Hobbies And Interests
Maze Experiment
A maze can be used to test how the problem-solving skills of a male mouse compares to those of a female mouse. This experiment requires measurement of the time it takes for equal numbers of male and female mice to complete a maze, comparing how long it takes each group to make it to the end. For a variation on this project, test how different types of music affect a mouse's ability to complete the maze. First have a mouse complete the maze without music; then observe and record how long it takes the same mouse to run the same maze while exposed to varying types of music, such as heavy metal, classical and jazz.
Effects of Artificial Light
Another experiment involving mice is to observe how mice --- which are nocturnal --- react to artificial light during the night. Mice must be divided into two separate groups, one being the control group, which would have no exposure to artificial light. The other group would be exposed to artificial light all night for minimum of one week. The student will then observe differences in the groups --- possibly by filming both groups with a video camera --- to see if artificial light impacts the natural biorhythms of mice.
Smell vs. Vision
This two-part experiment tests whether the sense of smell or the sense of vision is more important to a mouse. In the first part of the experiment, mice will run a maze, with a small piece of cheese placed at the end as a reward. Then the same mouse will again run the maze, but without the cheese. Students can then observe whether mice can complete a maze faster using smell or just vision.
Color Preferences
In order to find out whether mice can recognize color and form a preference, this experiment includes some plastic blocks of different colors and several mice. After spreading the blocks apart in an enclosed room, allow the mice to wander free, and observe whether they migrate toward a particular block. The results of this experiment will confirm whether the mice repeatedly go toward a particular color or if they randomly approach blocks irregardless of color.