Science project
Do Women Have a Better Sense of Smell?
Studies indicate that women may have a better sense of smell than men. This experiment will evaluate this premise and explore whether female participants are able to detect certain “types” of smells better than their male counterparts.
Problem:
Does gender affect the ability to identify different smells?
Materials:
- Blindfold
- Knife
- Bowls
- Apple
- Orange
- Banana
- Lemon
- Cinnamon
- Brown sugar
- Garlic
- Onion
- Jalapeño peppers
- Any other “smells” you would like to test
- Notebook for recording results
Procedure:
- Cut up fruit and vegetables.
- Place each item in a separate bowl.
- Blindfold a test subject and hold a bowl up to their nose.
- Ask the participant to identify what they smell.
- Record whether the test subject was correct or incorrect.
- Repeat for each item.
- Repeat entire experiment for many different male and female test subjects. All test subjects should be close in age to eliminate any influence age may have on sense of smell. Be sure no one has a cold!
- Evaluate your results. Are women better at identifying smells? Are women better at identifying certain types of smells?
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Education.com provides the Science Fair Project Ideas for informational purposes only. Education.com does not make any guarantee or representation regarding the Science Fair Project Ideas and is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, caused by your use of such information. By accessing the Science Fair Project Ideas, you waive and renounce any claims against Education.com that arise thereof. In addition, your access to Education.com's website and Science Fair Project Ideas is covered by Education.com's Privacy Policy and site Terms of Use, which include limitations on Education.com's liability.
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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