Animal Behavior: An Independent Research Project
(created by Jeannie Wenndorf, 1997)
Student Instructions
Purpose:
You have been learning how to conduct biologically valid experiments, and how to
interpret your data into meaningful conclusions. The purpose of this project is to allow
you to apply what you’ve learned in an animal behavior study of your choice. You will
model your study after the way animal research is conducted by research scientists.
Objectives:
Students will be able to:
 identify a testable question about animal behavior, and make a hypothesis about its
answer.
 design and carry out an experiment to test the hypothesis.
 collect and organize data.
 draw valid conclusions.
 present your study at a scientific poster session.
 model the process of animal research, as conducted by research scientists.
 understand the significance of grants and publishing in the scientific community.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it:
You are a research scientist in the Comparative Medicine department at the local
university. You are paid 10% of your salary by the university for your teaching duties,
but all of your money for research (including the other 90% of your salary) comes from
grants (money provided by a separate agency for a specific research project). It is time to
begin thinking about the next experiment you’d like to do. You will need to write a grant,
submit it for approval, carry out your experiment, and report your results to the scientific
community.
This project will take 10-12 weeks to complete. To keep it manageable, it has been
broken down into a series of tasks.
Task 1: Decide whether you would like to work independently on this project, or with a
research partner. Choose your partner carefully, as you will need to work together
closely, meeting regularly outside of school hours to conduct your research.
DUE DATE: 2/10
Task 2: Choose an animal you are interested in researching. The animal must be easily
available, and supplied by you. Research the animal, using the “Animal Info Sheet” to
record your findings. Consider possible questions you are interested in answering about
its behavior. You will be writing these down later.
DUE DATE: (one per research team) 2/27
Task 3: It’s been awhile since you’ve used animals in your research. You need to refresh
your memory about how animal research is conducted in the research community. Read
“Humane care and treatment of lab animals” and summarize each of the questions in the
article.
DUE DATE: (one per researcher) 3/12
Task 4: Look back at your “Animal Info Sheet.” You should now be familiar with the
animal, and hopefully curious about some of its behavior. Make a list of at least 20
testable, clearly written questions you have about the animal’s behavior. Put a line
through any questions that are not testable with the equipment and/or time you have
available. Of the remaining questions, circle the one you wish to focus on for your study.
Show your question to a classmate (not your research partner), and have them evaluate
your question for its clearness and testibility. Rewrite (and reword, if necessary) your
question on the back of your paper.
DUE DATE: (one per research team) 3/19
Task 5: Design a procedure for how you will experimentally find the answer to your
question. Make sure your experiment is controlled and thorough. Since you will be using
animals in your research, you will need to gain approval from the university’s Animal
Care Committee (ACC). Complete the “Animal Care Committee Project Application.”
Be sure to review the criteria by which the Animal Care Committee will review your
application listed on the “Animal Care Committee Review Form.”
DUE DATE: (one per research team) 3/26
Task 6: Now that your study has been approved by the ACC, you have decided to seek
funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a federal agency that funds many
biomedical research projects. Complete the “NIH Grant Proposal” form. Submit your
proposal to the teacher, who will represent NIH. Be sure to review the criteria by which
your NIH proposal will be reviewed, listed on the “NIH Grant Proposal Review Form.”
DUE DATE: (one per research team) 4/2
Task 7: Once your study has been funded, you’re set to go! Carry out your experiment
over the next five or more weeks. Record your data carefully. Write a
conclusion/discussion explaining your results.
DUE DATE: (one per research team) Final approval and start week 4/16
Task 8: It’s time to share your results with the rest of the scientific community. You will
be presenting your study at the regional Animal Behavior Poster Session. Use the
“Scientific Poster Guidelines” as you prepare your poster. Your presentation will be
graded according to the “Animal Behavior Study Poster Session Grading Sheet.”
DUE DATE: (one per research team) week of 5/21
Task 9: Congratulations! You have just completed your very own animal behavior study.
