Science Projects
in Biology
Tracer Bullet 93-6 |
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Sources to assist junior and senior high school students and
teachers in planning, preparing, and executing science fair projects
in the biological sciences are cited here, as well as a few books
with experiments suitable for elementary grade students. Sources
in other areas of science are listed in Science Fair Projects
(LC Science Tracer Bullet 91-12), Space Science Projects (LC Science
Tracer Bullet 92-7) and Environmental Science Projects (LC Science
Tracer Bullet 90-2).
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Subject headings used by the Library of Congress, under which books
on science projects in the biological sciences can be located in
most card, book, and online catalogs, include the following:
Highly relevant
BIOLOGY--EXPERIMENTS
See also subdivision "Experiments" under
headings of particular interest, such as "Animals--Experiments";
"Insects--Experiments"; "Microscopy Experiments";
"Plants--Experiments"
BIOLOGY
PROJECTS
BOTANY--EXPERIMENTS
BOTANY
PROJECTS
ECOLOGY--EXPERIMENTS
GARDENING--EXPERIMENTS
NATURAL
HISTORY PROJECTS
SCIENCE
PROJECTS
ZOOLOGY
PROJECTS
Relevant
NATURAL
HISTORY--OUTDOOR BOOKS
NATURAL
HISTORY--STUDY AND TEACHING (SECONDARY)
See also subdivision "Study And Teaching
(Secondary)" under headings of particular interest, such as
"Biology--Study And Teaching (Secondary)"; "Botany--Study
And Teaching (Secondary)"; "Ecology--Study And Teaching
(Secondary)"
NATURE
STUDY
BIOLOGICAL
SPECIMENS--COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION
Related
BIOLOGY--FIELD
WORK
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Bellamy, Mary Louise. Biology discovery activities
kit: lessons, labs, and worksheets for secondary students. West
Nyack, N.Y., Center for Applied Research in Education, c1991. 231
p.
QH316.4.B44 1990
An excellent source for activities with detailed
directions for preparation and teaching, a list of goals, and reproducible
student worksheets. High school level.
Bleifeld, Maurice. Botany projects for young scientists.
New York, F. Watts, c1992. 144 p. Activities and experiments involving
plants, exploring such areas as photosynthesis, plant structures,
and growth.
QK52.6.B54 1992
Bonnet, Robert L., and Dan Keen. Botany: 49 more
science fair projects. Blue Ridge Summit, Pa., TAB Books, c1991.
144 p.
QK52.6.B64 1990
Experiments and projects in botany, focusing on
germination, vegetative reproduction, hydroponics, photosynthesis,
and plant stimulation, transport, and dispersal. Junior high and
high school levels.
Bonnet, Robert L., and Dan Keen. Environmental
science: 49 science fair projects. Blue Ridge Summit, Pa., TAB
Books, c1990. 124 p.
QH541.24.B66 1990
Suggests projects suitable for the classroom or
a science fair.
Rainis, Kenneth G. Nature. New York, F. Watts,
1989. 142 p.
QH55.R35 1989
Nature projects and experiments exploring the
five kingdoms of life, from bacteria to plants and animals.
Rybolt, Thomas R., and Robert C. Mebane. Environmental
experiments about life. Hillside, N.J., Enslow Publishers, c1993.
96 p.
QH541.24.R93 1993
Uses experiments to explain ecosystems, life cycles,
and interactions of life and environment including pollution and
conservation.
Tocci, Salvatore. Biology projects for young scientists.
New York, F. Watts, 1987. 127 p.
QH316.5.T63 1987
Bibliography: p. 122-124.
Biological science projects which demonstrate
concepts and aspects of photosynthesis, genetics, plant and animal
development, cell structure, and biochemistry.
Ward, Alan. Experimenting with nature study.
New York, Chelsea Juniors, c1991. 48 p.
QH48.W28 1991
VanCleave, Janice Pratt. Biology for every kid:
101 easy experiments that really work. New York, Wiley, c1990.
224 p.
QH316.5.V36 1990
These experiments are unique in their ability
to introduce biology concepts in a manner that makes learning exciting.
