Food science is the study of making food delicious and safe to eat. When we understand the science behind food, we can make smart choices about what to eat and how to cook food.

The fats people eat can come from either plants or animals.  Fats from plants and animals are similar in some ways but different in others.  In the activity below, you can do some simple experiments to learn some fat facts!

Do butter and vegetable oil behave the same way even though one comes from animals and the other from plants? Both are fats, but they differ in some surprising ways.

You melt butter and oil in separate bags using warm water. Then you dab each one onto brown paper and watch what happens. Both leave a greasy mark that soaks through the paper. But when you place the bags in cold water, the butter turns solid again while the oil stays liquid.

You also test whether oil and water mix. They do not. But oil and melted butter blend together easily. The experiment shows that plant and animal fats share some traits but differ in how they respond to temperature.

Purpose:
The fats people eat can come from either plants or animals. Fats from plants and animals are
similar in some ways but different in others. In the activity below, you can do some simple
experiments to learn some fat facts!

Materials:
• Tablespoon of butter
• Tablespoon of vegetable oil
• Brown paper bag
• Wax paper
• Blunt-end scissors
• Water
• Masking tape
• Plastic straw
• 3 zip-closing plastic bags
• 2 clear plastic cups
• Cotton swabs
• Bowl
• Ballpoint pen

Procedures:
1. Cover your work surface with newspaper. Use your masking tape and pen to label three zipclosing plastic bags water, butter, and oil. Ask your adult partner to pour hot tap water into a
bowl until it is about 1/2 full. Place about 1 tablespoon of butter, vegetable oil, and water into
their labeled bags.
2. Make sure all three bags are sealed. Place the bags in the bowl of hot water and leave them
there until the butter becomes liquid.
3. Place a piece of a brown paper bag flat on your work surface. Use your pencil to divide the
paper into three sections. Label the sections water, butter, and oil.
4. Dip a separate cotton swab into the liquid in each bag and place the wet end of the swab on
its labeled area on the paper. Reseal the bags and put them back into the water. Go on to the
next step; we'll come back to these cotton swabs later.
5. Tape a piece of wax paper flat on your newspaper. Use separate straws to place a drop of
water, a drop of oil, and a drop of butter on the wax paper. Observe each drop for similarities
and differences. Try dragging each drop along the paper with a straw. What do you observe?
6. Again on your wax paper, use a straw to try mixing a few drops of oil with a few drops of
water. Try the same thing with butter and water. How well did they mix? Now try mixing some oil
and butter. Did they mix any better?
7. Pour cold tap water into a bowl until it is about 1/4filled. Pour about 1/2 the butter and about
1/2 the oil from their bags into separate small plastic cups. Place the cups in the water and hold
them there so they do not spill. What do you notice happening to either the butter or the oil?
8. Let's look back at your brown paper bag. Do you see any similarities or differences in the way
the liquids look on the brown paper? Do the butter and oil marks look similar, or does either one
look like the water?
9. Fill 2 clear plastic cups about 2/3 full of tap water. Pour the rest of the oil into one cup and the
rest of the butter into the other cup. What did you observe about each liquid? How are they
similar or different?
Think about this ... Corn oil, olive oil, and peanut oil are all fats that come from plants. The fat on
a steak or piece of chicken is, of course, animal fat. If you think about these plant and animal
fats, what is something similar about them? What is something different?
Now think about the characteristics of three other common substances: cheese, soap, and bees
wax. Do you think these are made of some of the same things as the other fats? Why or why
not?


Results and Conclusions:

The butter and oil you compared are both made from fat. The butter is made from cow's milk
which makes it animal fat. The oil is made from corn, making it plant fat. Both types of fat are
made from almost identical chemicals arranged in very similar ways. These similarities cause
them to soak through a brown paper bag, feel greasy, and not dissolve in water. There are also
some differences between them. The milk fat has a structure that allows it to be shaken until it
becomes solid butter. Butter can be melted and resolidified over and over again. The same
thing cannot be done with oil.
 

Plant Fats vs. Animal Fats on Paper

What are some characteristics of fat?

<h1><strong>1000 Science Fair Project Ideas by Subject</strong></h1><p>Looking for a science fair project idea? Each of our science fair project idea has complete instructions with video. Get ideas for your science projects, find extra resources for your class' scientific projects, or try a fun experiment at home! It doesn't matter what grade you're in, there's something for everyone!</p><p>You can find your perfect science fair project from the different science subjects below or from our <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/category0.html#bottom">science fair project idea lists!</a></p>