As a scientist, your chance of getting future research grants depends on how many papers
you have had published in scientific journals. Only exceptional research will be
published. If your work was exceptional, it will be “published” at a public location of
your choice. Nice work!
Animal Info Sheet
Name of Researcher(s):
Genus, species and common name of animal to be used:
Research:
The purpose of this research is to familiarize you with the needs of the animal so that you
can adequately care for it during your experiment. Gather the following information
about the animal you wish to research.
Answer the following questions typed:
1. Describe the habitat of the animal (preferred environment, temperature, moisture
level, light, etc.) (5 points)
2. Describe the animal’s feeding habits (What does it eat? What time? How often?
How much?) (5 points)
3. Provide any other interesting information you find. (5 points)
4. Include a works cited/consulted in proper format (5 points)
Observational Research:
The purpose of observational research is to get to know the animal you wish to study in
its natural habitat. Careful observation will help you formulate interesting questions you
may wish to research.
Observe several animals in their natural habitat for a minimum of 30 minutes. It is a good
idea to observe the animals at different times of the day, if possible. A better knowledge
of your animal will lead to a better and more meaningful experiment.
Answer the following questions on an attached sheet, under the heading “Observational
Research.” (5 points each)
1. List several physical differences between individual animals. (if observing only
one animal please physical description)
2. List several behavioral differences between individual animals. (if observing only
one animal please behavioral description)
3. Describe how the animal moves.
4. List any interesting behaviors you observe.
Rubric:
5 pts – detailed information, provides listed prompts and beyond
4 pts – detailed information, provides listed prompts
3 pts – basic information provided of listed prompts
2 pts – minimal information provided of listed prompts
1 pts – minimal information provided or several items not addressed
Animal Care Committee Project Application
Name of researcher(s)
Project Title
Genus, species and common name of animal
to be used
Type your answers the following questions on an attached sheet of paper. (5 points per
question)
1. How many animals will you be using? Why? (Consider both the need to conserve
animals and the need for statistical significance.)
2. Why is it necessary to use live animals for your study?
3. Where will you obtain your animals?
4. Describe the proposed animal care. Include: a) Cage size, b) Number of animals
per cage, c)Temperature range of room where animals are to be kept, d)
Frequency of feeding and water, e) Frequency of cleaning cage, f) Type of
bedding to be used, g) Where animals will be housed.
5. What will you do with your animals when the study is over?
6. Why is your study meaningful and/or necessary?
7. Attach a typed, detailed description of your experiment. Begin with a oneparagraph summary of what you plan to do and why. Include the question you are
attempting to answer with your study. Then list your exact procedure step by step.
If the animals in your study may experience more than slight pain or distress, you
must provide justification for why this is necessary.
Rubric:
5 pts – detailed information, provides listed prompts and beyond
4 pts – detailed information, provides listed prompts
3 pts – basic information provided of listed prompts
2 pts – minimal information provided of listed prompts
1 pts – minimal information provided or several items not addressed
I certify that this Project Review Form accurately describes all aspects of the proposed
animal usage. I accept responsibility that all personnel working on the project will adhere
to the regulations regarding the humane treatment of laboratory animals. I will obtain
approval prior to instituting any significant changes in the project. I understand that the
approval is not final until I receive notification of such in writing, and that the Animal Care
Committee can require changes to the procedure.
(Signature of applicant)
(Signature of co-applicant, if appropriate)
Animal Care Committee Project Review Form
Name of researcher(s)
Project title
Answer the following questions on an attached sheet of paper. For each question, provide
detailed comments to help the researcher(s) design their project in a scientific manner.
(i.e. Why is something good? Why should the researcher(s) change an item?)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Is the number of animals to be used appropriate? Please comment.
Is the use of live animals necessary for this study? Please comment.
Is the proposed care of the animals appropriate? Please comment.
Is this study meaningful and/or necessary? Please comment.
