Science project
Does Storing Cucumbers and Tomatoes in the Fridge Spoil Its Unique Flavors?
Grade Level: 2nd - 5th; Type: Food Science
Objective:
In this experiment, we will find out whether storing cucumbers and tomatoes in the fridge will destroy their unique flavors. We will be comparing it against unrefrigerated tomatoes and cucumbers.
Research Questions:
- How does a refrigerator work?
- How would you describe the taste of tomatoes? Cucumbers?
Before refrigerators and freezers were invented, people cooled their food and kept them from spoiling by putting it in ice and snow. This was obvious not convenient and does not nearly have the same power as a mechanic refrigerator/ freezer does.
Materials:
- Tomatoes (enough for your chosen # of test subjects)
- Cucumbers (enough for your chosen # of test subjects)
- Refrigerator
- Test subjects (the more the better)
- Pen/paper for notes
Experimental Procedure:
- Get some fresh tomatoes and cucumbers from the store.
- Put ½ of the tomatoes and cucumbers in the refrigerator and the other ½ on the counter in a dry, room-temperature (not hot) place (no direct sunlight).
- After two days, serve both the ones that have been in the refrigerator to your test subjects as well as the ones that have not.
- Ask them which one tastes better. Jot this down.
- Count up the number of people who liked each better and see which one had more people.
Suggested Chart
|
VEGETABLE |
|
How many people liked?
|
|
Tomatoes |
Refrigerated
|
|
|
Not Refrigerated
|
|
|
|
Cucumbers |
Refrigerated
|
|
|
Not Refrigerated |
|
Terms/Concepts: Refrigerator; Plant structure
References:
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Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state's handbook of Science Safety.
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