Junior high level.
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Court, Judith. Ponds and streams. London, New York,
F. Watts, c1985. 32 p.
Investigates the plant and animal life found in
ponds and streams and suggests related experiments and activities.
QH541.5.P63C65 1985
Dashefsky, H. Steve. Insect biology: 49 science fair
projects. Blue Ridge Summit, Pa., TAB Books, c1992. 165 p.
Provides background and instructions for various projects related
to the behavior, ecology, life cycles, and physical characteristics
of insects.
QL468.5.D37 1992
Gates, Julie M. Consider the earth: environmental
activities for grades 4- 8. Englewood, Colo., Teacher Ideas Press,
1989. 198 p.
QH541.24.G38 1989
Bibliography: p. 183-193.
Global issues education set. Washington, Global
Tomorrow Coalition, c1990. 119 p.
Environmental Science Projects Pamphlet Box <SciRR>
Based on the Global ecology handbook, this compilation
provides activities and lesson plans to inform students at the primary
and secondary levels (grades 3-12) about specific global issues
such as biological diversity, tropical forests, sustainable development,
ocean and coastal resources, and the biosphere.
Harlow, Rosie, and Gareth Morgan. 175 amazing nature
experiments. New York, Random House, 1992. 172 p.
QH55.H3 1992
A collection of hands-on nature experiments, activities,
and crafts.
Hickman, Pamela M. Birdwise: forty fun feats for
finding out about our feathered friends. The Federation of Ontario
Naturalists. Reading, Mass., Addison-Wesley, 1989, c1988. 96 p.
QL676.2.H49 1989
Descriptive text, illustrations, questions, and
suggested activities introduce information about birds in such areas
as names of species, types of beaks, methods of nesting, bird-watching,
and the feeding of birds.
MacFarlane, Ruth B. Alford. Making your own nature
museum. New York, F. Watts, 1989. 128 p.
QH70.A1M3 1989
Bibliography: p. 117-121.
Gives instructions for collecting, preserving,
identifying, and displaying a nature collection.
Milne, Lorus Johnson, and Margery J. G. Milne. The
mystery of the bog forest. New York, Dodd, Mead, c1984. 127
p.
QH541.5.B63M55 1984
Explains the origin of bogs, their special attractions,
and the unique plant life to be found in them.
Roth, Charles Edmund. The amateur naturalist: explorations
and investigations. New York, F. Watts, c1993. 139 p.
QH55.R67 1993
Presents a variety of activities and projects
to help the amateur naturalist explore the habits of common plants
and animals.
VanCleave, Janice Pratt. Janice VanCleave's microscopes
and magnifying lenses: mind-boggling chemistry and biology experiments
you can turn into science fair projects. New York, Wiley, c1993.
100 p.
QH278.V36 1993
Webster, David. Dissection projects. New York,
F. Watts, 1988. 96 p.
QL812.5.W43 1988
An introduction to dissecting animals; discusses
instruments, techniques, and acquisition of specimens and provides
instructions for the dissection of clams, squids, fish, and others,
as well as specific parts such as a beef heart and calf eye.
Wellnitz, William R. Science in your backyard.
Blue Ridge Summit, Pa., TAB Books, c1992. 118 p.
Q163.W423 1991
Includes experiments involving plants, animals,
and earth sciences that can be done close to home and that encourage
the development of observation and measurement skills.
Wood, Robert W. Science for kids: 39 easy plant
biology experiments. Blue Ridge Summit, Pa., TAB Books, 1991.
160 p.
QK52.6.W66 1991
A collection of experiments and projects in botany,
focusing on germination, vegetative reproduction, hydroponics, photosynthesis,
and plant stimulation, transport, and dispersal.
CLASSROOM EXPERIMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Beller, Joel. Experimenting with plants: projects
for home, garden, and classroom. New York, Arco Pub., c1985.
154 p.
SB454.3.E95B45 1985
Harlow, Rosie, and Gareth Morgan. Energy and growth.
New York, Warwick Press, 1991. 40 p.
