Project:

The Effect of Soil pH and Texture Levels on Beetle Diversity in Van Cortlandt Park

Students:

Timia McCoade, Veronica Dickstein, Sarah Kaiser

School:

Ethical Culture Fieldston School, The Bronx

Mentors:

Howard Waldman

Abstract:

The purpose of this experiment is to determine how many different species of beetles inhabit certain areas of Van Cortlandt Park, as well as how soil pH and texture levels can attract more or fewer beetles. We will sample the DNA from the beetles, identify them, and compare the results to pH and texture data from different areas by testing three different samples. To test the soil, we will use a LaMotte soil test kit and the color-change will indicate acidity levels.We will use another kit to determine soil texture. Our experiment may indicate whether different pH and texture levels attract different species, and different numbers of beetles, in Van Cortlandt Park.

Poster:

Team samples: