 DAY 10 DAY 11 .079g 1.8 cm No data No data No data IV C DV PROTEIN Type of cornmeal GROWTH WEIGHT AN Temperature Location Amount of cornmeal