QH316.5.M67 1991
Suggests experiments to investigate such aspects
of life as food chains, hibernation, life cycles, and specialized
food and habitats.
Hendrick, Robert. Biology, history & Louis Pasteur:
a new approach to teaching science. American biology teacher,
v. 53, Nov./Dec. 1991: 467-478.
QH1.A275
Hillman, Lawrence E. Nature puzzlers. Englewood,
Colo., Teacher Ideas Press, 1989. 152 p.
QH51.H54 1989
Activities focus on concept and skill-building.
Breaks down each activity into an initial question, background information,
hypotheses, and additional activities. High school level.
Hogan, Kathleen. The maple trail: tap into a hands-on
experience that leaves your students stuck on science. Science
and children, v. 27, May 1990: 22-23.
LB1585.S34
Holley, W. Dennis. Liven up life science: studying
live animals is an enjoyable alternative to traditional biology
labs. It's easier than you think. Science scope, v. 14, Jan.
1991: 21-23.
Pamphlet box <SciRR>
Klein, William J. Learning under the sun. Ames,
Iowa State University Press, 1988. 386 p.
QH53.K57 1988
A manual composed of discovery labs. A wide range
of plants, animals, and environmental issues provides topics for
labs and worksheets.
A revised edition is in press.
LaHart, David E. Squirrels: a teaching resource in
your schoolyard. Nature study, v. 44, Dec. 1991: 20-22.
Pamphlet box <SciRR>
Nature projects on file. The Diagram Group.
New York, Facts on File, 1992. 1 v. (unpaged)
Issued in loose-leaf format.
QH55.N38 1992
Pranis, Eve, and Jay Cohen. Growlab: activities
for growing minds. Burlington, Vt., National Gardening Association,
1990. 307 p.
Pamphlet box <SciRR>
An attempt to make science inviting and relevant
to students' lives with activities that explore plant life cycles,
examine plant diversity, and investigate the interdependence of
plants and animals.
Sewall, Susan Breyer. Hooked on science: ready-to-use
discovery activities for grades 4-8. West Nyack, N.Y., Center
for Applied Research in Education, c1990. 202 p.
QH51.S48 1990
Over 60 exciting, easy-to-use activities to enrich
and reinforce all areas of the general science curriculum--especially
nature/natural history.
Wong, Ovid K. Hands-on ecology. Chicago, Children's
Press, 1991. 126 p.
QH541.24.W66 1991
Presents activities to explore and emphasize ecology
and to demonstrate practical ways of conserving the environment.
Young, Louise. Pond-ering the possibilities: you'll
find endless options when you put a pond at the center of your science
curriculum. Science and children, v. 27, May 1990: 18-19.
LB1585.S34
BIBLIOGRAPHIES AND PROJECT INDEXES
Educators guide to free science materials.
1st- ed.; 1960- Compiled and edited by Mary H. Saterstrom. Randolph,
Wis., Educators Progress Service. annual.
Q181.A1E3 <SciRR Desk>
Clewis, Beth. Books for the amateur naturalist: sources
of experiments & activities for outdoor biology classes. American
biology teacher, v. 54, Jan. 1992: 16-18.
QH1.A275
Johnson, Carolyn M. Discovering nature with young
people: an annotated bibliography and selection guide. New York,
Greenwood Press, 1987. 495 p.
Z5818.N36J64 1987<SciRR>
In addition to substantial sections listing print
and audiovisual materials for young readers and items for educators
and parents, includes information about sources of reviews, educational
and recreational programs, organizations and clubs, contests and
assorted games, kits, puzzles, posters, and other supplies.
Kennedy, DayAnn M., Stella S. Spangler, and Mary Ann
Vanderwerf. Science & technology in fact and fiction: a guide
to young adult books. New York, Bowker, c1990. 363 p.
Z7401.K46 1990b <SciRR>
Pilger, Mary Anne. Science experiments index for
young people. Englewood, Colo., Libraries Unlimited, 1988. 239
p.
Q182.3.P735 1988b <SciRR>
Indexes experiments and activities in 694 elementary
and intermediate science books.
