Smell the Difference

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In this two-part activity, learners use household items to smell the difference between some stereoisomers, or molecules which are mirror images of one another. First, learners compare the scents of orange peel and lemon peel, which both contain two versions of limonene (a stereoisomer). Then, learners compare the scents of crushed caraway seeds and crushed mint leaves, which each contain a version of carvone (another stereoisomer). Use this activity to help learners discover how a molecule's shape affects smell.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 1 orange (or orange peel)
  • 1 lemon (or lemon peel)
  • 1 grater
  • 2 small bowls (X 2)
  • caraway seeds
  • mint leaves (fresh or dried)
  • 2 spoons
  • nose

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
      • The Brain and Nervous System
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Smell
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Bonding
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure
      • Elements and Periodic Table
      • Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • smell
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

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Access Rights:

  • Free access

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