Is the procedure detailed and clearly understandable? Will it provide data to
answer the research question? Will the animals suffer unnecessary pain or
distress? Please comment.
We certify that we have read and discussed the attached Project Review
Application. We recommend this project be (check one):
Approved
Denied
Approved with the following changes:
Animal Care Committee members' signatures
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grant Proposal
Name of
researcher(s)
Title of Project
Grant proposals must follow strict guidelines to be considered for approval. Type your
proposal on a separate sheet of paper using the headings provided, according to the
following criteria.
I. Abstract (5 points)
This is a one-paragraph summary of your research plan. Briefly explain the question you
will attempt to answer, your hypothesis, your procedure, and the significance of your
study.
II. Budget (5 points)
Since your "funding" for this project will be a grade, instead of money, you must ask for
the number of points you expect your project to be worth. The maximum number of
points for a project is 200. Asking for a certain number of points does not guarantee that
you will earn them. You are simply setting an expectation for the quality of work you
plan to do. Consider the following guidelines:
200 points
All sections of the project completed on time. All work thorough and
scientifically valid. Poster neat and well-organized. Presenter prepared,
handles questions well.
150 points
Most sections of project complete. Work fair, but lacks detail and
thoroughness. Poster looks hastily completed. Presenter presents well, but
cannot handle questions
100 points
Several sections of project incomplete. Work poor, sections brief,
conclusions invalid. Poster poorly organized, unprofessional. Presenter not
prepared, cannot handle questions.
Record the number of points you would like to earn, and a justification for why you
chose this point value.
III. Purpose (5 points)
Again, state your purpose for this study. Explain why you have chosen to study this
particular problem. Cite any studies that have been done similar to yours.
IV. Hypothesis (10 points)
Explain what you think the results of your study are going to show. Give the background
information that supports your hypothesis. Cite any studies that have been done similar to
yours. Also explain what experimental results will support your hypothesis, and what
experimental results will disprove your hypothesis.
V. Methods and Procedures (15 points)
Outline your procedure step-by-step in paragraph form. Your description should be
detailed enough so that another scientist could repeat your experiment. Be very clear,
leaving no chance for your words to be misinterpreted. If your procedure is not thorough,
does not test your hypothesis, or does not include a control group, your grant will not be
funded.
VI. Data (5 points)
Describe what kind of data you will collect, and how this data will help answer your
research question. Include all charts, tables and/or graphs you will use to record your
data. A good data table is organized, requires minimal writing and has a descriptive title.
(You will obviously have no data to fill the charts, tables, etc)
VII. Significance (5 points)
Explain why this study is meaningful and/or necessary. Cite any studies that have been
done similar to yours.
VIII. Works Cited/Consulted (5 points)
Provide works cited page in proper format (MLA or APA).
NIH Grant Proposal Review Form
Name of
researcher(s)
Project title
Rating of Proposal Components
Rating
Component
Inadequate
Satisfactory
Good
Very Good
Excellent
Items missing
from guidelines
and/or needs
major revisions
All items listed All items
on guidelines,
listed on
needs re-written guidelines,
needs work
All items listed
on guidelines,
research plan
needs small
adjustment
All items
listed on
guidelines,
research plan
clear
Budget (5)
States points but
does not provide
justification.
