Which Fast Food Rots First

Grade:

4

Teacher:

Rachel Hink

This experiment investigated which fast-food hamburger and fries would decompose the fastest compared to a homemade burger and fries. The student purchased plain kids’ meals from McDonald’s, Culver’s, Carl’s Jr., and Burger King, along with preparing a homemade burger and fries. Each patty and fry sample was weighed, vacuum-sealed in separate bags, and stored in the same temperature-controlled room (78°F). Over several weeks, the student observed and recorded physical changes such as mold growth, color changes, moisture buildup, and weight differences. Observations were made using both the naked eye and a black light to detect bacteria and mold that may not have been visible otherwise. The goal was to determine which food showed signs of decomposition first and compare how different fast-food items break down over time.

Project presentation