Bend a Carrot
Source Institutions
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Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
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In this activity, learners investigate the process of osmosis by adding salt to a sealed bag of raw carrots and comparing it to a control. After about 15-30 minutes, the carrots with salt become flexible and water can be seen in the bag. Extensions include measuring the amount of water lost from the carrots, varying the salt solutions, and investigating other liquids, vegetables or solids. Part of the "No Hassle Messy Science with a Wow" activity guide by OMSI, where all activities use only household materials.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English, Spanish
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- 4 baby carrots (or cut larger carrots to size)
- 2 sealing plastic bags (e.g., Ziploc)
- 1 permanent marker (e.g., Sharpie)
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1 plastic cup, 8 oz.
- 1 plastic spoon
Subjects
- Life Sciences
- Cells
- Cell Structure and Function
- Chemistry of Life
- Cells
- Physical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Chemistry of Life
- Solutions
- States of Matter
- Liquids
- Structure and Properties of Matter
- Atomic Structure
- Chemistry
Informal Categories
- Food and Cooking
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, ©2007
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation
- Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation
