INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Search for debris on the ground near wetlands and pools of water. Rocks, fallen logs, branches, and piles of leaves make ideal hiding places. Salamanders must keep their skin moist in order to breathe and hide under these types of objects to shelter themselves from direct sunlight. Slowly flip over pieces of ground debris to find salamanders. Slow, gentle movements may prevent salamanders from becoming alarmed and scurrying away quickly to find another hiding place. Being careful while lifting the debris will help protect other living organisms that may have made their home there. Always return ground debris to its original position. Any major disruption to rocks, logs, and other debris could alter the humidity levels, the safety of a salamander’s habitat, and the safety of other living creatures in the area.

SUMMARY: Look under logs, rocks, and piles of leaves. Slowly lift debris. Return the debris.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: There's not much you can do to try to get your turtles to mate.  You simply have to put your sexually mature turtles together and let nature take it's course.  It is important, though, that they have room to move around freely.  Give them plenty of space and create a nesting area (see below) where female turtles can lay their eggs. If you have several different species of turtles, consider separating the smaller from the larger during mating season as some turtles become more aggressive during this time, and larger turtles can bite the heads off of smaller breeds. It may be in the best interest of your turtles to be sure you have more females than males.  Sexually motivated males can make such great demands on females that their health will suffer.  Males may also fight with one another over a female. When your turtles are done mating, remove the males or they might constantly bug the females. Provide an area for the females to lay eggs that has shelter and soft soil.   This area should have 6" to 12" of soft, slightly moist soil as well as some rocks and logs so the female will feel safe laying and hiding her eggs there.  If you already have an outdoor pen for your turtles, create the area within your established pen.  If you're putting your turtles in a larger area just for mating, you can create a nesting area in a box and make it easily accessible to your turtles. Most water turtles lay several clutches, each containing between two and 10 eggs.  Laying usually takes 24-48 hours per clutch, and a few weeks will pass between clutches.

SUMMARY: Give your turtles some space. Check your male to female ratio. Create a nesting area.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Scrub hard until they are clean.

SUMMARY: Mix a paste of scouring powder and dish soap and use with a Brillo or other metal scouring pad, not steel wool. If there are any remaining stains, use a steel wool cleaning pad to finish up your work.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: This way you know for sure that you will be there on time. Use this time to hang out with friends. Make sure you sign in as needed. Do some fun activities to keep you and your friend(s) entertained. Some things you can do are:  Listen to music. Share earbuds and discuss the music you are playing. Play games. If your school allows electronics, play games on your phone or handheld console. If your school does not allow electronics or your electronic device's battery runs out, bring a travel sized board game in case. Draw and write in a notebook. Learn some pen and paper games before you go or record them onto a phone. They will appreciate knowing that you're okay. Unless your school doesn't allow phones or if you don't own a phone. This is a good idea, as if it is someone you don't know very well, it can give you some time to think about what you might talk! Shop for souvenirs and be sure to be back by curfew! Take some pictures too, to share with your family and friends! Your pocket or hidden in the bottom part of your bag are good ideas. A good time to do this is before you go to bed. If you are staying in a hotel or motel, you can request a wake up call at desk night before. Call your parents and tell them you're on your way back. Again, if you have assigned seating, this is not necessary. Entertain yourself, eat your snacks and share stories about your trip, until you get back to school.

SUMMARY:
Arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour early with your packed bag. Sit with your friend(s). Talk to or text your parents once you get to a rest stop. Ask who you're bunking with. Tour the area with your friends. Place your money and valuables in the safe in the room. Charge all electronics/check the batteries. Wake up to alarm or wake up call. Eat breakfast and pack, if it is your last day there. Ask your friend to save you a seat. Depart for home.