Astonishing Apples! What Preserves Apples Best? (page 2)

Experimental Procedure:

1. State the problem you are going to investigate.
2. Create and reproduce the data sheet you will use to record your observations.
3. Gather all your materials.
4. Put on your safety glasses, plastic gloves and apron.
5. Gather all your materials.
6. First, wash, peel, core and cut the 3 lbs of apples into pieces of almost the same size.
7. Prepare a solution of lemon juice by combining 2 tbsp of lemon juice with 2 quarts of water.
8. Prepare the syrup by dissolving 2 ½ cups of sugar in 4 cups of warm water and stir well.
9. Prepare the ascorbic acid by adding ½ teaspoon of the acid to 4 cups of water.
10. Prepare the citric acid by adding 2 tbsp of the acid to 2 qt. of water.
11. Label each of the pintsized containers as well as one control.
12. Place an equal amount of apple slices in each of the labeled containers and the add the proper solution to each container based on the label. For your test with lemon juice and ice, just add two ice cubes to your container. Be sure to cover the apples thoroughly with the proper solution. Let them stand for one hour. Then remove the apple slices and place them in individual freezer bags. Label each bag. Record your observations. Analyze your data and record your conclusion.
13. Prepare your report and include all of the following: a clear statement of the problem, your hypothesis, namely what did you predict would occur, and a list of the materials used. Include the safety precautions taken. Describe the procedures used. Include all the data that were gathered. Include the chart. Explain the purpose of the control. Formulate your conclusions. For dramatic value, you may include photos of the materials used or of you in the process of conducting this investigation. Include a bibliography of sources you used. You may wish to assess what you did and describe what you would do differently if you were to do this project again. You may wish to expand this research next year. What other materials might you investigate for this purpose? Are there other combinations of substances that could be safely tried?

Bibliography

Drusilla Banks: So easy to Preserve, Fourth Edition, and University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service

Linda Marie: How to Freeze Apples Using Lemon Juice, University of Illinois Extension