how to test the effect of alcohol on the body?

[justinfreeman]

want to do an expirement on how does alcohol effect the body. but how would i go at this? I thought about doing a flame test to see which alcohol would do the most damage to the body. Would this be a good approch? If so how would i do it? I would like all information and help from anyone who could help me. Thank You.

[donnahardy2]

Hi Justin,

You have an original idea here, but unfortunately, the science fair rules prohibit you from using anything that it is illegal for you to have. So, an alcohol project is not permissible. Sorry.

You don't have much time before your project is due, so you need to think of something else quickly. If you want to work with flame, perhaps you could compare different ways of starting charcoal for barbecue fires. If you want to compare drinks that teenagers drink, perhaps you could compare the time it takes different drinks to grow mold. If you wanted to simulate an alcohol sample, you could add isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) to one of the drinks to test its effect. Remember, you need an experiment with measurable results that you can graph.

What else are you interested in? I'm sure there's another project you could do.

Let us know if you have any questions about setting up an experiment.

Donna Hardy

[justinfreeman]

Thanks for your advice but what could my question be if i wanted to do the mold of drinks. and how could i make it mold quicker?

[deleted-71240]

Hi Justin,

If you wanted to study the effect of mold on beverages, you could select a couple of beverages and store them under different conditions. You could test and see which drinks develop more quickly and research the ingredients that contribute to the growth or deterance of mold.

Good luck,
Genetha

[donnahardy2]

Hi Justin,

Here are my suggestions for an experimental design. The results won't be exactly quantitative, but you will have results you can plot on a graph. And you can get results before your deadline.

First, you need to find out about molds. What do they require to grow? What type of drink do you think will support the growth of mold best? Do humans and molds require the same nutrients for growth?

Get some clear plastic cups that will hold about a cup of each drink. Obtain a variety of drinks that you think teenagers drink (Coke, Gatorade, milk, coffee, tea, caramel frappacino, fruit juice, etc.) Add 5-10%isopropanol to the fruit juice for a simulated alcohol sample. Set the open containers on a windowsill or other location where you can observe them every day without disturbing them and where they are not in danger of being spilled. Observe each container twice a day and make a record when you see white fuzz (mold growth) and when you see the white fuzz turn black, brown, or green (spore formation). Get a camera so you can take pictures when you set up your experiment and at the end. Don't disturb the drinks until the end of the experiment. What will you plot on your graph?

Find out about the composition of your drinks. What is the pH and sugar concentration? Are there any artificial dyes or preservatives in the drinks? I don't think you have time to do these measurements yourself, so try the get the information from the bottle label or manufacturer.

You should set up your experiment today and allow at least 10 days for incubation. Because your deadline is near, you also need to start working on your board. Your can write your title, hypothesis, purpose, background, materials, and reference section now. Your results and conclusion will have to be done last.

If you want to do a more comprehensive job, let me know and I will give you more suggestions. But I don't think you will have time for more. I guarantee you will learn something in doing this project. And, it will satisfy the requirements of a science fair project.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Donna Hardy