Freshest Strawberries

Grade:

4

Teacher:

Joel Weissmann

In doing this experiment I am trying to find a method to keep my strawberries the freshest the longest (not molding), so that we can enjoy them and create less food waste. I chose this experiment because strawberries are my favorite fruit and often times they go bad too quickly in the fridge so I don't get to eat them. I will do 5 sample groups, each using a different treatment on the strawberries, (1) control- nothing, (2) cool tap water, (3) hot tap water, (4) half vinegar- half water, (5) Organic fit fruit and vegetable wash. Each treatment will be applied to a pair of strawberries, sit for 6 minutes and then I will rinse each pair and then gently pat dry. After that each pair will be placed into a number labeled cup with a paper towel on the bottom of the container and 3 air holes on each lid and place them into my fridge. I will monitor them each day after school, writing my observations for each cup in my lab notebook and take pictures everyday. For safety, I will wash my hands before and after handling the strawberries in each step and during the observations. I will also wear gloves. Once a strawberry is found with mold I will take a photo from 12-24 inches above the cup and then throw it away in the trash can. A parent will also be present during the entire experiment to oversee for safety. I will record all of my findings and turn them into a report using google slides.

Project presentation

Lab journal excerpts