Banana split

What happens to bananas stored at different temperatures?

Do not be tempted to eat the bananas after the investigation.

Be careful if you decide to cut open the bananas - especially if they have been frozen. (YOU WILL NEED ADULT HELP FOR THIS)

PLAN

Obtain some bananas.

Divide them into 4 equal amounts.

Store them in four different places.

• A hot place (e.g.: airing cupboard).

• A warm place (e.g.: room, classroom).

• A cold place (e.g.: refrigerator).

• A very cold place (e.g.: freezer).

Observe regularly.

Make notes; draw pictures; take photographs.

I WILL NEED

Bananas.

Paper and pencil.

I MAY NEED

Camera.

FAIR TEST

How will you ensure that this is a "fair test".

PREDICTION

Which place do you think will keep the bananas freshest longest?

Why do you think so?

Does this connect to any science you have studied previously?

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY

Observation plays a very important part in this investigation.

You may wish to draw the bananas at some stage, or take photographs.

Take notice especially of the change in colour. (You could use a colour chart to help with this.)

If you have several bananas in each location, you may want to cut one open (from each location) part way through the experiment, to see what is happening inside the skin.

COLLECT

DATA

Was there any change in the colour of the bananas?

How did the bananas feel?  (Hard, firm or soft?)

Record clearly and neatly.

ANALYSE

DATA

You could arrange the locations in order.

PRESENT

FINDINGS

Perhaps your results would best be presented in visual form.

Could you draw some pictures?

Could you take some photographs?

EVALUATE

INVESTIGATION

If you have carried out this investigation, click the icon to send in your results to Brainboxx and we may publish your work on the website.  It is best to e-mail the results of your investigation or you may need to send them by post.  Make sure you get permission from a teacher, parent or other adult before you get in touch.

Bananaland