Lobster Lab

Difficulty Level

Cost

Minimal

Safety Issues

• Adult supervision recommended when interviewing people or searching the net.
• Treat all animals with the greatest possible care and respect.

Project Time Frame

4-6 weeks

Objective

This project examines lobsters found in nature, and highlights various attempts at lobster farming.

Project Goals

• To provide valuable educational material about lobsters.
• To encourage the development of successful lobster farming methods and techniques.
• To further encourage the ethical treatment of animals.

Materials and Equipment

• Computer with internet access
• Color printer
• Digital camera
• Typical office/craft supplies (such as paper, pens & poster-board)

Introduction

Lobsters are fascinating creatures with many interesting qualities.  They are also delicious, and fetch a high price at the seafood market.  In spite of this, there has yet to be a successful attempt at commercial lobster farming.  This project explores the reasons for this lack of success, and suggests new and improved methods and techniques for raising lobsters without losing money.

Research Questions

• What are some interesting facts about lobsters?
• Why are lobsters so expensive?
• Why is commercial lobster farming unsuccessful?
• How can lobster farming methods be improved upon?

Terms and Concepts to Start Background Research

• Gastronomy
• Seafood
• Crustacean

Experimental Procedure

1. Research related materials (see bibliography below)
2. Search online, print, and carefully label related images that interest you.
3. Based on your research, invent a new or improved lobster farming method or technique.
4. Describe how this method would work in practice, and how it improves on existing methods.
5. Design an experiment to test your new idea.
6. Write a detailed report.
7. Show interesting photos taken throughout the course of the project.

Bibliography

• Atlantic Veterinary College Lobster Science Center (All about lobsters)
• Maine Lobster Farming
• Wiki topic:  “Lobsters” and “Crustacean”