INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You'll need a hoop that is big enough for your fish to easily swim through. For smaller fish, using a larger hoop earring or bracelet could work as a hoop. If you want a larger hoop, you can typically make one out of pipe cleaner. Make sure to wash the hoop so that it doesn't bring any harmful bacteria or substances into your fish tank. Attach your hoop to a strong or pole if you're uncomfortable putting your hand in your fish tank. Start with a larger hoop to make it easier for your fish to swim through. Your hoop should be perpendicular to the side of the aquarium and near the glass, as this will make it easier for you to direct your fish to swim through it. Your fish may be interested in the hoop right away, or it will simply ignore the hoop. Teaching your fish to follow your finger will come in handy for this trick. Simply move your finger across the glass of the fish tank so that your fish follows it. Run your finger along the glass where the hoop is, and your fish should swim right through it. This may take a couple tries, but your fish should start to catch on. This will help teach your fish that swimming through hoops will result in being fed. Practice this trick with your fish daily so that it becomes a regular trick. Once your fish has mastered swimming through large hoops, decrease the size of the hoop to make the trick more challenging. Begin adding additional hoops for your fish to swim through for a more impressive trick. For more detailed instructions and tips on how how to teach your fish to swim through hoops, check out Teach Your Betta Fish to Swim Through a Hoop.

SUMMARY: Obtain a hoop for your fish to swim through. Stick the ring in the water. Make your fish follow your finger through the hoop. Reward your fish with a treat every time it swims through the hoop.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You'll need a section of string about 2 feet (61cm) long to cut through plastic. Jerk your hands outward with medium force while holding the string. It if flexes slightly and doesn't snap, it'll cut through plastic. You can purchase cotton or polyester string at any quilting or hobby store. The plastic that you're cutting through needs to be held steady while you use the string to slice through it. Hold it tightly between your knees, since you'll need both hands free. Depending on the size and shape of the plastic, you could also use a C-clamp to hold it to a worktable. This is risky though, since if you exert too much pressure with the clamp, the plastic could break. It's best if you can set the thread in a corner or along an edge of the plastic, then begin to slide it back and forth. After a few moments, the thread will have cut a tiny groove in the plastic. Set the thread in this little groove and continue to work it back and forth. The groove will lengthen and eventually cut through the plastic. This is a slow, painstaking process. Cutting through thick plastic with thread for example, when customizing an RC car or working with hobby models and miniaturesis effective, but can take hours. Continue working the thread back and forth until you've cut through the plastic. If you notice that part of the thread has become hot (due to its friction with the plastic), you may need to use a new section of thread. Hot thread is likely to snap. Roll a few more inches off of the spool, and continue cutting. The plastic that you've sliced through should have a very smooth, clean break without any rough or jagged spots.

SUMMARY: Test your string's durability. Clamp the plastic firmly between your knees. Work the thread back and forth to start a small incision. Replace the string if it gets hot or frayed.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Wear comfortable, casual clothing. Skip the glamorous look-- you don't want to worry about staying clean while you pet the cows. You may walk through grass, mud, and animal droppings on your tour, so wear shoes that you don't mind getting a bit dirty. They should also ideally have closed toes, as you may be walking close to animals and machines and you'll want your feet protected. Rubber boots with hard soles that do not stain easily are best. Keep in mind that farms may not let you on tour if you're dressed inappropriately. Dress for the weather. Check the weather before you go. The weather might be quite different depending on how far you are driving from home. Bring a good rain jacket or a sweater if there is a chance of rain. If you are going with a school group, let the students know what the weather will be like on the day of the trip. Remind the students to wear layers if the weather will fluctuate between cool and warm. The dairy farm is a great location to pause for a few moments and enjoy an outdoor meal. Take a break from the tour and enjoy your surroundings. Snack time is a good moment to think of a few questions to ask your tour guide! Some farms offer food for purchase. Ask about the available options when you schedule your tour. Try out fresh ice cream, cheeses, or other prepared dairy products for lunch. Have students to bring a packed lunch. Although there might be snacks offered on the tour, students should still bring a full lunch. Decide if you will allow students to purchase lunch on the farm. If so, remind them to bring enough money for a satisfying lunch. Remember that you might be outside for a good part of the day. Farms tend to have large open spaces where you will be exposed to direct sunlight. Wear a hat to cover your face and use sunscreen if you are prone to sunburn. Bring extra sunscreen if you are traveling with students. Students may forget to apply sunscreen before leaving home, so it is best to have some on-hand at the farm. Many bugs live in rural areas and farmlands. Pack some form of bug spray or insect repellent to avoid going home with itchy bites. Bug spray is especially helpful if you plan to wear shorts or stay overnight. Apply the repellant to exposed skin before you go on the tour.

SUMMARY:
Dress appropriately. Bring a packed lunch or other snacks. Pack a hat or sunscreen. Bring insect repellant.