---- -----
Q182.3.P55 1992 <SciRR>
Update 91. Englewood, Colo., Libraries Unlimited,
1992. 133 p.
Indexes an additional 329 books.
Science experiments on file: experiments, demonstrations,
and projects for school and home. New York, Facts on File, c1989.
1 v. (loose-leaf)
Q182.3.S33 1989 <SciRR>
"All of the experiments were obtained from
a select group of master teachers-- winners and finalists of the
prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching,
named by the National Science Foundation."
Intended as a resource for students, grades 6-12.
See also More Science Experiments on File (New York, Facts on File,
1991. 1 v. (loose-leaf) Q182.3.M67 1990), which offers 80 new projects
for grades 3-12.
Science fair project index. 1960-1972. Compiled
by the staff of the Science and Technology Division of the Akron
Summit County Public Library; edited by Janet Y. Stoffer. Metuchen,
N.J., Scarecrow Press, 1975. 728 p.
Q182.3.S34 1975 <SciRR>
---- ---- 1973-1980. Edited by Science and Technology
Division, Akron-Summit County Public Library. Metuchen, N.J., Scarecrow
Press, 1983. 723 p.
Q182.3.S34 1975 Suppl. <SciRR>
---- ---- 1981-1984. Edited by Cynthia Bishop,
Deborah Crowe, Science and Technology Division, Akron-Summit County
Public Library. Metuchen, N.J., Scarecrow Press, 1986. 686 p.
Q182.3.S34 1975 Suppl. 2 <SciRR>
---- ---- 1985-1989. Edited by Cynthia Bishop,
Katherine Ertle, Karen Zeleznik. Prepared by the Science and Technology
staff of the Akron-Summit County Public Library. Metuchen, N.J.,
Scarecrow Press, 1992. 555 p.
Q182.3.S34 1975 Suppl. 3 <SciRR>
Science for children: resources for teachers.
National Science Resources Center, Smithsonian Institution, National
Academy of Sciences. Washington, National Academy Press, 1988. 176
p.
Z5818.S3S38 1988 <SciRR>
Science project information index, 1973-1983.
Edited by Alex Spence. Toronto, Infolib Resources, c1984. 282 p.
Bibliography: p. 279-282.
Q182.3.S64 1984
The Second science project information index.
Edited by Alex Spence. Toronto, Infolib Resources, c1986. 144 p.
Bibliography: p. 141-144.
Science Fair Projects Pamphlet box <SciRR>
BOOK/FILM REVIEWS AND "BEST BOOK" SOURCES
Appraisal: science books for young people.
v. 1- winter 1967- Boston, Children's Science Book Review Committee.
Z7401.A63
Malinowsky, H. Robert. Best science and technology
reference books for young people. Phoenix, Oryx Press, 1991.
216 p.
Z7401.M277 1991 <SciRR>
Morrison, Philip, and Phylis Morrison. Science books
for young people. Scientific American, v. 269, Dec. 1993:
132-137, 139.
T1.S5
Outstanding science trade books for children in 1992.
Science and children, v. 30, Mar. 1993: 26-35.
Best Books Vertical file <SciRR>
The annotated list is a regular feature of the
March issue.
Science books & films. v. 1- Apr. 1965-
Washington, American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Z7403.S33 <SciRR A&I>
Science books & films' best books for children,
1988-91. Maria Sosa, Shirley M. Malcolm, editors. Washington,
American Association for the Advancement of Science, c1992. 300
p. (AAAS publication, 92-30H)
Z7401.S362 1992 <SciRR>
Science & technology: a purchase guide for
libraries. Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Science
and Technology Dept., 1992. 168 p.
Best Books Vertical file <SciRR>
Published annually since 1963, this is an annotated
bibliography of new books in science, technology, consumer medicine,
and related subjects intended primarily for the general adult reader.
A special feature is the selection of books for libraries which
buy only 50-100 titles each year.
Wolff, Kathryn, Susan M. O'Connell, and Valerie J.
Montenegro. AAAS science booklist, 1978-1986. Washington,
American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1986. 568 p.