<h2>Science Fair Project Idea Lists</h2><p>Looking for other ways to find good ideas for science fair projects? Check out these lists of science projects!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>Easy Science Fair Projects</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/176_popular 2 (2).png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Explore the exciting world of science with an easy science fair project that you can do at home using simple materials. Any one of these easy project ideas will teach you important scientific concepts and help you have fun while learning. An easy science fair project is a great way to introduce the wonders of science to kids and adults alike!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><ul><li><p>Changing the Color of Flowers</p></li><li><p>Baking Soda Volcano</p></li><li><p>Swimming Raisins</p></li><li><p>Egg in Vinegar</p></li><li><p>Color of Skittles Experiment</p></li><li><p>Jumping Rice Krispies</p></li><li><p>Mixing Colors of Light</p></li><li><p>Camouflage and Hide</p></li><li><p>Light and Dark on Seed Germination</p></li><li><p>Make a Parachute</p></li></ul><p>More science project details at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/12">Easy Science Fair Projects <strong>→</strong></a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>The Top 10 Best Science Fair Projects</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/177_popular 2 (3).png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">To find the best science fair project for you, we've picked the best science projects from 10 different science categories, all with very interesting topics. If you're looking for more science projects at another difficulty level or topic, you can explore science fair project ideas by grade level at the top of this page!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><ul><li><p>Jet Lag in Hamsters (circadian rhythm, Biology science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Egg with Vinegar (acid-base reaction, Chemistry science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Galileo's Inclined Plane Experiment (acceleration, Physics science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Plant's Favorite Color for Photosynthesis (Photosynthesis, Botany science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Color and Taste (color perception, Psychology science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Does Dog Saliva Kill Bacteria? (antibacterial, Microbiology science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Decomposing Plastic Spoons (biodegradable materials, Environmental Science science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Super Hero Egg Shells (structural engineering, Engineering science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Music Math: Playing Notes with Equations (music, Math science fair project)</p></li><li><p>Temperature's Effect on Seawater (climate change, Earth Science science fair project)</p></li></ul><p>More science project details at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/13">Best Science Fair Projects <strong>→</strong></a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>Cool Science Fair Projects</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/178_popular 2.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Get ready to be amazed by super cool science projects that you can do right at home! With just a few simple things, you can be fascinated by science and have tons of fun with these popular science projects!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><ul><li><p>Explosive Elephant Toothpaste</p></li><li><p>Egg in Vinegar</p></li><li><p>Electrifying Lemon Battery</p></li><li><p>Making Oobleck: Liquid or Solid?</p></li><li><p>Egg Drop Project</p></li><li><p>Colors of Skittles Experiment</p></li><li><p>Cloud in a Bottle</p></li><li><p>Baking Soda Volcano</p></li><li><p>Egg in a Bottle</p></li><li><p>Plastic Milk</p></li></ul><p>Project details and more cool science projects at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/1/Popular_Science_Experiments_At_Home">Popular Science Fair Projects <strong>→</strong></a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>One-Day Science Fair Project Ideas</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/172_popular 2 (1).png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Quick experiments can be a great option for a science fair project. In this list, we've highlighted one-day science fair project ideas for elementary school (easy), middle school (medium), or high school (hard). These experiments are fast and easy to do, but the science topic packs a punch!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h4>Acid-base reactions: Mixing acids with bases quickly makes carbon dioxide gas!</h4><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project830.html"><strong>Rocket Film Canisters (easy) </strong></a>Make a rocket fly sky high with just baking soda and vinegar!</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project829.html"><strong>Make Your Own PH Indicator (medium) </strong></a>Learn how to make your own acid-base indicator using red cabbage and use it to test different fluids!</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project1327.html"><strong>Testing Antacids (hard) </strong></a>Find out which antacid can neutralize the most acid and get relief from heartburn and gastritis!</p></li></ul><h4>Chromatography reactions: Separating out colors as liquid moves through the paper!</h4><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project826.html"><strong>Colors of Skittles Experiment (easy) </strong></a>Did you know that some Skittles have a secret rainbow hiding inside them?</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project678.html"><strong>Uncovering Fall Colors (medium) </strong></a>Have you ever wondered why leaves change color in the fall? Let's find out by using chromatography to separate the colors of a green leaf!</p></li></ul><h4>Heat reactions: Heat speeds things up!</h4><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project274.html"><strong>Which Candle Burns the Fastest? (easy) </strong></a>Do you want to find out which color candle burns the fastest?</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project1291.html"><strong>Fire-Resistant Balloons (medium) </strong></a>Ever wondered if a balloon filled with water can withstand fire?</p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/project475.html"><strong>Can Peanuts Heat Water? (hard) </strong></a>Have you ever wondered if peanuts have enough energy to heat up water?</p></li></ul><p>Project details at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/15/Quick_Science_Fair_Projects_You_Can_Do_In_A_Day">Quick Science Fair Projects →</a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3 style="text-align: start"><strong>Testable Questions for Science Projects</strong></h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/173_popular 2.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">A testable question is a question that we can answer through a science experiment. To do this, we do a control experiment, then we change one thing in the experiment to see how it affects what happens. This is how we can discover the answer to our question!