
Cockroach Maze Learning
Hard
You might think of cockroaches as simple pests. But can they actually learn to solve a maze? This project uses Y-shaped and E-shaped mazes to test whether cockroaches remember a path.
You place a cockroach at the start of a Y-maze and note which arm it enters first. Then you cover that arm with a dark shelter as a reward. Over several trials you track whether the cockroach returns to the sheltered arm more often.
The E-maze adds a third choice to make the task harder. By comparing results, you find out whether cockroaches show signs of learning.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that cockroaches can learn and have a sense of direction.
Method & Materials
You will construct a Y-maze and an E-maze, provide a positive stimulus, and observe the cockroaches to see if they can learn.
You will need a Y-maze, an E-maze, a clear Plexiglas maze cover, a roach hut, an opaque cardboard cover, disposable latex gloves, a giant cockroach, a small plastic container with a lid, and student information sheets.
Results
After constructing the mazes and providing a positive stimulus, the cockroaches were observed to see if they could learn. It was found that the cockroaches were able to learn and had a sense of direction.
Why do this project?
This science project is interesting and unique because it provides students with the opportunity to observe and work with an insect they normally find offensive.
Also Consider
Experiment variations to consider include providing different stimuli and using different types of mazes.
Full project details
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