Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi,
My son is doing the project on what moisturizer (ingredient) works best on your skin. After making the jello in the fridge and applying the moisturizer, it doesn't say or recommend where to have the jello/moisturizer in petri dish sitting. This might be a dumb question, but we certainly do not put it back in the fridge? I am just used to putting jello in the fridge, period. My question is...this will be ok? if we just keep them out of the way on the counter? I am a little worried, we live in the state of Florida...even thought its getting cooler out (open window season ...) I feel like even if you leave chocolate out...it softens. Thanks for your help. The title of the project on the website is The skinny on moisturizers: Which ingredient works best to keep skin moist.

Hi!

That looks like a great project. And it's a great question you raise. I haven't done this experiment, but I would leave them out at RT if you can control that reasonably well - because you are looking for moisture loss to the air, which will be greater out in the room, not in the fridge. BUT if the products are getting too soft or the geletin isn't keeping firm (it should), you may look for a cooler spot - like a basement, or or the fridge if you need to.

I hope that helps. Let me know if you feel the experiment is going bad due to your location... but I don't expect that to happen!

Thanks,
Tonya

Hi Jen, How did the experiment go with leaving the Jello out of the refrigerator? If we leave the Jello out in our kitchen, room temperature, it definitely turns to liquid. I am concerned it will really get mushy with the lotion, so I have yet to put it on. Two weeks unrefrigerated seems like mildew waiting to happen. Thank you, Anbasa

Hi Anbasa,

You have done this experiment right? I was wondering if you left your petri dishes with the gelatin at room temperature. I left my at room temperature and it will liquify. Does this affect your results? Did u put it back in the refrigerator?

Thank you,
Kathy