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><ul><li><p>What makes a cloud form?</p></li><li><p>Can drink and food taste different just by changing its color?</p></li><li><p>Does the color of light affect photosynthesis?</p></li><li><p>Does temperature affect seed sprouting?</p></li><li><p>What makes popcorn pop?</p></li></ul><p>More <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/14">testable questions with their science projects <strong>→</strong></a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h2>Science Fair Project FAQ</h2><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>What are some hands-on ways to find inspiration for my science fair project?</h3><h4>Science museums</h4><p><img src="/images2/flex/124_7.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Science museums are great places to explore if you're looking for inspiration for your next science fair project or just want to learn more about science. Science museums, natural history museums, space museums, and discovery museums are all great places to do that! You can discover all sorts of interesting things about science and find cool project ideas for science fairs.</p><p>There may be free admission days or free passes to a science museum near you! Check your credit card for offers, your local library for free museum passes, and nearby science museums for free entrance days.</p><p>So what are you waiting for? <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_science_museums">Find a science museum near you</a> and prepare to be awed by all that you can learn there!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h4>Look around and observe</h4><p><img src="/images2/flex/117_5.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Do you know how scientists start their cool projects? They often look around and notice things that are interesting or make them curious. Then they start doing an experiment! You can do the same! Look around your school, home, or community. Is there anything that catches your attention and makes you curious? Maybe you notice something interesting or a problem that people are facing. This could be a great starting point for your science fair project!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h4>Try an Easy Science Project!</h4><p><img src="/images2/flex/144_easy square.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">These science projects are easy and fun to do. You may discover a simple experiment that sparks your interest and inspires you to do more experiments, turning it into a science fair project! Check them out at <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_list/12">Easy Science Fair Projects <strong>→</strong></a></p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3 style="text-align: start"><strong>How do I start a science fair project?</strong></h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/199_science coach.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">No matter if you're in high school, elementary or middle school, science fair projects are a fun and unique way to discover science by asking a question and doing a science project. We'll help you find a science fair project idea and guide you through the process of doing and presenting your science fair project with <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_projects_coach/science-project-coach.html">Science Fair Coach's Science Fair Project Guide</a>.</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>What should I do after I have a science fair project idea?</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/143_intro science fair.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">If you have a science fair project idea, Science Fair Coach can help you turn it into a full science fair project! Starting at the <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/pgpage/4">Introduction to Science Fairs</a>, check out the section on <strong>How to do a science fair project</strong> for a step-by-step guide!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><p><img src="/images2/flex/203_compared to scientific method.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">We'll guide you through every step of the <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/pgpage/5">scientific method</a>, from designing and conducting your experiment to collecting and analyzing your findings.</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><p><img src="/images2/flex/202_engineering design process.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">If you're working on an engineering project, you can head over to <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/pgpage/9">The Guide to the Engineering Design Process</a>.</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><p> <img src="/images2/flex/150_science fair poster.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Finally, we'll help you showcase your results on a <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/pgpage/7">science fair board</a> for others to learn from and enjoy.</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3 style="text-align: start"><strong>How do I make a science fair board?</strong></h3><p style="text-align: start"><img src="/images2/flex/150_science fair poster.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Your science fair board is where you show off your science fair project for everyone to see and learn from. With <a href="https://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_projects_coach/science-project-display-board-6a.html">Science Fair Coach's step-by-step guide</a>, you can make sure your science fair board stands out and impresses at the science fair!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat"><h3>Where can I find a science fair competition?</h3><p><img src="/images2/flex/179_Intro Science Fair Projects 32.png" data-size="100" data-float="left" style="width:100px; float:left">Science fair competitions are an excellent opportunity to explore science. One of the of the premier science advocacy organizations, the Society for Science, is associated with more than 400 science fair competitions in almost every US state, as well as over 70 other countries, regions, and territories. You can find out if there's a <a href="https://findafair.societyforscience.org/">Society of Science affiliated science fair</a> near you!</p><p>The <a href="http://physics.usc.edu/~gould/ScienceFairs/">The www Virtual Library: Science Fairs website</a> also has a collection of science fairs from all over the world, as well as national, state, regional, local, and virtual competitions!</p><hr style="clear:both; border-style:dotted" data-marker="clearFloat">

Chemistry is the study of matter, which is everything around us! Chemists learn about what things are made of, how they react with each other, and how we can use them to improve our lives, such as in food science, technology and reducing environmental pollution.

All Science Fair Projects

1000 Science Fair Projects with Complete Instructions

Plant Fats vs. Animal Fats on Paper

Hypothesis

Method & Materials

Results

Why do this project?

Also Consider

Full project details

Related video

Related Science Fair Project Ideas