Summer Boost
Science Project:
Water Content in Fruits and Vegetables
In varying degrees, the fruit and vegetables that we eat containwater. While high water content is loosely associated with higher values of macronutrients such as protein, it is not necessarily associated with vitamin and mineral content.
This project is about determining the water content of fruits and vegetables and determining whether it is related to the nutritional value of the food. The goal is to get students thinking about the properties of healthy foods.
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Problem:
Does the water content of in a single serving of produce relate to the overall nutritionin a serving of that food?
Materials:
- Orange, pineapple, watermelon, fresh peas, tomato or broccoli
- Dehydrator
- Good scale sufficient for measuring mg. (triple beam or electronic)
- Calculator
- Internet access
Procedure
- Weigh each fruit and vegetable separately and note its weight. For some fruits (such as a watermelon), weighing a serving size of the fruit will be more appropriate.
- Cut the produce up into thin slices and put it into the dehydrator. You may have to dehydrate each item separately. Just make sure that you dehydrate all of the pieces of a fruit together.
- Weight the dehydrated produce.
- Calculate what percentage of the fruit or vegetable is water by subtracting the dehydrated weight from the hydrated weight. Divide this value by the entire weight of the fruit and multiplying by 100.
- Make a chart comparing the water content of the fruits and veggies.
- Go to the USDA web site (found in the Bibliography) and find the nutrient value of each food.
- If the student has time, repeat this experiment with other foods.
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Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state's handbook of Science Safety.
Education.com provides the Science Fair Project Ideas for informational purposes only. Education.com does not make any guarantee or representation regarding the Science Fair Project Ideas and is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, caused by your use of such information. By accessing the Science Fair Project Ideas, you waive and renounce any claims against Education.com that arise thereof. In addition, your access to Education.com's website and Science Fair Project Ideas is covered by Education.com's Privacy Policy and site Terms of Use, which include limitations on Education.com's liability.
Warning is hereby given that not all Project Ideas are appropriate for all individuals or in all circumstances. Implementation of any Science Project Idea should be undertaken only in appropriate settings and with appropriate parental or other supervision. Reading and following the safety precautions of all materials used in a project is the sole responsibility of each individual. For further information, consult your state's handbook of Science Safety.
