Research Plan Template

Name(s): Taryn Claassens

Research Plan (to Accompany Form 1A)

A) Rationale
Include a brief synopsis of the background that supports your research problem and explain why this research is
important and if applicable, explain any societal impact of your research.
Armadillidium vulgare have been found across many climate zones. As isopods that use gills to breathe, they
require light moisture in soil to survive. This species of isopods are soil decomposers who prefer shade, moderate
acidic soil, feed on detritus and are generally found to be nocturnal. Studies have shown that Armadillidium
vulgare can break down some heavier metals in soils and other studies have researched their stress levels in
acute soil conditions. The previous experiment conducted last year tested Armadillidium vulgare stress behaviors,
eating patterns and general conditions in a variety of habitats to see if they could thrive and to test which
conditions were adaptable. This experiment will focus specifically on soil conditions to see if the isopods will
change the environment they are living in to a different and more habitable pH. The purpose of this experiment is
to learn how this species can change the soil and make the soil healthy through their normal decomposition
process. The goal is to better understand decomposers and their role in our environment and how they can
benefit our planet given global warming.
B) Research Question(s), Hypothesis(es), Engineering Goal(s), Expected
Outcomes.
How is this based on the rationale described above?
Research Question(s): Do pill bugs change the pH of the soil that is less than an ideal pH to make it suited to their
natural habitat? Can we see if they can overcome known stressors to make the conditions more habitable?
Hypothesis(es): As decomposers, Armadillidium vulgare will attempt to alter the soil that is the most hostile to
their natural soil state provided there is organic matter in the soil to assist in this decomposition
Engineering Goal(s): n/a
Expected Outcomes: Pill bugs must have a food source and light moisture to survive. They were previously tested
in very stressful soil and light conditions. The pH was observed as neutralizing in the higher and lower soil
conditions. Although previously chemicals were not vetted for their neutralizing time frames, it is expected that the
chemicals can have that added research and time frame worked into the experiment to test.
Procedure(s)
Detail all procedures and experimental design including methods for data collection. Describe only your project. Do
not include work done by mentor or others.
Have habitat cages and micro scales from previous experiment (3 cages + 3 small controls)
• Purified water
• Pipettes
• Stopwatch
• Soils
• Limestone or baking soda
• Vinegar or hydrochloric acid (if supervised at school)
• Pill bugs (60)
• Spray bottle

Set up habitats with soil conditions:

A: high acidic – pH 4
B: high Alkaline – pH9
C (control): ideal conditions – pH 4.5-5
Each gets a weekly carrot slice pre-weighed
Each cage A-C has 20 pill bugs.
Set up mini soil controls mimicking all conditions but with no pill bugs.
Have a spray bottle with purified water for light daily misting as needed.
Daily observation of behavior, energy, and food intake.
pH of soil taken daily in both cages and controls.
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Food intake measured by microscale measurement of carrots in both control and bug cage.

Risk and Safety

Identify any potential risks and safety precautions needed.

Data Analysis
Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data/results.
Will create a form for daily recording of the habitats – it will include areas for recording PH changes, food source
recording and behaviors and stressors – this will be filled in by hand. The final data will be entered into an excel
spreadsheet. The hand recorded data will be added to journal with daily observations.
IF Applicable
Below are subject-specific guidelines for additional items to be included in your
research plan/project summary as applicable.
Human participants research:
a. Participants: Describe age range, gender, racial/ethnic composition of participants. Identify vulnerable populations
(minors, pregnant women, prisoners, mentally disabled or economically disadvantaged).
b. Recruitment: Where will you find your participants? How will they be invited to participate?
c. Methods: What will participants be asked to do? Will you use any surveys, questionnaires or tests? What is the
frequency and length of time involved for each subject?
d. Risk Assessment: What are the risks or potential discomforts (physical, psychological, time involved, social, legal,
etc.) to participants? How will you minimize risks? List any benefits to society or participants.
e. Protection of Privacy: Will identifiable information (e.g., names, telephone numbers, birth dates, email addresses)
be collected? Will data be confidential/anonymous? If anonymous, describe how the data will be collected. If not
anonymous, what procedures are in place for safeguarding confidentiality? Where will data be stored? Who will have
access to the data? What will you do with the data after the study?
f. Informed Consent Process: Describe how you will inform participants about the purpose of the study, what they
will be asked to do, that their participation is voluntary and they have the right to stop at any time.

Vertebrate animal research:

a. Discuss potential ALTERNATIVES to vertebrate animal use and present justification for use of vertebrates.
b. Explain potential impact or contribution of this research.
c. Detail all procedures to be used, including methods used to minimize potential discomfort, distress, pain and injury
to the animals and detailed chemical concentrations and drug dosages.
d. Detail animal numbers, species, strain, sex, age, source, etc., include justification of the numbers planned.
e. Describe housing and oversight of daily care
f. Discuss disposition of the animals at the termination of the study.
Potentially hazardous biological agents research:
a. Give source of the organism and describe BSL assessment process and BSL determination.
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b. Detail safety precautions and discuss methods of disposal.

Hazardous chemicals, activities & devices:

• Describe Risk Assessment process, supervision, safety precautions and methods of disposal.