Inside: Free Printable worksheet and activity for kids to learn why apples turn brown.
As part of our apple unit study, we learned about why apples turn brown and did a fun little science experiment to see what liquids prevented the apples from changing color.
We have been doing a lot of fun activities to learn all about apples. We learned the parts of an apple, what’s inside an apple and we even made an apple toothpick tower. So of course we needed to do a science activity using apples.
This kid’s apple science experiment is quick and easy to put together and a great way for kids to practice observation skills.
Why Do Apples Turn Brown?
Before starting our apple science experiment we learned a little bit about why apples turn brown.
To keep it simple we talked about how the enzymes inside the apple when cut or damaged and exposed to air cause a chemical reaction called oxidation. The apple produces melanin to protect the apple which is the brown you see.
This short video (2 minutes) goes into more detail about the scientific process of why an apple turns brown when you cut it or it gets dropped and bruises.
Now that we know a little bit about why apples turn brown it’s time to do an experiment to see if we can slow down this browning process.
Brown Apple Science Experiment
To do this experiment you will need 4 apple slices, 3 different liquids, and 4 dishes to hold the apple slice and liquid.
At the bottom of this post you can get a free printable Apple Observation sheet to track the changes in apple slices you place in different liquids.
The printable has 2 sheets the first lists the four liquids we used (water, vinegar, milk, and nothing) the second page is blank for you to write in any liquid you would like to use.
The first step of this experiment is cutting the apple into slices and placing each slice into a dish. Be sure to mark what liquid you are putting in each dish so you don’t get mixed up.
Pour the different liquids in each dish until the apple is covered then have the kids color what the apple slice looks like at the start of the experiment on the top row of observation boxes. Also, be sure to note the time you start the experiment.
Set a timer to remind you to come back and check on your apples in 3 hours. After the 3 hour wait have the kids note the changes and draw what the apples currently look like on their observation sheet.
Set a timer for another 3 hours and then observe the changes in the apples again. Have the kids draw what the apples look like for the last time.
In the space provided have the kids write down which apple changed the most, which one changed the least, and anything else you would like them to document.
Free Printable APple Observation Sheet
This Apple Observation printable worksheet is only available for personal use. Click the button below to download your printables.
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