(AAAS publication, 85-24)
Q181.A1A68 no. 85-24 <SciRR>
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Students may need to use subject-oriented abstracting
and indexing services for information on subjects related to their
biology projects. Sample titles are listed below. Some of these
may be available only in large or specialized libraries. A reference
librarian may be able to suggest additional titles
Applied Science & Technology Index (1913-
)
Biological Abstracts (1926- )
Biological & Agricultural Index (1916- )
Biology Digest (1974- )
Ecological Abstracts (1974- )
Ecology Abstracts (1975- )
General Science Index (1978- )
Environmental Periodicals Bibliography (1972- )
EPA Publications Bibliography (1977- )
Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature (1900- )
Wildlife Review (1935- )
Zoological Record (1864- )
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Journals that often contain articles relevant to science fair projects
in biology include the following:
Audubon |
QL671.A82 |
American Biology Teacher |
QH1.A275 |
Defenders
|
S960.D43 |
Environment |
UF767.S33 |
Journal of College Science Teaching |
Q183.U6J68 |
Journal of Geological Education |
QE40.J6 |
Learning |
LB5.L43 |
National Wildlife |
S964.U6N35 |
Nature Study |
QH81.N33 |
Ranger Rick's Naturescope |
WMLC L83/4136 Ser |
Science Activities |
Q181.A1S29 |
Science and Children |
LB1585.S34 |
Science is Elementary |
Q181.A1S364 |
Science News |
Q1.S76 |
Science Scope |
Not in LC Collections |
Science Teacher |
Q181.S38 |
Scientific American
See particularly "Amateur scientist" feature
|
T1.S5 |
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Callison, Priscilla L., and Emmett L. Wright. Wanted:
schoolyard plants. Science activities, v. 29, fall 1992:
8-13.
Q181.A1S29
Carey, John. Science in a tub. National wildlife,
v. 25, June/July 1987: 32-35.
Tells how to build simple backyard ponds for ecological studies.
S964.U6N35
Carlson, Patricia. Environmental investigations: the
science behind the headlines. Science teacher, v. 60, Feb.
1993: 34-37.
Q181.S38
Cooke, Ron C. Cloning--maximizing your mediums: recipes
for growth. Science teacher, v. 60, Nov. 1993: 43-45.
Q181.S38
Figueroa, Edna. Ecoprojects. Science teacher,
v. 57, Feb. 1990: 36- 38.
Q181.S38
Goh, Ngoh-Khang, Yoke-Kum Wan, and Lian-Sai Chia.
Simply photosynthesis. Try this simple experiment to help children
understand how plants make food. Science and children, v.
31, Sept. 1993: 32-34.
LB1585.S34
McLure, John W. Quest activities in the natural sciences.
Science activities, v. 28, fall 1991: 8-11.
Q181.A1S29
Motten, Alexander F. A simplified experimental system
for observing pollen tube growth in styles. American biology
teacher, v. 54, Mar. 1992: 173-176.
QH1.A275
Schneider, Mike. Setting up an outdoor lab. Science
and children, v. 21, Jan. 1984: 17-20.
LB1585.S34
Strauss, Richard T., and Mable B. Kinzie. Hi-tech
alternatives to dissection. American biology teacher, v.
53, Mar. 1991: 154-158.
QH1.A275
Swarthout, Flora L. The compost community: a closer
look. Science teacher, v. 60, Oct. 1993: 45-47.
Q181.S38
Texley, Juliana. Bait-shop biology. Science teacher,
v. 60, May 1993: 23-25.
Q181.S38
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Selected materials available in the Science Reading
Room pamphlet boxes include the following:
Bohnsack, Charles W. Investigating the boron requirement of plants.
American biology teacher, v. 53, Nov./Dec. 1991: 486-488.
Hershey, David R. Digging deeper into Helmont's famous willow tree
experiment. American biology teacher, v. 53, Nov./Dec. 1991:
458-460.
May, Robert M. How many species are there on Earth? Science,
v. 241, Sept. 16, 1988: 1441-1449.
Olien, Rebecca. Worm your way into science: experiments with these
familiar creatures promote a better understanding of the natural
world. Science and children, v. 31, Sept. 1993: 25-27.
