Sunday, October 25, 2015

Apples Experiment

I'm trying to incorporate more science experiments in my classroom this year. My 1st and 2nd graders had such a wonderful time with our Apple Experiment. An apple experiment is a great way to tie your fall activities together, especially if you are planning a trip to the apple orchard.

Here is what you need to do your own class experiment.

4 jars
oil
vinegar
water
an apple
magnifying glasses
a knife to cut the apple
recording sheet (available at end of blog post)

Place a quarter of the apple in each jar. Have the students add oil to one jar, vinegar to another, and water to the third. Leave the fourth one to have only air. 


We labeled the jars and observed the apples for a week. My students were constantly checking on the apples throughout each day.

This picture shows the beginning of the experiment.

This picture shows the end of the experiment. 

What happened?
The apple,exposed to air, started to oxidize. The apple in the vinegar had brown spots all over it. The apples in the water oxidized a bit, but compared to the other apples in liquid it wasn't that much. In the oil, the apples also oxidized a bit. Another liquid to use in this experiment would be lemon juice.
Definition of oxidize-when the apples come in contact with the oxygen in the air and begin to react by turning brown.
When we were finished we documented the results. My little guys have begged for more experiments ever since!



21 comments:

  1. The simplest experiments are the best! Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Oh this is just what my kids need! Thanks for the freebie!

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  3. This is awesome and so easy! Do you have anything that explains the science about why each jar breaks down the way it does?

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    Replies
    1. The apple,exposed to air, started to oxidize. The apple in the vinegar had brown spots all over it. The apples in the water oxidized a bit, but compared to the other apples in liquid it wasn't that much. In the oil, the apples also oxidized a bit. Another liquid to use in this experiment would be lemon juice.

      Definition of oxidize-when the apples come in contact with the oxygen in the air and begin to react by turning brown.

      Delete
  4. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  5. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn't show up. Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic post! Eincher.me

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  6. I'm going to try it with my preschool kids

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    Replies
    1. how did your preschoolers do with this? I am thinking about implementing it next week. Thanks

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  7. Are there any resources for talking about why the different substances have the different affects? We finished the experiment but my daughter wants answers! :)

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    Replies
    1. The apple,exposed to air, started to oxidize. The apple in the vinegar had brown spots all over it. The apples in the water oxidized a bit, but compared to the other apples in liquid it wasn't that much. In the oil, the apples also oxidized a bit. Another liquid to use in this experiment would be lemon juice.

      Definition of oxidize-when the apples come in contact with the oxygen in the air and begin to react by turning brown.

      Delete
  8. Love this idea, want to try it with another fruit

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  9. Any chance the apple experiment recording sheet still exists?

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    Replies
    1. Yes, There is a link to it right below the last photo. Enjoy!

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  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  11. I don't have 4 jars, would this be ok in clear plastic cups?

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  12. Sure! The goal is that they can see through the cups to see what is happening! Have fun!

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  13. Having trouble getting the document? Drop me a request at campingteacher@gmail.com and I will send it to you!

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  14. looks like a great activity for the beginning of school. I can't seem to get the free document. Could you send it to me? Thank you. kveilleux.vayer@gmail.com

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