This science project requires two separate hamster habitats. One is a single layer one, while the other provides two levels. In each cage enclose a pair of hamsters. In the single layer cage provide only one water bottle and one feeding tray. In the double level cage, provide two separate drinking and eating areas. The idea is to show that in the natural habitat of hamsters, food and water are scare and it is in the animal's nature to fight for resources. In the habitat of the cage, the students are to count the number of confrontations that occur between pairs of hamsters. It is reasoned that the pair with only one level and one set of resources will become aggressive with one another more often. Keep track of confrontations, and should they become intense, separate them for a time while wearing heavy work gloves.
For this science project, observation will be required as well as a maze constructed for the hamster to negotiate. Have the hamster run the maze at set times of day, such as morning, midday, afternoon and early evening. Time how long it takes for the hamster to complete the maze. The conclusion will be that whenever the hamster consistently gets the best times on running the maze will indicate the time of day when hamsters are most alert. To be certain of the findings, repeat the maze running for several days and if possible with more than one hamster.
For this science project, four different mazes will need to be constructed for the hamster or hamsters to negotiate. With maze 1, the emphasis will be on the sense of sight. Bright block markers are added to the correct turns in the maze. Maze 2 emphasizes the sense of hearing and a bell is sounded when the hamster turns the correct way. Maze 3 emphasizes the sense of touch and the correct path is marked with glue drops that have dried. Maze 4 uses the sense of smell by providing peppermint oil along the correct path in the maze. Hamsters will be timed in each of the mazes to determine which sense aided their running the maze correctly and in the best time.
For this project hamsters will be observed to see how if at all different essential aromas change their activity level as measured at time and speed at the hamster wheel and their appetite as measured by how much food is eaten. The essential oils will be placed on a cotton ball and placed in an empty film canister with multiple holes poked in the lid. The oils used will be noted for their known properties with humans. For instance, lavender which is supposed to aid relaxation, orange ginger which is supposed to increase energy, cardamom which is supposed to increase appetite and sweet fennel which is an appetite suppressant. Hamsters are exposed to one aroma at a time and their activity levels are timed as well as the amount of food consumed to determine how, if at all, the different aromas affected them.