STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS:

I wanted to find out if our pet hamster was more alert during the morning or late at night. My hypothesis was that the hamster would be more alert at night.

METHODOLOGY:

I borrowed the classroom hamster Archy. I brought him home because I needed to observe him early in the morning and late at night. At home I built a maze for Archy and chose to put him in at the times; 8:00 AM, 12:00 noon, 4:00PM, and 8:00PM. I put him in the maze at these times for three days and timed how long it took him to get through the maze.

ANALYSIS OF DATA

My hypothesis was not supported by my data. Archy, the hamster was most alert and able to negotiate the maze at 4:00 PM.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

I found out that hamsters are more alert around late afternoon. I also found out that hamsters are similar to humans. Archy was asleep after his last round in the maze at 8:00 PM. Also, I had to wake him up at 8:00 in the morning.

APPLICATION

I figure that this would be of some help to scientists who are studying hamsters, because they would know when to test them.