Science experiments using apples and household items? Sign us up! Ok, so why do apples get brown? Test what different substances do to your apple slices and explain what oxidation is along the way.
007: Apple Science
Why Does an Apple get Brown?
What you need:
-An Apple
-4-6 Glass Bowls or Cups
-Water
-Vinegar
-Lemon Juice
-Milk
-Baking Soda
Instructions:
-Cut the apple into equal pieces
-Put a slice of apple into each glass container
-Pour one substance over each apple (don’t forget to label each!)
-Wait several hours
-When the children observe the apple later ask which one didn’t turn brown and explain why
What they learn:
-Oxidation
-Scientific process
-The lemon juice has ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and the oxygen reacted with the lemon juice first before reacting with the apple. If the ascorbic acid in the lemon juice would get used up, then the oxygen would begin to react with the apple and browning would occur.
When the project is complete:
-Take a photo of the structure and share it with us! Tag us on social media and use hashtag #theRchild, we can't wait to see the results.
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