Science Project on the Effects of Copper on Snails
Snails and copper do not mix well together. In general, the snails do not like copper due to the small electrical current copper carries, giving a snail a small shock if it tries to cross a piece of copper strip. Ingesting of copper can cause physical issues with the snails, and is often used to kill snail populations in fresh water.
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Copper Strip Test
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One common science fair project is to test the copper strip's effectiveness in deterring snails from eating plants or vegetables. The student usually tests different widths of strips in order to determine how wide the strip must be in order to effectively keep snails away from the plants. The project needs to showcase different types of plants as well to make sure the snails care to get to the plant. Often, each of the different widths features three types of plants on the other side of the copper strip.
Types of Copper Strips
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A variation on the copper strip test requires using different types of copper. The experiment uses copper banding, copper with patina and irrigated copper banding. If your student does this as a followup to the banding experiment he should be able to run the experiment with just one width of copper stripping for all three types. Alternatively, he can take the test to the next level by testing if different widths are effective for different types of copper.
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Toxic Copper Sulfate Levels
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Testing freshwater snails for toxic levels of copper sulfate works to show how copper can be used to keep aquatic life safe from snail infestations. In this experiment, the student should set up multiple tanks with the same types of fish and snails. The student will put varying amounts of copper sulfate in each tank to determine which level is toxic for the snails but not for the fish. This shows how you can keep the water at an appropriate level for life yet eliminate pesky snails.
Copper Conductivity
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Copper is a highly conductive metal; you can combine the experiment of electrical current with snail deterrent by trying a smaller copper wire with an electrical charge to keep snails at bay. In this case the students can either charge the wire with a lemon or a nine-volt battery. Place the wire in a complete circle around the plant and see if the charged wire keeps the snails at bay. The wire is significantly thinner than the copper banding. If it is successful the students can try different voltages to see which is the most effective.
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References
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