Early fall, or autumn is apple season! With the abundance of fruit, comes lots of opportunities for apple-themed science for kids. Here are some apple science activities and investigation ideas to get you started at home or school.
Just a note before you read on, any investigations mentioned here are conducted at your own risk. You can read more in my disclaimer here.
Parts of an apple – free PDF printable
Children will be familiar with what apples look like, but can they name the parts? Use this free, simple printable to explore the parts of an apple alongside investigating the fruit. There is an option to cut and paste the words on an apple anatomy diagram, or use the ‘lift the flap’ activity, where children can write the names of each part in the blank boxes. A word bank is included for the second option.
Students could stick the finished pages in science notebooks as a visual reminder.
There are 2 options to download below – a US version (formatted for US paper size, spelling, and letter formation), and a UK version (for printing on A4 paper with UK spelling).
What stops apples from going brown?
For this simple investigation, students will compare the effects of different liquids on apple browning. They will observe and compare how brown different slices of apple are after a set period of time. Each slice will have been treated with a different liquid (some suggestions below), plus one control slice that is kept dry.
What you need:
- Apple slices
- Knife (to be used by adults) and chopping board
- Liquids for testing (lemon juice, vinegar, salt water, baking soda solution)
- Something to measure liquid (e.g. pipettes, spoons)
- Labels for the apple slices so students can identify which is which
- Timer
- Recording equipment (notebook, pencil, recording sheet, iPad).
Ask students how this could be a fair test. For example, by cutting each slice the same thickness, using slices from the same apple, and using the same amount of liquid on each slice. Another great discussion point before starting is agreeing how the results will be measured and recorded. Students could come up with a scale (e.g. 0-5) of browning, and record with sketches or photos.
When apples are cut, oxygen in the air reacts with enzymes in the apple flesh, causing it to turn brown. This is called oxidation. Acids (like lemon juice or vinegar) can slow this process by reducing the activity of the enzymes.
The life cycle of an apple tree
The life cycle of an apple tree begins with a seed that germinates (sprout). The first leaves grow, and the young tree is called a sapling. The sapling grows into a larger tree, with a trunk and branches. Buds develop on the branches, which become flowers. Apple trees are pollinated by insects like bees, and once this has taken place, the fruit develops.
Help children understand the apple tree life cycle by sequencing the stages from seed to fruit. For a ready-to-go life cycle printable, try this differentiated foldable sequencing activity from my TeachersPayTeachers store (UK and US versions included). Children color the apple and its life cycle, before sequencing the stages on their template. After cutting out the template, they can fold in an accordion/zig-zag to make a little apple booklet!
These are great for sticking into notebooks and can be used as part of an introduction or review. Plus, the different template options help you ensure you can meet the needs of all your students.
Here’s what other educators have said (verified feedback on TeachersPayTeachers):
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐This was such a great resource! I used it in my EL classroom and my students were engaged and learned a ton! – Michael K
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐This was a fun activity I could use to follow up with our apple life cycle unit. I love that it is differentiated. I have a first and second grade combo, so I was able to do the same cycle, but differentiate it for the different grades and ability levels. – Kristina M
Alternatively, you could try sequencing the apple tree life cycle stages with this fun apple spinner wheel craft. Children color the life cycle stages, and arrange them in order on the apple template, before assembling with a metal paper fastener. You can purchase the templates in my TPT store here.
Mummify an apple
Yes, you read that correctly! Combine ancient Egyptian history and science by observing the changes over time. This video from Leeds City Museum will show you how to mummify an apple, using easy-to-find ingredients and equipment.
Apple seed investigations
Do larger apple varieties have the most seeds? Do all apples of the same variety have the same number of seeds? Choose a question to investigate together and record what you find out.
Apple bird feeder
Use whole apples to create an apple bird feeder for wild birds. Take some wooden BBQ skewers and push through an apple to create 4 perches. Tie a piece of string to each perch and then tie the 4 ends together at the top in a tight knot.
Press the pointed ends of black sunflower seeds (which are high in nutrients) into the skin and flesh of the apple. Hang the apple somewhere accessible for birds and see what comes to feed.
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