Smith, Marian. Plant growth-responses to touch--literally a 'hands-on'
exercise! American biology teacher, v. 53, Feb. 1991: 111-114.
Smith, Rosemary J., and Joel S. Brown. A practical technique for
measuring the behavior of foraging animals. American biology
teacher, v. 53, Apr. 1991: 236-242.
Stubbs, Harriett S. Acid rain: science projects. Science activities,
v. 26, Feb./Mar. 1989: 28-30.
Swarthout, Flora L. The science of composting: become an aerobic
instructor. Science teacher, v. 60, Sept. 1993: 27-29.
Zipko, Stephen J. Tanning turtles: an activity for observing animal
behavior. Science activities, v. 29, fall 1992: 17-20.
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Additional Sources of Information are listed below. Also, the
Internet offers a growing number of information resources.
MULTIMEDIA RESOURCES
Annual Reference Catalog for Optics, Science Education
Annual Science Fair Issue
Edmund Scientific Co.
101 E. Gloucester Pike
Barrington, NJ 08007-1380
Telephone: (609) 573-6260
Items include microscopes, prepared slides,
and science discovery kits (ant farms, nature labs).
Biology/Science Materials Catalog
Carolina Biological Supply Co.
2700 York Road
Burlington, NC 27215
Telephone: (800) 334-5551
Excellent source for models, games, charts,
review sheets, and living and preserved specimens. Also publishes
Carolina Tips, a brief "newsletter" containing laboratory
activities. Free to those who telephone to be placed on mailing
list.
National Geographic Educational Services Catalog
National Geographic Society
Educational Services
Department 91
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: (800) 368-2728
Resources such as videos, films, filmstrips,
books, and teacher's guides cover subjects on biology, nature
study, and science.
PBS Video Resource Catalog
PBS Video
1320 Braddock Place
Alexandria, VA 22314-1698
Telephone: (800) 424-7963
Lists educational videos on the subjects of
biology, the environment, and health science.
Teacher's Laboratory Catalog
Teacher's Laboratory, Inc.
P. O. Box 6480
Brattleboro, VT 05302-6480
Telephone: (802) 254-3457
Lists books and activity kits for the junior
high student.
Ward's Natural Science Establishment, Inc.
P.O. Box 92912
Rochester, NY 14692-9012
Telephone: (800) 962-2660
A necessary resource for biology teachers. A
complete source for instructional media and equipment for the
classroom and the laboratory.
ORGANIZATIONS
Charles Edison Fund
101 South Harrison Street
East Orange, NJ 07018
Telephone: (201) 675-9000
Fax: (201) 675-3345
Distributes teaching materials containing experiments
of interest to science fair enthusiasts.
Environment Protection Agency
Public Information Center
401 M Street, SW (3406)
Washington, DC 20460
Telephone: (202) 260-7751
Environmental Education Materials For Teachers
and Young People is a free annotated list. Entries include
diverse materials ranging from workbooks and lessons plans to
newsletters, files,and computer software intended for young people.
Global Tomorrow Coalition
1325 G Street, N.W., Suite 915
Washington, DC 20005-3104
Telephone: (202) 628-4106
Publishes educational materials on global ecology
and sustainable resources.
National Science Teachers Association
1840 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201-3000
Telephone: (703) 243-7100
Publishes Science Fairs and Projects, Science
and Children, Science Scope, and Journal of College Science Teaching.
National Association of Biology Teachers, Inc.
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 19
Reston, VA 22090
Telephone: (703) 471-1134
A professional association with interests in
biological science education, including classroom and laboratory
instruction, facilities, and the professional education of biology
teachers at high-school and college levels.
National Wildlife Federation
8925 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, VA 22184-0001
Telephone: (703) 790-4000
(800) 822-9919
Publishes National Wildlife, Ranger Rick's
Nature Magazine, Ranger Rick's Naturescope, and other publications
of interest to students and environmentalists.
Science Service
1719 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: (202) 785-2255
Administers the International Science and Engineering
Fair and the Westinghouse
Science Talent Search.
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