Activities With Apples for Second Grade Science
The only apple native to North America is the crab apple. The Pilgrims were the first to plant other varieties of apples in what became the United States, and the U.S. now boasts 2,500 different varieties of this popular fruit. A medium-sized apple with the peel is about 80 calories, with five grams of fiber and healthy antioxidants. Children can learn about apples using these hands-on activities, while also finding a delicious way to get "5 A Day."
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Counting Seeds
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The number of seeds in an apple can vary. Apples seeds are in the center of the fruit inside five seed pockets (carpels). The number of seeds in each carpel depends on the health of the plant and the variety of apple. For this activity, you need a variety of apples (one for each person), a sharp knife, a cutting board, fruit wash, a writing surface visible to the whole class and water. Know the variety of each apple.
Wash each apple. An adult should cut each apple in half from the stem to the blossom end. Count the number of seeds in each apple. Make a bar graph showing the number of seeds and how many apples contained that number of seeds. Label the variety of apple on each graph entry. Eat your apple when the graph is finished.
Is the Apple Ripe?
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An apple is ripe when the starch has converted to sugar. As an apple ripens, the starch it contains is changed into sugar. A simple experiment can determine whether an apple is ripe. You will need an apple per person, a knife, small paintbrushes, waterproof smocks, fruit wash and iodine.
Wash the apples. An adult should cut the apples in half, setting 1/2 of each apple aside. Brush the cut surface of the apple with iodine. Iodine reacts with starch and will turn the surface of the apple dark purple if it is not ripe. Ripe apples will have only a little bit of purple on the cut surface. Throw this part of the apple away and eat the 1/2 apple that was reserved.
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Making Applesauce
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Applesauce is easy to make. Applesauce made from multiple varieties of apples is delicious and an easy project. You may find you don't need to add sugar because the mix of apple varieties often yields a more flavorful applesauce.
For this activity, you will need two apples per person, an apple cutter (it cores and cuts the apple into wedges), fruit wash, saucepan(s) with lid, stove, long-handled spoon, hot pads, 3/4 cup water for every four apples, cinnamon (optional), about 1/4 cup sugar per four apples (optional), food mill or fine mesh strainer, large bowl, bowls or plates and spoons for each person.
Wash the apples. Core and slice the apples, and place them in the saucepan with 3/4 cup water for every four apples. An adult should supervise the cooking. Put the lid on the pan and cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until the apples are soft. Place the large bowl under the food mill or strainer and push the apples through the food mill or strainer. The core, seeds and skins will stay in the mill or strainer, and the applesauce will go into the bowl. Add cinnamon or sugar to taste, if desired. The applesauce is ready to eat as soon as it has cooled down.
Taste Test
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Vote for your favorite apple after a taste test. Most have tasted only a fraction of the many varieties of apples available. This activity is a good opportunity to expand your horizons, while teaching kids the nutritional benefits of apples. For example, apples contain a mild acid and fiber that help clean teeth. And phytochemicals in apples have antioxidant properties that can prevent damage in our cells from free radicals. Apples also may reduce the risk of the chronic diseases such as asthma, cancer and cardiovascular disease. There are so many varieties to choose from to help meet your "5 A Day." You will need five to 12 varieties of apples, a knife, fruit wash, paper plates, pen, slices of bread (optional) and a bottle of spring water per person. Do not peel the apples because much of their aroma is near the skin.
Wash the apples. Label a paper plate for each variety. An adult should cut the apples into thin slices and put them on the appropriate plate. Take a sample of each apple, one at a time. Rinse your mouth with water before tasting the next sample. You can also take a bite of bread between each sample, if desired. Vote on your favorite. Tally the votes and make a bar graph to show the results.
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References
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