Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello there.
I have a question about the science project named "Scintiallting Scents: The Science of Making Perfume."
One part of this project takes a week to complete and I was wondering if I make the perfume weeks in advance (1-3) before my project is due..will the perfume still be "fresh?"
If not, what should I do to preserve the smell?
My main question is, should i time my project so that I'm done in time for my science fair or will I be alright doing it in advance?

Hi,

I do not think there is a “absolutely correct” answer to your question, but I will offer my strong opinion based on my prior experience with science experiments. My guess is that the perfume will stay fairly fresh for a couple of weeks (your mom probably has perfume she has kept for a year or more in a perfume bottle - ask her!) The key is to keep the perfume in a tightly sealed container. My second point is that with science experiments things often go wrong, which means you want to do them early enough that you have time to repeat them if you need to. So I would suggest making your perfume early and storing it in a tightly sealed container. Then check it just long enough before the fair that you can make a new batch if you need to. My third point is that most students do not show actual results at the fair, so if for some reason you cannot offer a sniffable sample all is not lost. Just present your report with written results and maybe comments on the perfume you made by disinterested observers, and you should be fine, although I am sure it would be nicer if you can offer actual smellable sample results.

I emphasize that these opinions are just my opinions - they are not objectively truthful answers that you can take to your teacher and be vindicated if things go awry.

Good luck with the project!

Barrett L Tomlinson