States points,
States points,
but justification justification
needs to be re- needs work
written
States points,
justification
needs small
adjustment
States points,
justification
provides clear
expectations
of quality
Purpose (5)
States purpose,
explanation not
provided
States purpose
of study, needs
to be re-written
States
purpose of
study, needs
clarification
Clearly states
purpose of
study
Clearly states
purpose of
study,
provides
background
Hypothesis
(10)
Items missing
from guidelines
and/or needs
major revisions
All items listed
on guidelines,
testable needs
re-written
All items
listed on
guidelines,
testable but
needs work
All items listed
on guidelines,
testable but
needs small
adjustment
All items
listed on
guidelines,
testable with
no adjustment
Items missing
from guidelines
and/or needs
major revisions
All items listed
on guidelines,
procedures
needs re-written
to be clear
All items
listed on
guidelines,
procedures
needs work to
make clear
All items listed
on guidelines,
procedure
needs small
adjustment
All items
listed on
guidelines,
procedures
clear
Items missing
from guidelines
and/or needs
major revisions
All items listed
on guidelines,
needs to be reorganized
All items
listed on
guidelines,
needs
clarification
All items listed All items
on guidelines, listed on
needs small
guidelines
adjustments (
i.e. titles)
Abstract (5)
Methods &
Procedure
(15)
Data (5)
Significance
(5)
Items missing
from guidelines
and/or needs
major revisions
All items listed
on guidelines,
needs to be rewritten
Works cited needs
Works Cited major revisions
(5)
All items
listed on
guidelines,
needs work
Provides
work cited,
needs reformatted
Your grant proposal has been:
Approved
Denied
Approved based on the following changes:
All items listed All items
on guidelines, listed on
needs small
guidelines
adjustments
Provides
works cited in
proper format
Scientific Poster Guidelines
A poster is often used to convey scientific information in an easy to read format for
public viewing. Your poster must:
1. Be large enough to be read from a distance. Use butcher or poster paper.
2. Be neat and organized. If possible, use a computer to keep the writing legible and
professional-looking.
3. Contain physical evidence of your research project. Consider photographs of your
research animals, apparatus, results, etc. If appropriate, bring in your apparatus for
display.
4. Contain the following sections:
 Title of project
 Name of researcher(s)
 Abstract: This is a one-paragraph summary of your research. Briefly explain
the question you attempted to answer, your hypothesis, your procedure, and the
significance of your study. (You may revise the abstract from your NIH Grant
Proposal).
 Purpose: Again, state your purpose for this study. Explain why you have
chosen to study this particular problem.
 Hypothesis: Explain what you thought the results of your study were going to
show. Give the background information that supported your hypothesis.
 Methods and Procedures: Explain your procedure, step-by-step, using
enough detail so that your experiment could be repeated by another scientist.
Be sure to indicate your control group.
 Data: Display your data using charts, tables and/or graphs. Choose the format
that most clearly displays your results.
 Conclusion: Summarize the data, and explain what it means, in terms of
answering your original question. Based on your knowledge of biology,
discuss why you think you got these results, and what implications your
research suggests. Describe any experimental error that may have affected your
results, and what you would do differently if you were to repeat this
experiment. Suggest follow-up research projects for further study.
 Works Cited: Display your citations in proper format.
For your presentation, prepare a 5 minute oral summary of your research, which you will
present to small groups of evaluators. Be prepared to answer questions about your study.
Dress professionally.
Poster Grading Sheet
Name of researcher(s)
Name of evaluator
Points
Criteria (Each criteria is worth a maximum of 10 points)
Poster is large enough to be read from a distance.
Poster is neat and organized.
Poster contains physical evidence of research.
Title indicates topic of study.
Poster includes name of researcher(s).
Abstract is one-paragraph, and includes purpose, hypothesis, procedure,
and significance of study.
Purpose includes question being investigated, and why this question was
chosen.
Hypothesis gives expected results of study, and supporting background
information.
Procedure is detailed and clear.
Procedure includes a control group.
Procedure tests the researcher's hypothesis.
Data is present in the form of an easily interpreted chart, table and/or graph.
Data collected gives information to help answer the original question.
Awarded
Conclusion summarizes data, and answers the original question.
Results have scientific explanation.
Experimental error is addressed.
Conclusion explains what researcher would do differently in subsequent
study.
Presenter is dressed professionally.
Presenter is prepared, and handles questions well.
Overall quality of study is excellent.
TOTAL POINTS EARNED (200 possible)
Comments:
Rubric:
10 points – Exceptional, precisely meets the criteria
9 points – Excellent, meets criteria