Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My son and I are at the end phase of our science project ( which wrapping will keep sliced apples freshest?) I am having a hard time choosing the best graph to display the data, since it has to do with color change(from white to light and darker brown) and consistency of the flesh(from firm to mushy). The measurements are somewhat subjective.Any suggestions?

Hi,

This is a great project and good introduction to biochemistry for a young student.

It's a challenge to present qualitative results in a bar graph. Since you could not actually measure anything in this experiment, you could assign a score of 0 to 4 to represent no brown to darkest brown, and another 0 to 4 scale to rate firm to mushy. Then you could put these results in a bar graph. It would be helpful to include a photograph or drawing for a typical result for each numerical value you assign so anyone who views the result can easily see what has happened.

Also, since this is a science fair project, don’t forget to include an explanation of why apples turn brown and mushy and have your son explain in his own words what has happened to the apples during the experiment.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/artic ... turn-brown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCD4h8Pp7qM

I hope this helps!

Donna Hardy

I have had students use a "panel" to evaluate the results in projects like this one. Family members may provide you with panel members who rank your results, lightest to darkest or firmest to "mushiest" with a number assigned to each. The 0 to 4 values previously suggested would work well. While still a subjective measure, more confidence is given to results when more than one person is doing the ranking. You can average the scores and graph your findings. Photographs showing each value will definitely strengthen your project. Good luck! Carrol